11 October 2026
Showers, possibly heavy, clearing to fine spells in the afternoon. Clouding over in the evening with drizzle on the ranges. Light winds, then afternoon westerlies.
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1 / 13Ruahine Forest Park
Maharahara Peak Track
Take a steep climb through forest to the rocky open knolls of Maharahara high point in the Ruahine Forest Park.
Distance
9.2 km
Walking time
4-6 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 10 Oct 2026, 11:01 pm
12 October 2026
Mostly cloudy with isolated showers, clearing to fine in the morning. Westerlies developing for a time in the afternoon.
13 October 2026
Occasional rain, clearing for a time in the morning and afternoon. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
14 October 2026
Partly cloudy with isolated showers. Northwesterlies.
15 October 2026
Showers developing, some heavy. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Maharahara Peak Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Maharahara Peak Track
This well-defined but often muddy track climbs steeply through southern Ruahine rimu, kamahi, and tawa forest. Higher up, it transitions to shrubby species like horopito, flax, and pink pine before crossing open, rocky knolls to Mt Maharahara. The summit features dense leatherwood, with the Ruahine Ranges hosting New Zealand’s largest unbroken expanse of this tough, scratchy shrub. For those with arranged transport, a west-east crossing can be completed by continuing past Maharahara and exiting at either Kumeti or Fairbrothers Road. This route takes 7–9 hours.
Getting there for Maharahara Peak Track
From Ashhurst head north up the Pohangina Valley and turn onto the Pohangina Valley East Road. Follow this until you reach the Opawe Road turnoff on your right just before the Highland Youth Camp. The track to Maharahara crosses farm land from the end of this road. 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 . We recommend trying these 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 Maharahara Peak Track
Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only.
Before you walk Maharahara Peak 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.