Sledge Track and Harding's Park loops

Nestled in the heart of the Kahuterawa Valley, the Kahuterawa Recreation Hub is just a 25-minute drive from Palmy, offering a stunning and varied adventure past towering trees, rocky waterfalls and historic mining relics.

Image of a pond reflecting the blue sky and mountains around it

For all these adventures, do not cross Black Bridge but stay to the left of the Kahuterawa Stream as you walk beyond the end of the road.

Sledge Track

If you are after something easy, or are with young children, the first section of this track is for you.

You will come across a popular swimming hole and if the kids are keen, you can push on to Argyle Rocks. Another 15 minutes gets you to the swing bridge. Cross here into Arapuke Forest Park. Otherwise continue on to longer loop tracks in Harding’s Park. The trails beyond here are recommended for those who are fit, prepared and ready for a challenge.

At the next junction, 200m beyond the bridge, go left to Toe Toe and Otangane Loop Tracks. Go right towards Quartz Creek for the Aruwaru Loop Track.

Otangane Loop Track

This 8.5km loop from the swing bridge heads west then south across Harding’s Park and into Tararua Forest Park, completing a circuit around the headwaters of the Otangane Stream.

Get your camera out as the view from Pukenaenae offers spectacular views down into the Tararua District.

Three people walking through native bush.

Naenae Road connection

A 1.7km side track off the Otangane Loop takes you down a paper road to the end of Naenae Road in the Tararua District.

Toe Toe Loop Track

This loop takes you from Toe Toe Junction, north through Harding’s Park to an area where prospector Alexander Menesdorfer searched for platinum ore in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The main loop returns via the Toe Toe Flats (spectacular in Feb/Mar). It is wise to keep to the marked track as there may be undiscovered mine shafts in the vicinity.

Aruwaru Loop Track

This track is a tough 10km circuit from the swing bridge, climbing south to the Aruwaru trig at 767m above sea level before turning west and heading back to Sledge Track via part of the Otangane Loop.

Walking times

  • Black Bridge to Swimming hole (one way): 10-15 minutes
  • Black Bridge to Argyle Rocks (one way): 20-30 minutes
  • Black Bridge to Arapuke swing Bridge (one way): 40-60 minutes
  • Sledge Track and Toe Toe Loop (return): 5-6 hours
  • Sledge Track and Otangane Loop:(return) 6-7 hours
  • Platinum Mines loop (off the end of Toe Toe loop): 30 minutes
  • Tararua crossing - Naenae Road to Kahuterawa Road: 4-5 hours
Graphic of person walking a dog on a lead.
Dogs must be on leash
Image of the map of Sledge Track

Plan your trip

  • Go well prepared for changeable weather and hard tramping conditions.
  • Allow the better part of a day for these longer loops or crossing of the ranges.
  • Remember to allow for the 2.2km return trek back along Sledge Track from the swing bridge to the carpark.
  • Three continuous nights of camping at Kahuterawa Reserve allowed.
    Any stay longer than three nights requires approval from the parks division of the Palmerston North City Council before you start camping. Phone: 06 356 8199. Email: info@pncc.govt.nz

 

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