The Manawatū Gorge is a classic introductory packrafting journey through one of the lower North Island’s most well known river corridors. With the old highway closed to vehicles, the gorge now lends itself well to combined walking or cycling and paddling. The Manawatū is a large, low‑gradient river that can be paddled at almost any time, offering mostly relaxed Grade II water with one well‑known rapid. The trip is scenic rather than technical, but high flows demand respect due to strong currents, large eddies, and powerful upwellings.

ACCESS

Parking / Take‑out:
Park at the carpark near the new State Highway 3 bridge at the Ashhurst end of the gorge. This is the standard and most convenient take‑out location, with good roadside access.

Put‑in:
The usual put‑in is the camp area on river right above the gorge, accessed from the old highway alignment. Put in anywhere downstream of Ballance Bridge. There is also road access here if you want to avoid carrying gear through the gorge.

Bike / Walk Options:

• Easy option: Walk or cycle the old Manawatū Gorge highway, which follows the river through the gorge and provides straightforward access to both put‑in and take‑out points. Check before your trip as cycling or even walking may not be allowed despite regular use by locals.
• Harder alternative route: For a longer and more committing approach, take the Manawatū Gorge Track which climbs high above the river, then descend the Klein Track to Ballance Reserve. Then a few hundred metres along gorge road you can reach the put-in. This option suits stronger parties or those wanting a bigger walk before paddling.

ON THE RIVER

The Manawatū Gorge is predominantly Grade I-II, with long stretches of flatwater and gentle flow between steep gorge walls. This makes it a good easy trip for beginners and a good option to test a bikerafting set-up.

• General Character:
  Broad channels, steady current, and minimal technical manoeuvring. Slips can bring new features but they tend to be short lived. It is chill enough to serve as an easy intro to bike rafting.
• White Horse Rapid was once the only notable rapid in the gorge. Once more powerful but fading into oblivion. It has mellowed since major slips and now consists of wavey flow with a few friendly play features. Straightforward at normal flows but still worth awareness.
• New Slip Rapid (Grade II):
  This rapid is notable only for being the only notable rapid! It formed beneath the large slip that closed the road. Not much has happened to that big slip (despite dire predictions) which is unfortunate as the rapid could do with more rock!

New Slip rapid after river erosion of the toe of the slip

Water quality can be poor so take fresh water.

Norwest wind can funnel through the gorge and slow progress, particularly on flatter sections.

GAUGE

Manawatū at Teachers College

Flows:

• This is a large river that can be paddled at most flows
• Normal flows provide relaxed Grade II paddling
• High flows increase current speed and eddy strength rather than technical difficulty
• Visual inspection is recommended, especially after heavy rain

High Flow Behaviour:
At higher flows, the river remains runnable but develops large eddies, strong eddy lines, and tippy upwellings. Washing Machine is a rapid that develops at flood stage. These features can unsettle packrafts and require active paddling and good boat control. In flood conditions, the gorge can become significantly more serious and is not recommended for casual trips.

Photos Melz Grant