11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy with thunderstorms and hail about the ranges, clearing early evening but remaining partly cloudy. Westerlies, dying out this evening.
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1 / 13Ruahine Forest Park
Knights-Shorts Loop Track
Take a strenuous day hike and enjoy the spectacular scenery from the tops of the Ngamoko Range in the Ruahine Forest Park.
Distance
12.12 km
Walking time
8 - 10 hr
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
Allowed — check local rules
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Manawatu forecast
Issued 11 Oct 2026, 4:35 pm
12 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with patchy drizzle, clearing to fine in the morning. Cloud returning in the evening. Light winds.
13 October 2026
A few showers. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Partly cloudy, with isolated showers in the afternoon. Northwesterlies.
15 October 2026
Rain easing for a time. Westerlies, dying out in the evening.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Knights-Shorts Loop Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Knights-Shorts Loop Track
From the car park, follow the poled route across farmland to the forest edge and down to the first crossing of Makiekie (Coal) Creek. Depending on recent rain, you may get wet feet here. Care should be taken here after rain as the creek can flow swiftly. This section can get boggy in winter, but it’s a well-marked and fairly well-maintained track. The track then climbs steeply for a short time to a river plateau. A short loop track to the left - Te Ngahere o Tāne - rejoins the main track a few minutes further along. Just beyond this is a track junction. Take the left track (Knights Track) and, after about 20 minutes, you’ll reach Makiekie Creek again, an ideal spot for a picnic and paddle. Cross the creek and climb steeply through forest for around an hour before emerging into open shrubland. From here, continue up to the Ngamoko Range (a further 1 hr 30 min–2 hr) where you’ll be rewarded with expansive views. Poles mark the junction where the route heads south along the range. Return via Shorts Track, which descends an open ridge before re-entering the forest. The low-level link track from Knights Track joins below the bushline. Follow Shorts Track back to the main junction and out to the car park.
Essential information for Knights-Shorts Loop Track
Although it is possible to walk this track in winter, the high altitude and open tops mean that snow is plentiful and trampers should take necessary equipment and ensure a fine all-day forecast. The weather on the range is often noted to be very cold, so take plenty of warm layers, a beanie, raincoat, and gloves.
Getting there for Knights-Shorts Loop Track
Turn right onto Apiti Road just past the village of Kimbolton. This becomes Oroua Valley Road before Apiti. Table Flat Road turns off to the right past Apiti. Follow this until you see the signpost for Limestone Road (veer to the right near the end of Table Flat Road). Wind along Limestone Road till you get to the DOC carpark at the end. Use this location on Google Maps to help find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Knights-Shorts Loop Track
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only.
Before you walk Knights-Shorts Loop Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.