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New Zealand » Tourist Attractions in Palmerston North » Manawatu Gorge Tracks |
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| Manawatu Gorge Tracks, Palmerston North |
Manawatu Gorge tracks, Palmerston North is one of the famous Tourist Attractions in Palmerston North. The Manawatu Gorge Track along with the Klein Track passes through a beautiful landscape of steep greywacke ranges covered profusely in lush green vegetation. The tracks of Manawatu Gorge tracks, Palmerston North are an experience in itself with spectacular views, native bushes and varied wildlife. It is tucked away just a short distance away from the Palmerston North.
The formation of the Tararua and Ruahine ranges began approximately 1.5 million years ago. The steep gorges that you see today are result of the rising of the greywacke ranges together with the erosion by the river. In the earlier days, the Maoris traveled the gorge dragging their canoes upstream through the rapids. It was a mere surveyor's line at the beginning and by 1872 a road was there although, it was quite a dangerous trip for coaches. Travelers usually crossed the river by punt or took an aerial trip using a cage way, pulley and wire system suspended high above the river. The railway through the gorge was contracted for in 1886 and the line was completed in 1891. The first train over it carried 1500 passengers in 18 double carriages.
Indigenous trees and plants in the Manawatu Gorge tracks, Palmerston North area include tawa, tarata, mahoe, rewarewa and kawakawa. You will also find here nikau palms, whauwhaupaku or five finger shrubs and the giant maidenhair fern which is rarely found outside the Manawatu. The region is rich with avian species like tui, tomtit, miromiro, harrier hawk, kahu and grey warbler and riroriro.
Manawatu Gorge tracks, Palmerston North is not a loop track and it requires transport at both ends of the track. You can expect easy to moderate walking ranging from a few minutes to a whole day. The well formed track can be steep, rough or muddy at places. The Manawatu Gorge Track and Klein Track are located approximately 12 km east of Palmerston North close to State Highway 3. You will find the entrance of the track located on the Ballance Gorge Road just across the Ballance Bridge if you are coming from the east Woodville end.
Complete and authentic online information on Manawatu Gorge tracks, Palmerston North offered at travel.mapsofworld
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