Manawapou Viaduct
An easy walk from the bottom of the Manawapou Hill, climb the style to start the 2km return walk. It is suitable for people at all fitness levels, including buggies and strollers. The railway bridge is part of the Marton-New Plymouth line and at 133 metres long and 44.5 metres above the Manawapou River, is an imposing structure on the farming landscape. Information boards at the entrance and at the Viaduct tell some of the bridge’s history. Please keep to the sealed road and respect private property. No dogs allowed. Walkway may be closed from time to time due o clay bird shooting – look for the red flags at the gate to indicate closure.
Type of pathway: old sealed road
Distance: 2km return
Grade of walk/ride: Easy
Time to complete: 20 min
Description/history: The walk begins at a rest area at the bottom of the Manawapou hill on SH3. Walkers cross a stile beside a farm gate, and follow the sealed road that meanders for a kilometre through a valley with a river on one side and steep hills on the right. It is an easy 20 minute stroll from the rest area to the viaduct, with pretty rural views across the river to farmland beyond, passing beehives and sheep.
Points of interest: The railway bridge you will come to is part of the Marton-New Plymouth line and at 133 metres long, and 44.5 metres above the Manawapou River, is an imposing structure on the farm landscape. Information boards at the entrance and at the Viaduct tell some of the bridge’s history.
Dangers/warnings/things to be aware of: Caution: Please keep to the sealed road and respect private property. As this is a working farm, dogs are not allowed on the walkway. From time to time access to the walkway will be closed due to clay bird shooting. Look for red flags at the gate to indicate closure.
Type of footwear required: sturdy walking shoes
Accessibility: Although it is necessary to climb the stile to start the walkway, the two kilometre return walk is suitable for people all fitness levels. If you can lift an empty buggy over the stile, the walkway is accessible for those pushing children in buggies or strollers.
If you can lift the empty buggy over the stile, the walkway is accessible for those pushing children in buggies or strollers.
How to get there: Drive south from Hāwera along State Highway 3 for approximately 12 kilometres, or north from Pātea approximately 16 kilometres. The Manawapou Viaduct is an easy walk from the rest area at the bottom of te Manawapou Hill. Four steps over the stile and you’re free to stroll along the former sealed Ingahape Road.
