Rangitikei Mayor Chalky Leary officially opened the first trail in the Rangitikei Cycleways, on Saturday 21st November2009.
Four trails that loop out from SH1 between Taihape and Himitangi have been tried and tested and maps for each trail are in printable format (see the trails below). Experienced cyclists have told us that cycling through the Rangitikei is superior to other regions and even go so far to say that the Rangitikei is far more thrilling than the well known Otago Railway cycle track. With its breath-taking scenery and variety of ascents/descents, the Rangitikie offers something for everyone, from a leisurely family outing to an almighty challenge for even the fittest of cyclists.
We value the public's feedback on these trails and suggest that keen cyclists get out there and try the trails for themselves.
Plaque kindly donated by Mr Peter Cousins.
Omatane
Utiku to Mangaweka 32 km - omatane_trail
A hilly ride but the effort is rewarded. The road south from Taihape to
the Gorge Road turnoff (6km) is on SH1. Immediately after the turnoff a
small bridge crosses the Hautapu stream. As with other bridges in the
area it is worth a look down. The junction at Omatane gives views of
the Rangitikei canyons at their best. Omatane South Road is arduous but
is compensated by an exhilarating down hill run on Potaka Road into the
picturesque Kawhatau River Valley. Shortly before the bridge over the
Rangitikei River, there is a short walkway to a dam that in times past
provided power and water to Mangaweka. The Mangaweka Domain is an
idyllic spot for camping and swimming. Mangaweka township is a quirky
village with a ghost town flavour. It is now reincarnating itself as an
adventure tourism centre. There are cafés, a pub and some accommodation
Pemberton
Mangaweka to Vinegar Hill 53.73km - pemberton_trail_2
This is a day in the country which starts and ends on the Rangitikei
River. Starting from Mangaweka township, the route crosses the bridge
at the domain. Following the Mangawharariki River on Ruahine Road, the
route heads up towards Rangiwahia with views of the Ruahine Ranges all
the way. At 11km from SH1, a 2km (return) side trip can be had to the
Ruahine Dress Circle, an attractive picnic spot with a waterfall. There
is a small settlement at Rangiwahia which boasts a basic camping ground
(but no shops). At Pemberton the road descends and then undulates until
the Vinegar Hill Domain which marks the end of the trail. The domain is
a beautiful place and is ideal for camping and swimming.
Hunterville
is another 8km farther on but there is a steady climb out of the river
and a section (6km) on SH1. To avoid a narrow section of SH1 shortly
before Hunterville, head down Kotukutuku Road (left, south-east).
Mt Curl
Hunterville to Marton 34 km - mt_curl_trail_3
This trail has a steep climb worthy of the Tour de France, but the
reward is the unparalleled views from the summit of Mt Ruapehu, Mt
Taranaki, Kapiti and the Ruahines.
The trail begins at
Hunterville which is a good place for accommodation and supplies. (For
those wishing to eschew the rigours of Mount Curl there is an
alternative route via Leedstown Road.)
A long undulating
downhill (gravel in places) follows to Marton, the capital of the
Rangitikei District. Marton has ample accommodation, refreshments,
supplies and two bike shops.
The River
Marton to Himitangi 55km Marton lies at the centre of the lush Rangitikei plains. The hills are
left behind and the terrain is flat. The route heads south running
parallel to the Rangitikei River past Bulls to the sea. Bulls is the
last town on the cycle way before Himatangi. The river provides
opportunities for camping, swimming and similar. This is wide scrubby
country where the Samba deer roam at large. When the sea is reached,
the route heads east then south along the coast to Himatangi Beach
(8km). The sand can be soft – the best time is within 2 hours each side
of low tide (check Dominion or Wanganui Chronicle weather section).
Partially deflate tyres. There is a motor camp at Himatangi Beach. It
is a good place for refreshments. Foxton (along the beach) is 10km
farther on.
omatane_trail
