Community Contributed

Manawatu Gorge Tunnel Walk

Kete Horowhenua2020-03-23T16:50:29+00:00
The 2008 annual fundraising walk along the train tracks through the Manawatu Gorge is being held on April 13th 2008.

Introduction

This annual Woodville Lions Club fundraising event walk has been running for 14th consecutive years. The 1 ½ to 2 ½ hour walk along 8km of the railway line from east to west through the Manawatu Gorge has become a draw card for walkers from all over the southern North Island and some from points far beyond including many overseas tourists who happen to be in the area around the time. With thirteen bridges and the two longest of the five tunnels to negotiate, the walk provides a uniquely enjoyable experience.Whitehorse Rapids, Manawatu Gorge.

Being a flat walk, it especially appeals to older age groups, many of whom take the opportunity to include children and grandchildren. The minimum age however, is ten (10). Moderate fitness and sturdy footwear (preferably boots) are essential as is a strong torch. The tunnels are extremely dark and small torches provide insufficient light for safety. Wet weather gear is recommended.

Departure Arrangements

The walkers with prepaid tickets will asemble at the Ashhurst Domain on State Highway 3 at the Western End of the Gorge, from 8.45 am on the 13th April 2008. Walkers are bussed to the lime works at the Woodville end where the walk begins. At the conclusion of the walk in the Ashhurst Domain, user pays barbecue and drinks are available in the car park area.

This Cancer Care fundraising event, run by Woodville Lions, is limited to 200 walkers. The reason for this is that Toll railway operators) put a halt to all train traffic for the duration of the walk and the organisers have to get the walkers through pretty smartly. There are three departure times: 9.15am, 10am and 10.45am.

Tickets cost $20 and their are no door sales. The popularity of the walk is such that tickets are normally sold out within days of release to outlets. Ensure you book early to prevent disappointment. Tickets available from: Information Centres in Woodville, Dannevirke, Masterton, Palmerston North, Feilding, Levin, Pahiatua & Waipawa Bus Co, Hastings & Ashhurst Pharmacy.

Contact:

For further information contact: Clive Boyden 06 36764554

The Trip

This daytrip was an excellent example of how to organise an event! The staggered start times, presold tickets, plenty of helpful, smiling officials, handy parking and buses waiting to take you through the gorge to the starting point all made for a fantastic experience.

A group of us went from the library, plus my daughter Millie and her friend Summer, and my boys Liam and Connor. The day was perfect and it was a pretty near perfect mornings outing.

The route is along the train tracks; dead flat but as you expect railway stones to walk on and sleepers which didn't quite match your steps. But weknew that would be the case! Our party took between 2.25 and 2.5 hours which was a nice steady amble.

Wonderful walk - here are some of our pictures.



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