10 October 2026
Low cloud with patchy drizzle, but fine in the west. Cloud lifting to the tops and spreading everywhere in the morning, and a few showers developing in the afternoon.
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1 / 1Tararua Forest Park
Mangahao Track
Tramp up the picturesque Mangahao River from Mangahao Upper No 1 Reservoir to Mangahao Flats Hut.
Distance
11.4 km
Walking time
7-8 hr each way
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
Tararua Forest Park forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 7:33 am
11 October 2026
A few showers, turning to rain for a time in the morning.
12 October 2026
Fine.
13 October 2026
Showers, some heavy, easing.
14 October 2026
Showers turning to heavy rain.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Mangahao Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Mangahao Track
Mangahao Flats Track begins at the Mangahao Upper No 1 Reservoir. The track leads around the side of the reservoir then up the Mangahao river valley to Mangahao Flats Hut.
Essential information for Mangahao Track
The Tararua Forest Park is well known for wild, fast-changing and unpredictable weather, so pack for all conditions. You could be delayed by flooding, so carry emergency equipment including a torch, spare food, a distress beacon and an emergency shelter. The track is a typical Tararua backcountry tramping track. It is rough and uneven, and you can expect to be scrambling up and over tree roots. It can be very slippery and muddy, with steep sections. There are multiple unbridged crossings on this track, so it needs good river crossing skills. Do not cross if the river or streams are flooded, or if you aren’t confident that you can cross safely. Dry weather and low river flows are the best conditions for this track. Plan your day with plenty of daylight hours to spare. Pack a torch and spare batteries.
Huts and campsites
Mangahao Flats Hut
Getting there for Mangahao Track
Access to the track is by road off SH57 at Shannon. Follow the road signs to the Mangaore Power Village for approximately 5 km and past the Mangahao Hydro Electric Power Station. A metal road will take you for at least 30 minutes past the smaller Tokomaru No 3 reservoir and the Mangahao No 2 reservoir before arriving at the Top No 1 Reservoir dam. T he road is very windy and gravelly - a 4WD isn’t necessary, but would definitely be the preferred option if available. Allow at least an hour on this section of the drive so start out early to reach to the hut before dark. Be aware of the power station traffic. Use this location o n 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 Mangahao Track
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
Before you walk Mangahao 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.