The 12.5km track is estimated to take 6-8 hours with an additional 2km walk on the road back to the starting carpark.
There is a campsite at the halfway point if trail walkers wish to break up the journey.
It travels through the historic Puketapu Hill and at some vantage points, hikers are able to see the Whanganui River, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Taranaki, the Tasman Sea and Whanganui River’s tributary valleys.
Keep an eye out on the Department of Conservation’s website for any weather warnings or track closures.
This activity requires appropriate equipment and perhaps a day after to rest but the experience is second-to-none.
Raetihi has more than enough to entertain for a day.
The township of Raetihi is a stunning experience and easy to make a day of.
Start by taking a stroll around the Barbed Wire Gallery, which displays local art, craft and upcycled furniture.
Then grab a bite to eat from a local cafe such as Coach Cafe or Angel Louise and make your way to the Dinosaur House museum which displays, well ... dinosaurs.
Perfect place to take young children or go as an adult because you’re never too old for a dinosaur museum.
Finish off the day by watching the sunset over the gorgeous Ratana Whare as pictured above.
Waitahinga Dam is a peaceful spot for walkers to enjoy and take in the history.
The Waitahinga Dam Loop is another gorgeous trail on show in the Whanganui region.
Easier than the Atene Skyline track, the dam loop takes an estimated 3.5 hours to complete.
It is a moderately challenging track which often requires sturdy hiking boots.
The dam was built in 1904 and is packed with history, making the extra 10-minute descent at the peak of the loop worthwhile.
The Waitahinga trails also offer several other shorter tracks, such as the Chicken Run, Cropper’s Clearing, Rimu Walk and The Pines if parents feel their child cannot complete the loop.
Canopy Camping Escapes' Ridge Top Farm is in a remote area near Waituna West in the Manawatū district.
The Canopy Camping Escapes' Ridge Top Farm accommodation is a must-try if you find the time.
The spot is surrounded by the gorgeous central North Island scenery such as Mt Ruapehu and Mt Egmont and is designed to give visitors the “true Kiwi farm” experience.
Accommodating up to 10 people, it is the perfect getaway for families, couples or friends.
Hautapu River Parks
1h 24m from Whanganui city centre
The Ōtūpae Station Swingbridge is a new bridge installed by the Rangitīkei District Council as part of its Hautapu River Parks project.
I’ve saved the latest till last here with the new Hautapu River Parks in Taihape.
The parks opened on December 11 after years of work done by the Friends of Taihape Charitable Society, Ngāti Tamakōpiri, the Rangitīkei Environment Group and the Rangitīkei District Council.
