The Rauhines run northwest-southeast for 110 km from inland Hawke's Bay to near Woodville. It is separated in the south from the northern end of the Taraua Range by the Manawatu Gorge. Each town in Tararua region projects a unique character & at the heart of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, Tararua is the perfect place for travellers to refuel.
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. The Ruahine Ranges are 92,000 hectares of a trampers dream. Grand views & well appointed huts for camping.
State Highway 2 is the main route through the region. Travel north from Wellington or south from Hawke's Bay to visit the region.
Many tourists also choose to travel through Tararua on Route 52 which is the alternative road to state Highway 2 when travelling north - south. This journey takes in some of the regions spectacular rural scenery & friendly small town hospitality. This is also the access road to the region's untouched east coast beaches at Akitio & Herbertville. Route 52 can be accessed from Eketahuna in the south & Dannevirke in the north.
