Whanganui
Wanganui to Bulls - OPEN
(North to South)
From the SH4/SH3 intersection, turn left/southeast and walk 19km along SH3 to the township of Turakina. SH3 is a very busy road so please take extreme care. 400m north of the village of Turakina on SH3, turn right/west into Turakina Beach Rd. Follow it for 8.5km to the small beach settlement of Koitiata.
Santoft Route - 18km / 7-8hr
At the playground, turn right/west and follow the track out to the beach, crossing the lagoon via the ford. Head south for 8km, crossing the Koitiata Stream at about the half way point. Just before the Fusilier wreck (marked on topo maps but buried and not visible), turn off the beach at the marker post (NZTM GPS coordinates, approximate only, are 1786000E, 5555000N). Continue through the cutting in the sand dunes and follow the blaze markings to the forest road. Follow the forest road which lead SE for 5km until reaching the junction with Santoft Rd (just south of the small settlement of Santoft).
Head south on Santoft Rd for approx 4.5km, then turn left/E onto Raumai Rd and follow 8.75km to the end, then turn left/NE into Parewanui Rd and follow it for 5km into the centre of Bulls township (and the junction of SH1 & SH3).
- Vehicles on road or track Take extreme care on SH3, and heading into Bulls
- Farming operations
- Forestry operations
- Track exposed to sun, wind or cold
- Few water sources
(North to South)
From the SH4/SH3 intersection, turn left/southeast and walk 19km along SH3 to the township of Turakina. SH3 is a very busy road so please take extreme care. 400m north of the village of Turakina on SH3, turn right/west into Turakina Beach Rd. Follow it for 8.5km to the small beach settlement of Koitiata.
Santoft Route - 18km / 7-8hr
At the playground, turn right/west and follow the track out to the beach, crossing the lagoon via the ford. Head south for 8km, crossing the Koitiata Stream at about the half way point. Just before the Fusilier wreck (marked on topo maps but buried and not visible), turn off the beach at the marker post (NZTM GPS coordinates, approximate only, are 1786000E, 5555000N). Continue through the cutting in the sand dunes and follow the blaze markings to the forest road. Follow the forest road which lead SE for 5km until reaching the junction with Santoft Rd (just south of the small settlement of Santoft).
Head south on Santoft Rd for approx 4.5km, then turn left/E onto Raumai Rd and follow 8.75km to the end, then turn left/NE into Parewanui Rd and follow it for 5km into the centre of Bulls township (and the junction of SH1 & SH3).
The Old Coach House - Homestay - 52 SH 3, Turakina - P: 06 327 3972 or 021 780 855
Koitiata Camp Ground - End of Te One St, Koitiata - P: 06 327 3770 - Campsites and coin-operated hot showers
Bulls
Homestay accommodation, 48 Brandon Hall Rd - P: Jo Gallen 027 3221040 - E: johancon@xtra.co.nz - $50/night/couple - includes bed, dinner, shower and washing machine. Tent sites and self-catering also available - please enquire
Bridge Motor Lodge and Caravan Park - Also has cabins and self contained motel units - 2 Bridge St, Bulls - P: 06 322 0894 - E: bullsmotel@infogen.net.nz
Resupply
Platts Pharmacy is open 8.30-5.30 weekdays and 9-12 Saturday.
Four Square Supermarket - 144 Bridge St - P: 06 322 1236
The Dairy Bulls - 113 High St, Bulls - P: 06 322 1218
- Respect private land
- Forestry operations - Track may be closed occasionally
- Leave gates as you find them
- No dogs
- No firearms
- No fires in forest
- Wear hi-viz clothing/pack cover and don't use headphones
- Take all rubbish with you
- Use toilets provided at Koitiata
(Start)
- Full range of amenities in Wanganui
- Car park
- Picnic area
- Toilets
- Shop
- Phone
- Accommodation YHA Wanganui
(On Route)
- No amenities No resupply en route
- Toilets at Koitiata
- Basic camp site at Koitiata (with coin-operated shower)
(End)
- Full range of amenities in Bulls
- Carpark
- Toilets
- Shop
- Accommodation - backpackers, hotel & meals.
