A new 4.1 km loop track starting at the Ashhurst end of the Manawatu Gorge Scenic reserve caters for those who want to get their heart rate up and walk for under two hours, without having to follow the same route they went in.
The new Tawa Loop Walk branches off the main track about 500m into the walk, meandering up and around the southern edge of the reserve. Some stunning views across Palmerston North can be had from a lookout about halfway around.
The track eventually heads along the NZTA access-way until it meets up with the original Manawatu Gorge Track. At this junction, walkers can turn right to continue on towards the eastern end of the track, go straight ahead to venture down to the ‘Big Slip Lookout’ built by the NZTA, or turn left and head back down the main track to the Ashhurst carpark.