The Ruahine Range is one of several mountain ranges in the North Island of New Zealand which form a ridge running parallel with the east coast of the island between East Cape and Wellington  

The Ruahines run northeast-southwest for 110 kilometres from inland Hawke's Bay to near Woodville. It is separated in the south from the northern end of the Tararua Range by the Manawatu Gorge

The highest point in the Ruahines is Mangaweka situated along the Hikurangi Range which at 1733 metres (5686 feet) is the second highest non-volcanic mountainous peak in the North Island after Mt Hikurangi (1754 metres/5755 feet) in the Raukumara Range

The other notable peak is Wharite (920 metres/3017 feet) which visually marks the southern end-point of the Ruahine Range. The dominant geographical landmark in the Manawatu and Southern Hawkes Bay districts Wharite is perhaps better known in the region for its highly visible television transmission tower which for a number of decades has rebroadcast national television services to the region.

    Click on the photo for more information  

Kiritaki

Happy Daze

Stanfield

A Frame

Cattlecreek

                        For more information on Tracks,Walks and places to stay visit  http://www.doc.govt.nz/

Bush Walks 

ANZAC PARK
Stop for a picnic and enjoy a stroll in native forest.
3kms north of Norsewood, just off State Highway 2

Kumeti Reserve
21 kms from Dannevirke at the end of Kumeti Rd. This Reserve links to the Ruahine Forest Park. Public toilets are available here.

Ngapaeruru Scenic Reserve 
Ngapaeruru Road is located 15 kilometres east of Dannevirke. A giant Totara, said to be one of the largest in New Zealand is a feature. 
  
Pipinui Reserve
Makuri
This is a scenic reserve on the Coonoor/Makuri Rd, just 6 kms north of Makuri. There are glow worm caves at Coonoor on private property.  

Pongaora Bush Walk 
The Yellow Track to Pongaroa Outlook and Cemetery takes 10-15 minutes and suits all levels of fitness. The Red Track takes 5 minutes to the picnic table in the bush and suits all levels of fitness. Takes about 20 - 25 minutes and has views of Benarty, Akaroa Peak and the Beehive.   

Ruahine Forest Park 
 Many huts for trampers, from one hour to overnight. Magnificient views.

Tamaki Reserve
At the foot of the Ruahine Ranges, 18 kilometres from Dannevirke. Bush walks and picnic areas. This reserve also links with the Ruahine Forest Park.

Wahipai
Five hectares of bush-covered hillside, with a mixture of native and exotic trees. Access is from State Highway 2 north of Dannevirke.

Waihi Falls
Oporae Road, Dannevirke
Waihi Falls are spectacular, especially after rain,well worth a visit. They are located 45kms east of Dannevirke on Oporae Rd.   

Flying Club
Just south of Dannevirke is the aerodrome. Aircrafts are available for joy­ rides or charter flights.

Gardens To Visit
These gardens offer a diversity of plants, styles and design. Entry fee to most, Gardenstone,  Kohatu , Victoriana, more information contact information centre.
 
Makirikiri Marae
The home of the Aotea meeting house which features excellent carvings tracing our Maori history.

Glen Ora Hunting Advertures
Looking for a great Hunting Adventure, here we have some of New Zealands best scenic landscapes,from the land to the sea. It doesn't get better than this.

Pongarao Golf Club
Nine Hole course. Pongaroa

New Zealand Natural Clothing/ Norsewear
Factory Tours by appointment only, 500m2 of NZ Icon Brand clothing. NZs Largest Sock Shop. Local Art on
display in the Hovding Gallery and now Hovding Furniture, Resident Curator, Registered Master Carver Jeff Bryan. Ample Bus, Truck and Car parking, Free Tea and Coffee and Clean Public Toilets.   www.nznaturalclothing.co.nz/

Norsewood Golf Course
Norsewood golf club offers a 9 hole course which is par 70 for 18 holes
Just off SH2, Kopua Road, north of Norsewood

Troll Stroll
Pick up a pamplet from any Norsewood store.
Take a walk around Norsewood, following clues on the map seeing the historic sites.

Rangiuru Farm
Make your own Cheese, learn how from two champion cheesemakers. Eriksen Street, Norsewood

Johanna's World
Johanna's World is home to Norsewood's Trolls where children can visit the local Troll Caves.
Coronation Street, Upper Norsewood.

Norsewood Pioneer Museum
Take a step back in time, just a stroll up the street to the old jail and a display of old farm machinery  

Water Wheel Reserve
A reserve and playground in Lower Norsewood known for its flying fox.
Hovding Street, Lower Norsewood

Ormondville Railway Station
Restored Historical NZ Railway, available for overnight stays. For more information visit http://www.ormondvillerail.org   or Ph: (06) 374 1514

Akitio and Herbertville Beaches
For that weekend escape, approx 60 mins to Akitio or Herbertville
Great Fishing, Camping and the miles of sandy beaches.

Akitio Cape Turnagain is a prominent headland on the east coast of  New Zealands North Island, part way between Hawkes Bay and Cook Strait, between the mouths of the Porangahau and Akitio Rivers.The Cape was named by Captain James Cook in 1769. On his journey of discovery, he sailed south to this point before deciding to turn and head north around New Zealand, and named the point as a result of his decision.

Herbertville Herbertville is a small settlement on the eastern coast of the lower Hawkes Bay area. The large promontory just north is Cape Turnagain. So named by Captain Cook who used the location as a well remembered point where he turn his ship and retraced his steps. Herbertville has a hotel /shop, camping ground with all amedities.