Last updated November 2026
The Bruce Park Loop Track is a short bush walk through a remnant of podocarp and broadleaf forest just south of Hunterville, about 41 km from Whanganui in a straight line. DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track and times the 1.4 km figure-eight loop at about 1 hour.
The track starts from a farm gate near the corner of State Highway 1 and Aldworth Road, and leads into forest with big rimu, tōtara and kahikatea. DOC calls it a great walk for kids, and the loop passes a memorial to the conservationist Robert Cunningham Bruce. Check DOC before you go for any alerts.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Bruce Park Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Farm gate near the corner of State Highway 1 and Aldworth Road, about 5 km south of Hunterville
- Distance from the city
- About 41 km from Whanganui in a straight line
- Walking time
- 1 hr loop
- Track length
- 1.4 km loop (figure-eight)
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate walking track (DOC grade)
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Short walk
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About Bruce Park Loop Track
Bruce Park protects a remnant of podocarp and broadleaf forest. The track loops through it in a figure-eight, finishing back where you started, and DOC describes the going as flat to undulating once you are into the bush.
The trees are the highlight. DOC singles out impressive specimens of rimu, tōtara and kahikatea, and the forest is home to birds including kererū, tūī, bellbirds and fantails. If you are lucky, you might even see the native long-tailed bat.
In the heart of the park is a memorial to Robert Cunningham Bruce, a pioneer and conservationist who gifted several forest patches to the district. A short side track from the memorial leads to a set of old concrete gates, which were once the main entrance to Bruce Park before the highway was realigned.
With an hour’s walking, an easy loop and a few things to find along the way, it suits families and anyone wanting a leg stretch on a trip along State Highway 1.
Getting There
DOC’s directions start from Bulls: head north on State Highway 1 for about 30 km, to roughly 5 km south of Hunterville, and turn down Aldworth Road. Park by the farm gate close to where Aldworth Road meets State Highway 1, then walk through the pedestrian gate and along the gravel track into the bush.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Bruce Park Loop Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Hunterville area: other DOC walks, reserves and alerts around Hunterville.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Bruce Park Loop Track take?
DOC times the 1.4 km figure-eight loop at about 1 hour.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track, flat to undulating once you are in the bush.
Is it good for children?
Yes. DOC calls it a great walk for kids.
Where do I park?
At the farm gate near the corner of State Highway 1 and Aldworth Road, about 5 km south of Hunterville. Go through the pedestrian gate and follow the gravel track.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC says no dogs on this track.
What birds and trees will I see?
Large rimu, tōtara and kahikatea, with kererū, tūī, bellbirds and fantails. You might also see the long-tailed bat.
Who is the memorial in Bruce Park for?
Robert Cunningham Bruce, a pioneer and conservationist who gifted several forest patches to the district. His memorial is in the heart of the park.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.