If you’re visiting Mount Taranaki and looking for a walk that delivers big views without committing to a full-day hike, the Manganui Gorge Bridge walk is one worth considering – especially if you’re travelling with older kids. It’s short, scenic, and features an impressive suspension bridge perched high above the gorge, but it’s also a walk where knowing what to expect beforehand makes a huge difference.
Before we get into the details, you can watch our video guide to the Manganui Gorge Bridge Walk here to get an idea of what to expect.
Quick facts: Manganui Gorge Bridge Walk
- Location: Eastern side of Mount Taranaki, accessed via Pembroke Road from Stratford
- Starting point: Stratford Plateau car park
- Distance: 900m one way to the suspension bridge
- Time required: Around 20 minutes one way (longer with kids)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (short but mostly uphill)
- Elevation: The Car park sits at approx. 1,100m above sea level
- Track type: Out-and-back
- Key feature: 100m long suspension bridge, approx. 50m above the gorge
- Best for: Families with confident kids aged 7+
- Not ideal for: Toddlers, prams, or children who struggle with exposure
- Facilities: Toilets at Stratford Plateau car park (no facilities on the track)
- Weather notes: Exposed alpine environment – weather can change quickly
Where is the Manganui Gorge Bridge Walk?
The Manganui Gorge Track is located on the eastern side of Mount Taranaki and is accessed via Pembroke Road from Stratford. You’ll drive all the way up to the Stratford Plateau car park, sitting at around 1,100 metres above sea level. Even before you start walking, the views are already pretty spectacular, and the cooler alpine air is a good reminder that you’re heading into a more exposed environment.
How long is the walk?
From the Stratford Plateau car park, it’s about 900 metres to the suspension bridge, taking roughly 20 minutes one way. If you choose to continue past the bridge, there’s a short additional section leading toward the ski field.
While the distance is short, the walk is mostly uphill, so it does require a reasonable level of fitness – especially if you’re walking with a child in a carrier.
What the track is actually like
The track starts wide and well-defined, making it feel quite straightforward at first. About halfway along, you’ll reach a viewing area and a short tunnel. This is where the character of the walk changes.
After the tunnel, the track becomes narrower and more uneven, with rocky sections and noticeable drop-offs. There are no safety rails in these areas, which is something families with young kids need to be aware of before committing to the walk.
Is the Manganui Gorge Bridge Walk suitable for kids?
This is where honest expectations matter. The Manganui Gorge Bridge walk is best suited to confident walkers, generally kids around seven years and older who can follow instructions and stay focused on the track.
It’s not a walk I’d recommend with toddlers or younger children – especially if you’ve got a runner. The narrow sections, exposure, and lack of barriers mean young children need to be supervised closely the entire time.
The Manganui Gorge Suspension Bridge
Once you reach the bridge, there are a few sets of stairs to climb and then comes the reward. The Manganui Gorge suspension bridge stretches 100 metres long and sits nearly 50 metres above the gorge floor.
On a clear day, the views are incredible. You can see across North Taranaki and out toward the coastline, with Mount Taranaki looming dramatically behind you. It’s the kind of moment that gives kids a real sense of achievement and adventure, without the exhaustion of a long hike.
Weather and safety considerations
This walk is in an alpine environment, and conditions can change very quickly. Strong winds can make the bridge unsafe, winter conditions can bring ice, and visibility can shift rapidly.
Warm layers are essential – even on sunny days – and if the weather doesn’t feel right, turning back is always the correct decision. There’s no shame in calling it early when conditions aren’t ideal, especially with kids.
Why families love this walk
For families with older children, the Manganui Gorge Bridge walk hits a sweet spot. It’s short enough to avoid complaints, adventurous enough to feel exciting, and delivers genuinely impressive views in a relatively small time commitment.
If you’re visiting Mount Taranaki and want a walk that feels memorable without being overwhelming, the Manganui Gorge Bridge walk is well worth adding to your list.
Where to stay to enjoy Mount Taranaki
We stayed at Stratford Mountain House (Ngati Ruanui Mountain Lodge) which is as close as you can get while still staying comfortable. It’s only 3.5 kilometres from the Plateau Car Park where you’ll start your walk, and the family room is incredibly spacious, with gas heating and beautiful, large windows that look out to the forest.
FAQs about the Manganui Gorge Bridge Walk
This walk is best suited to confident walkers aged around seven and up. While the distance is short, the track becomes narrow after the tunnel, with uneven surfaces and steep drop-offs. There are no safety rails in these sections, so close supervision is essential.
No. The track is uneven, includes stairs, and narrows significantly after the tunnel. A pram or stroller is not suitable.
It takes around 20 minutes one way to reach the suspension bridge from the Stratford Plateau car park. Families with kids should allow extra time.
Yes, the bridge itself is well-constructed and well-maintained. However, strong winds can make it unsafe at times. If conditions are windy or feel uncomfortable, it’s best to turn back.
Yes, you can continue a short distance beyond the bridge toward the ski field, but most families turn around at the bridge itself.
Warm layers are recommended year-round. Even on sunny days, temperatures can be cool, and wind chill can be significant. Sturdy shoes with good grip are also important.
The track is open year-round, but winter conditions can bring ice and snow, making it unsuitable for families at times. Always check weather conditions before heading up.
While the bridge is still impressive in cloudy conditions, the best views are on clear days. Low cloud and strong winds can significantly reduce visibility and enjoyment.
This article contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Where to next?
📌 Save this article to Pinterest so you’ll have it handy when planning your own trip.
Let me know what you think!