Anzac Park Walkway

Breathtaking views over Palmerston North greet you at the entrance to this short walk. Explore further for a journey through established native bush and back through a scattering of pines.

We’re encouraging everyone to be safe around our awa (river) this summer.

Water Safety NZ says anyone near our awa (river) should follow these handy tips to keep them and their whanāu safe this summer:

Wait 72 hours after rainfall before entering the river

Rivers are changeable and unpredictable – particularly after heavy rainfall. Riverbanks can also become unstable during and after heavy rain.

Check weather forecasts including rainfall in the hills above that could fill the streams and rivers where you are.

Look before you leap – check for hazards

Upstream, downstream and where you’re swimming. Rivers contain hidden dangers and swimming holes can change depths from summer to summer.

Always enter feet first and establish an exit point before you enter.

Keep looking

  • Can you see the bottom?
  • Is it deep enough for jumping or diving?
  • Does the riverbed drop away close to the edge?
  • Could you handle the current if you got swept away?

A safe rescue is a land-based rescue

Dial 111 immediately if you see anyone in danger, so emergency services can get there as soon as possible.

If someone is being swept downstream, the only safe rescue is a land-based rescue. Do not enter the river after them. It is unlikely you will be able to reach them to help them and you may need to be rescued yourself.

  • Follow the person in trouble down the riverbank.
  • Find a safe place where the person may be able to swim towards the bank.
  • Use an object like a tree branch to reach out over the river.
  • Encourage the person in trouble to grab the branch or paddle and hang on.
  • Pull them to the riverbank and help them out.

If you cannot rescue the person safely from the bank:

  • Encourage the person to turn on their back and float feet first down the river
  • If practical, throw the person a buoyant object like a bucket, chilly bin or ball that they can hang onto and use to keep themselves afloat. 

Learn more about how to keep you and your whanau safe in, on and around the water

Download the translated posters

These are translated posters of the water safety information.

They are available in different languages. Download and share them with your friends.

English(PDF, 480KB)  Burmese(PDF, 541KB) Dari(PDF, 528KB) Dzongkha(PDF, 535KB) Karen(PDF, 531KB)

 Young woman walking down steps cut into the side of a hill, with native bush on either side.

 

The walkway meanders downhill to the Massey side of the city.

This walkway starts in Te Motu o Poutoa: Anzac Park. From here you can also access Te Arapiki a Tāne, the new steps down to the Manawatū River. 

Track Difficulty Rating:  1  2  3  4  5 (1 = easy : 5 = difficult)

Distance:  0.55 kilometres

A map of these 2 linked walking routes with river views.
 

Contour: Rolling with some moderate slopes

Surface: Gravel, forest floor and steps

Access Points: Cliff Road

Conveniences: Carpark

Special Attractions: City views, bush and observatory

Motorised Trail Bikes or Vehicles: Not permitted on any walkways.

Dogs

symbol_dog-leash_50x50.jpg Dogs must be on leash
  • Ensure dogs are under control at all times and do not disturb livestock where walkways pass through rural areas.
  • Please pick up your dog waste and put it in a rubbish bin or take it away with you.
Aerial view of a heavily forested clifftop park overlooking the river.  

The walkway begins in Te Motu o Poutoa: Anzac Park.

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