This tour is a 4 day scenic route, that travels from Wanganui and Palmerston North, via the Rangitikei and Northern Manawatu, avoiding main roads almost the entire way. 

The days are:-

• Wanganui to Marton - 68km
• Marton to Mangaweka  - 93km
• Mangaweka to Makoura Lodge - 65km
• Makoura Lodge to Palmerston North - 75km

This trip can be undertaken on a touring or commuter bike with wider tyres.  There is a short bit of gravel at the start as well as a short bit down the Turakina Valley, but it is mainly sealed, so it may be worth selecting some easy rolling tyres to make things a bit easier.

Day 1
Starting out from the Wanganui River this ride leaves Wanganui along Eastown Rd, past the site of the East Town Railway workshops.  You quickly leave Wanganui and follow No3 Line up the Matarawa Valley to the small settlement of Okoia.  The road follows the railway up the valley to Fordell.  At Fordell, you turn left into Kauangaroa Rd and ride towards the Whangaehu Valley.  The valley opens ahead of you as you descend the steep hill to the river flats. 

After crossing the Whangaehu River, the road slowly climbs the valley, passing the Managmahu Rd and then turns right into Mangatipona Rd.  The going gets steeper to climb over into the Turakina Valley.  A steep descent to the bridge, joins the Turakina Valley Rd to follow the river down the valley and turn left into Makuhou Rd.  Once again a long steady climb takes us up a valley and over a ridge to meet Tuteanui Rd, beside the Marton Reservoir.  Turn right into Tuteanui Road and relax for the gentle downhill all the way to Marton.

There is accommodation in Marton varying from motels, to a camping ground and there are some very good farm stay cottages around the district. Holly Farm Cottage and Rangitikei Farmstay are recommended.


Wanganui to Marton backroads Tour at EveryTrail

Map created by EveryTrail: Travel Community