Kahuterawa Reserve, Arapuke Forest Park and the Sledge Track are some of the best places to get outdoors in Palmerston North – whether you’re out for a walk in the bush, biking down a trail, or just relaxing with a picnic.
But did you know the current outdoor recreation plan for this area is almost 20 years old?
It’s time for a refresh.
Late last year we asked you what you'd like to see in the updated plan, then we went ahead and drafted it. Now, we want to know what you think.
Read the plan
Draft Kahuterawa Outdoor Recreation Plan(PDF, 984KB)
What’s in the plan?
This draft plan covers the wider Kahuterawa area, including:
- Kahuterawa Reserve
- Arapuke Forest Park
- The Sledge Track and Back Track
- Gordon Kear Forest
- Hardings Park.
These spots are much-loved by locals and visitors alike – and over the years, the way we use them has changed. There are more mountain bikers, more walkers, more hunters, and more families heading out for a day in nature.
The updated plan looks at how we manage outdoor activities like:
- mountain and trail biking
- hunting
- walking and running
- swimming
- picnicking
- camping and campfires
- fishing.
It also includes how we care for the land and water, with policies for:
- pest control
- biodiversity
- landscaping.
We want to make sure these outdoor spaces work for everyone – visitors, locals, residents nearby, schools, clubs, families, and the next generation of adventurers. So whether you’re out there every weekend or just love knowing these places are looked after, your input will help shape the final plan.
We’ve simplified the original document to make it easier to read, while recognising that the current plan has served the area well. We plan to continue managing the park much as we have been, building on what’s already working.
Share your feedback on the draft plan by 5pm on Thursday 28 August
Submit our online form to have your say.
Click here to view form.