From the junction of Tokomaru Valley & Mangahao Roads, walk SW for 2.5km along Mangahao Road, past the Tokomaru No 3 Reservoir (lake) to a small carpark and a short post marking the official start of the Mangahao-Makahika Track. (Note: It is 800m beyond the southern end of the reservoir and 400m past the Tararua Forest Park sign).

From the carpark, the track enters the bush and climbs 15m to a low spur and a track information sign, with distances and a map.

The track continues in a southerly direction for 2.5km passing some fine examples of large rimu trees that escaped the bushman’s axe, before descending and crossing three tributaries of Blackwood Stream (named after the magnificent Black Beech in the vicinity). Note: This is the last drinking water until reaching the Makahika Stream.

The track continues south with an easy and a gradual gain in elevation before veering to the west (passing an area of re-generating Manuka on land that was once farmed), before turning south and following the Makahika Ridge.

Passing spot 657 (the highest point on the track), there are several openings to the west that give an outlook down to the Mangaore Stream along with views of Kapiti and on a good day the South Island is visible.

The Horowhenua Lookout, a small cleared area with seating, is reached after three to four hours walking from the road end and gives a grand vista of Shannon, Horowhenua and the Manawatu.

The track soon drops off with a steady descent of 350m passing Kapiti Viewpoint (Archey’s Lookout) where Kapiti Island, the South Island, the Makahika Valley and Gladstone Road are seen again before reaching the terminus of the Makahika tramline formation. It was near this point that the Bartholomew Timber Company ended native logging in this area of the Tararuas in early part of the 20 century.

From here, the trail follows the former tramline route with benched track and cuttings clearly visible in many places. Several crossings of the Makahika stream are encountered and about 30 minutes after meeting the tramline, open clearings appear amidst the native bush. It was here on 23 February 2008, the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Helen Clark unveiled a plaque commemorating the opening of the track.

These clearings become more frequent until reaching the park boundary and another orientation sign. Across the river is the former sawmill site.

For the last half hour, the track follows a poled route along an unfenced right-of-way through private land and crossing the Makahika Stream before reaching the stile at the Poulton Drive parking area.
 

Approximate walking times:
To Blackwood Stream 1 hr; Horowhenua Lookout 3 - 4 hrs; Makahika Tramline 5 - 6 hrs; Gladstone Road 6 - 7 hrs).  

North or South: The track can be walked from either direction but is easiest from the Mangahao Road end as the steepest and longest gradient is then downhill.

Directions to Track Start/Ends:
If using the track as a standalone walk, the best entry is from Shannon. Follow Mangahao Road past Mangaore Village, the National White Water Kayak Course and the Mangahao Power Station. The road then winds steeply for 6 km to the saddle before descending 1 km to the Tokomaru Valley Road junction. (This is the southern exit of Burtton's Track). Stay on Mangahao Road a further two kilometres and you pass a large reservoir (be aware that though this is called the Tokomaru No 3 Reservoir, it's the first and only reservoir you will pass).  The entrance to the track is 800m beyond the end of the Tokomaru No 3 reservoir, and 400m past the Tararua Forest Park sign. The start of the track is marked by a short post, and a small parking area. The main sign, giving distances and a map, is 15m into the bush from this start point.

If starting from Levin, at end of Queen Street East, follow around Gladstone Road for about 8 km passing the Levin water treatment works and the Gladstone Road Reserve. On the right is Poads Road crossing the Ohau River. Continuing up Gladstone Road and 300m past the Makahika Outdoor Centre on left is the eastern entrance to the Arapaepae Lookout Trail that Te Araroa returns to Levin. It is a further 1.9 km along Gladstone Road to the junction with Poulton Drive and the car park and start of the Mangahao- Makahika Track.

For more information on Burtton’s Track and The Arapaepae Lookout Trail, see separate brochures available on www.teararoa.org.nz on the Track Description page. 

Possible camping site at Levin end: Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre, 865 Gladstone Road, Levin. T:+6 367 8438 E: makahika@xtra.co.nz www.makahika.com  Note: This is a residential leadership camp, so is usually full Mon-Fri but you can phone/email 3 days in advance to confirm whether they have space available for casual camping.