Bruce Park Loop Track

87

Analysis

3 Rankers Reviews

2 Face-to-Face

3 Marton

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Marios Gavalas

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Marton, Manawatu - Wanganui

Camping near Marton

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Information

1.3 km return | 30 minutes return

Robert Cunningham Bruce, after whom the scenic reserve is named, was a pioneer of the district and once represented the area in parliament. A keen naturalist, he was passionate about New Zealand’s flora and fauna and gifted this 30 hectares to the people of New Zealand. Bruce would have turned in his grave had he known the country’s main highway ploughed right through the middle of his reserve. Thankfully it has now been rerouted to give this forest a second chance.

This is a good leg stretcher to break the monotony of SH1.

Walking Track

Access

5.3 km south of Hunterville on SH1, turn into Aldworth Road. Bruce Park Scenic Reserve is signposted shortly after on the right by a locked gate.

Track

Follow the old routing of SH1 and climb the steps to the left after the second gate. The tracks are even and metalled, with only minor undulations. At the meeting of the figure of eight is the RC Bruce Memorial and nearby is the RC Bruce Memorial Gate.

Flora

Some sizeable mature podocarps, including kahikatea, matai and rimu occupy the reserve. These tower over and above the understorey of pigeonwood, lancewood and mahoe.

European History

The monument was erected in 1924 and remembers his generosity. It lies near the centre of the reserve and one part of the plaque reads “This park is given to the people of New Zealand and to the residents of this district in particular, in order that they may have before them a beautiful specimen of New Zealand forest life”. Were it not for the foresight of people like Bruce, not even the likes of this remnant would have been saved from the loggers and pastoralists.

The reserve was originally owned by the Aldworth Family, who sold it to the Bruce Estate trustees in 1930. It was gifted to the Crown in 1954.

Details

Feature

Value

Info

Organisation

DOC Manawatu/Whanganui

Central government organisation

Location

North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Marton

Categories

Walking
Free

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-39.96498454714

175.525953674316

Latitude
-39.96498454714
Longitude
175.525953674316

Feature	Value	Info
Track Length	1km to 3km Track Length What is the physical length of this track? 1km to 3km	Track Length What is the physical length of this track? 1km to 3km
Track Duration	30 mins to 1 hour Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 30 mins to 1 hour	Track Duration How long does it take to walk this track on average? 30 mins to 1 hour
Track Difficulty	Easy walk Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easy walk	Track Difficulty Considering the track's terrain, safety, facilities - how hard is this walk to complete? Easy walk
Payment Requirement	Free access/participation Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.	Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.
Large Vehicle Access	Large vehicle accessible Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.	Large Vehicle Access Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.
DOC Track Category	Short walk DOC Track Category What type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? Short walk Easy walking for up to an hour. Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes. Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness. Stream and rivers crossings are bridged. Walking shoes required.	DOC Track Category What type of category does this walking track fall into (as defined by the NZ Department of Conservation)? Short walk Easy walking for up to an hour. Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes. Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness. Stream and rivers crossings are bridged. Walking shoes required.
Disabled Access	No disabled access Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.	Disabled Access Does this location provide disabled access? No disabled access This location does not provide access for wheelchairs.
Crowd Factor	Lesser Known Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting	Crowd Factor How crowded is this place usually? Lesser Known Usually has less people visiting
Track Managing Organisation	DOC Managed Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.	Track Managing Organisation What type of organisation operates this walking track? DOC Managed This track is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.

Nearby

Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Palmerston North

Te Apiti
Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Palmerston North

Te Apiti
Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Whanganui River

Bridge to Nowhere Walk
Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Mangatainoka

Paihiatua Playground
Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Whanganui

Kowhai Park Playground

Reviews

Rating	Count
10/10	1	33%
9/10	0	0%
8/10	1	33%
7/10	1	33%
6/10	0	0%
5/10	0	0%
4/10	0	0%
3/10	0	0%
2/10	0	0%
1/10	0	0%

5.0/5

Short walk, beautiful and perfect place.

Reviewed about 8 years ago and experienced in March 2016

Su Jung Han
3.5/5

Well maintained loop track through best example of mature forest on SH1.
Needs new interpretive signs. Keep right at first junction to approach central monument.

Reviewed almost 10 years ago

Peter Archer
4.0/5

Nice short track.

Reviewed over 14 years ago and experienced in April 2009

RubyJ