Climatic Conditions

The Manawatu River is an uncontrolled river, it draws off a large catchment area resulting in changeable river flow levels. Cutting through the largest windfarm in the Southern Hemisphere gives a strong indication of weather conditions that can be encountered.

The Manawatu Gorge has a history of being in the news media for all the wrong reasons. Massive slips over the road causing road closers are common and create havoc on the busy transportation arterary.

On August 20th 1946, the railway engine KA 951 and three wagons were engulfed by a slip across the railway line. The engine driver and the fireman lost their lives, while the guard survived and walked back to Ashhurst in the dark and pouring rain to raise the alarm.

Due to our commitment to safety we reserve the right to cancel any trip due to weather conditions.