Five walks to do this summer
Published on 19 December 2019
Did you know we are a city connected by pathways? Palmy's pathways have been growing at a steady rate since 2014, and our extended pathways are growing at a faster rate than our population growth! For every 1,000 residents, there are 1.2km of paths.
Check out our pathways this summer. Whether you are looking to go on an easy stroll or have a sweaty workout, Palmy has a walk for everyone. Here's a handful of our favourites.
Loop track: Te Āpiti Gorge walk*
If you're travelling with people who can't manage a long walk, this is a great option. This short 1.2km loop track is an easy walk through some beautiful native bush – there are no steps and it's suitable for pushchairs. A playground and toilet in Ballance Domain across the road from the car park make it an ideal destination for young families.
Walkway details: Loop track
Te Arapiki a Tāne (the stairway of Tāne)*
If you're wanting a bootylicious behind or beautiful river views, then these steps are perfect for you. Two sets of steps take you from Te Motu o Poutua Anzac Park and Vaucluse Heights to the Manawatū awa. One set is 207 steps and the other is 220. Try them once for the view then come back again when you're working on your fitness.
Walkway details: Te Arapiki a Tāne
Sledge Track and beyond*
This close-to-town track has options for both families and competent trampers. Accessed from Kahuterawa Road off Old West Road, in the first half-hour of walking you'll find swimming holes and waterfalls as well as stunning rock formations in the river. The track gets harder from here and is better suited for seasoned walkers. If you fit into those categories, old mineshafts and some of the region's most spectacular scenery await you at the top.
Walkway details: Sledge Track
Bledisloe Park
Join the native birds as this path journeys through one of Palmerston North's native bush remnants. The pathway also links up with the Turitea Stream where babbling water, birdsong and fresh bush scent combine to create an oasis of calm. Take your togs because the stream and swimming hole are a perfect place for a swim too. If you're keen to get your heart rate up, there are three sets of stairs for you to run or walk up. The trail can be done in 30 minutes from Tennent Drive, but you can make it about two hours if you start at the Summerhill shops.
Walkway details
Turitea Green Corridors
Green Corridors is a biodiversity initiative creating habitats for our native birds to thrive and improving water quality for our native fish. It also means a beautiful bush network with riparian planting we can all enjoy for walking, running, biking and picnics. You can start the 1.4km journey from the Ngahere Park Road bridge. Enter the gateway at the bridge and follow the path to the viewpoint, down the steps, across the bridge and along the stream. If you're lucky, you'll find the swimming hole.
Walkway details: Turitea Green Corridor
* There are restrooms available at these locations.