Runs along Te Araroa: Palmerston North to Poads Road, which is the longer route the map draws through here. This is its own walk, with its own trailhead and its own page.
-40.59307, 175.47894
Dogs allowedModerate

Mangahao Makahika Track

Palmerston North · Manawatū-Whanganui · Point to Point

24681013.5 km678 m
↑ 399 m gain↓ 620 m descenthigh 678 msteepest 34 %
DISTANCE13.7 km
ASCENT399 m
DURATION4.5–5 hr
STEEPEST34 %
ROUTEPoint to Point
RATING · WALKERS 4.0 · 6
DOG EFFORT4.2 /5 paws

This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. Evidence: inferred from the licensed data only. Walked it and read the sign? Send us the rule and this line retires. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetMassey University Pet Emergency Centre (Te Pokapū Ohotata), Palmerston North~30 min drive · 24/7
0800 738 363
The route

Good to know

Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but no rule-setter publishes wording for this track by name, so the district-wide rule is what applies. Keep the lead handy, read the signs at the gate, and give ground-nesting birds and stock their room.

River swim spotsForest shadeStile on route
Check the water before the dog swims. Toxic algae blooms in NZ rivers and lakes can kill a dog within hours. Scan the LAWA water quality map in warm months and keep dogs away from dark slime on rocks.

About Mangahao Makahika Track

Mangahao Makahika Track covers 13.7 km, near Palmerston North in Manawatū-Whanganui, walked as a point-to-point.

Graded moderate, it climbs about 399 m overall, pitching up to 34 % at its steepest, and takes about 4.5–5 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest, river frontage, and big views. Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but no rule-setter publishes wording for this track by name, so the district-wide rule is what applies. Keep the lead handy and read the signs at the gate. Walkers rate it 4.0 / 5 across 6 reviews.

Stay nearby

Dog-friendly places to sleep within 25 km of the trailhead, each one with the distance shown. Sort out the stay, then walk.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog on Mangahao Makahika Track?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Mangahao Makahika Track by name, so this one rests on the licensed walk data and the district-wide rule rather than a rule-setter's own words. Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but that is not the same as a rule saying yes, so keep the lead handy and let the signs at the gate decide.

How long is Mangahao Makahika Track?

Mangahao Makahika Track is 13.7 km with roughly 399 m of climb and takes about 4.5–5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Mangahao Makahika Track?

Yes, the track has river access where a dog can cool off. In warm months check the LAWA water quality map for toxic algae warnings first.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near Mangahao Makahika Track?

Yes. The closest is Kiriwhakapapa Campsite, about 25 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

From the pack

Walked and logged 1 time by the pack.

Walks nearby

The closest dog-friendly tracks to this trailhead, by straight-line distance.

ModerateLevin
7.9 km↑324 m2.5–3 hr★4.5 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyLevin
0.5 km↑0 mabout 6 min
Swim spot
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

More in Manawatū-Whanganui

ModerateOhakune
14 km↑210 m3.5–4 hr
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyOwhango
0.4 km↑0 mabout 4 min★3.7 rating
Swim spotGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
Easy
0.9 km↑130 m23m
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Manawatū-Whanganui →

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