The Matemateaonga Track is one of the two major tramping opportunities available in Whanganui National Park .

Using an old Maori trail and settlers' dray road, you are able to penetrate deep into the wilderness of the park. The track traverses an expanse of thick bush clad hill country between Taranaki and the Whanganui River . The walk follows the original Whakaihuwaka Road built in 1911 to create a more direct link between Stratford and Raetihi and the main trunk Railway and was hewn from papa and remains reasonably intact. The 42km track is usually tramped in three to four days. Transport by jet boat must be arranged either to pick up or drop off your party at the river end of the track.

Important Information;

The three huts on the Matemateaonga Track are of the "Serviced Hut" category and require two hut tickets ($10 adults, $5 youth) a night. There are slots for the deposit of tickets in the store cupboard door which is located opposite the main entrance to each hut. These can be purchased at DoC offices in Wanganui, Stratford or New Plymouth. Annual hut passes can also be used. Trampers should carry a gas cooker. There are wood burning stoves at the huts which are designed for heating but not cooking. Water at these huts is from the roof and users may for their own protection, wish to boil or treat it.

Hunting is permitted in most of the national park throughout the year but no hunting is permitted within 200 metres of tracks, between the 20th of December and the 20th of February, or at Easter weekend. Permits are issued by DoC Wanganui, Stratford or New Plymouth.

For more information please contact the Department of Conservation or local I-sites.

Mangapurua / Kaiwhakauka Track

The Mangapurua/Kaiwhakauka Tracks can be walked from either direction and when combined with a Jet Boat ride on the Whanganui River, it creates a great Tramping/Boating circuit.

The Mangapurua Valley has many open flats and the Kaiwhakauka Track is narrow especially in the middle reaches where there is alot of undisturbed native forest. The two valleys were rehabilitation settlements where land was offerred to soldiers following WW1, The endeavours of these pioneers have provided a unique historic quality to this area. The tracks follow an old road line, which makes it easy for a leisurely 3-4 day walk.

A strong sturdy waterproof tent is required as there is no DOC Huts on these tracks. The Kaiwhakauka Track starts from Whakahoro, which can be found off SH4, turning off at either Owhango or Raurimu. Alternatively, walking access to the Mangapurua Track can be found off Raetihi-Ohura Road, north of Raetihi. River

Transport is necessary to/from the Mangapurua Landing. Jet boat operators are listed at the bottom of this page.

Atene SkylineTrack & Viewpoint Walk

The Atene Viewpoint Walk and the Skyline Track over private land and Whanganui National Park, offer a range of opportunities for both day visitors and those who want to stay overnight at the shelter and complete the rest of the track the next day. For fit types, the Skyline Track can be done as a 6-8 hour loop whereas the Viewpoint Walk takes one and a half hours for the return trip.

The Atene Viewpoint Walk travels through both native bush and farmland up an historic roadway (privately owned) that was built back in 1959 during investigations for a Whanganui River hydro-electric power generation scheme. The viewpoint track ends on a black beech ridge with great views of Whanganui National Park and the cutoff river meander (the former bed of the Whanganui River before it cut a new course).

There are stiles to get over fences, a toilet on the walk and at the end a seat and viewing area to stop for a rest and bite to eat before walking back down.  A picnic table just 20 minutes in gives spectacular views of the Whanganui River.

It takes about an hour to get to the viewpoint, but less to come down. People wanting a longer walk can continue past the viewpoint.

Two hours further on an upgraded shelter, picnic table, water supply, toilet and hand-basin have been provided on the Atene Skyline Track for those wanting to camp overnight. The Skyline tramping track continues for about another three hours beyond the shelter, following the main ridge, ending back on the Whanganui River Road just south of Atene.

Spectacular views from vantage points of the cut-off meander and Whanganui River. On Atene Skyline, views of  Mount Ruapehu, Mt Taranaki, Tasman Sea,  and the Whanganui River's tributary valleys, many of which are clothed in native forest.

Transport to and from the Tracks

The following operators run daily tours from Pipiriki by Jet Boat on the Whanganui River to the Bridge to Nowhere. You can book them for pick up at the end of the Matemateonga or Mangapurua Tracks. please ensure you make your booking before you embark on your hike.

Bridge to Nowhere Jet Boat Tours

Whanganui Jet

Whanganui River Adventures

Wades Landing Outdoors provides transportation back to Whakahoro from both tracks. Again, bookings are essential.

If Wanganui City is your base, contact these operators for road tours departing daily from Wanganui to Pipiriki to link up with your jet boat pickup from either the Matemateonga and Mangapurua Tracks.

Whanganui River Road Tours

Whanganui Tours (The Mail Run)

For more Information on the Whanganui National Park click to visit the Department of Conservation website.