Trail Notes

Northern Start

Riverside Dr

Southern End

Old West Rd (SH57)

Distance

10km

Time

2.5hr

Track Standard

Road margin Footpath Easy tramping track Tramping track Route Mixed grade

Description
(North to South)

Riverside Walkway (from Riverside Drive to Fitzherbert Bridge) - 6km - 1.5hr

From the end of Riverside Drive, walk down a fenced right of way to the Riverside Walkway. This is an easy walk along the Manawatu River and is popular with residents for walking and cycling. It has numerous access points along the way before reaching the Fitzherbert Bridge. The entrance to the riverside walk is 500m down Riverside Dr.

Fitzherbert Bridge to Old West Rd - 4km / 1hr

Leaving the Bridle trail before the Fitzherbert Bridge, cross the stopbank, head over the bridge and follow around Tennent Drive entering Bledisloe Park at the carpark adjacent to Turitea Stream before the Massey main entrance opposite the Fitzherbert Science Centres. The trail follows the Lower Turitea Walkway, a well formed pathway with 3 footbridges over the Turitea Stream. A short side trip can be taken into the Massey Aboretum before climbing up the stepped terrace where good views over the picturesque Massey University Campus are seen.

Following further undulating contour, the trail passes through open parkland and play areas, alongside bush streams and open fenced farmland with views over the Massey Sports Institute. At the steps leading down to Old West Road access to the carpark is reached crossing under the highway at the Turitea Stream bridge.

Potential Hazards

Vehicles on road or track
Track exposed to sun, wind or cold

Description
(North to South)

Riverside Walkway (from Riverside Drive to Fitzherbert Bridge) - 6km - 1.5hr

From the end of Riverside Drive, walk down a fenced right of way to the Riverside Walkway. This is an easy walk along the Manawatu River and is popular with residents for walking and cycling. It has numerous access points along the way before reaching the Fitzherbert Bridge. The entrance to the riverside walk is 500m down Riverside Dr.

Fitzherbert Bridge to Old West Rd - 4km / 1hr

Leaving the Bridle trail before the Fitzherbert Bridge, cross the stopbank, head over the bridge and follow around Tennent Drive entering Bledisloe Park at the carpark adjacent to Turitea Stream before the Massey main entrance opposite the Fitzherbert Science Centres. The trail follows the Lower Turitea Walkway, a well formed pathway with 3 footbridges over the Turitea Stream. A short side trip can be taken into the Massey Aboretum before climbing up the stepped terrace where good views over the picturesque Massey University Campus are seen.

Following further undulating contour, the trail passes through open parkland and play areas, alongside bush streams and open fenced farmland with views over the Massey Sports Institute. At the steps leading down to Old West Road access to the carpark is reached crossing under the highway at the Turitea Stream bridge.

Downloads

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Trail Map

Note: Map is indicative only

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Additional Information

Extra Info

Palmerston North

Please Note: Dogs ON Leash ONLY. Fires in designated fireplaces ONLY. NO firearms or vehicles.

Potential hazards: Farming operations and vehicles

Detour option available
1.5 kms to Palmerston North city

General information
Manawatu I-SITE Visitor Information Centre - The Square, Palmerston North - P: 06 350 1922 or 06 350 1922
DOC Manawatu Rangitikei area office - Malden Street, Palmerston North - P: 06 350 9700 - E: wellingtonco@goc.govt.nz - W: www.doc.govt.nz

Getting there/away
Air New Zealand - flies to/from Palmerston North - Palmerston North Airport - Airport Drive/McGregor St, Milson - P: 0800 737 000 freephone or 09 357 3000
InterCity (to/from Auckland) - P:09 583 5780 - E: info@intercity.co.nz
Naked Bus - P: 0900 62533 (calls cost)
Magic Bus - P: 09 358 5600 - www.magicbus.co.nz
Overlander rail service between Auckland and Wellington - Departs from Train Station - Off Tremaine Avenue, Plamerston North
Local transport
Tranzit Coachlines Manawatu - Cnr Main St & Pitt St - P: 06 351 6831 or 0508 800 800 freephone
Taxis Palmerston North - P: 06 355 5333 freephone - E: callcentre@pntaxis.co.nz

Accommodation
Many options are available, including:
HOMESTAY, just 50m off the trail near the Fitzherbert Bridge over the Manawatu River. Ph 027-6900 260 or 027-222 3742 or 06-355 1072.
Palmerston North Holiday Park - 133 Dittmer Drive, Palmerston North - P: 06 358 0349 - E: palmerstonnorthholidaypartk@xtra.co.nz
Pepper Tree Hostel (BBH) - 121 Grey St, Palmerston North - P: 06 355 4054 - E: peppertreehostel@clear.net.nz
Grandma's Place (BBH) - 146 Grey St . Palmerston North- P: 06 358 6928 - E: ak1@clear.net

Achilles Court Hostel - 42 Achilles Crescent, Palmerston North - P: 06 354 1127

Whiowhio Hut - 20 Dorset Crescent, Palmerston North (adjacent to the riverside walk)

P: 027 470 9829 - E: whiowhiohut@swampthing.co.nz
Urban tramping hut. Kitchen, shower, laundry, bikes and even electricity. Payment by Koha (donation). Hosted by Te Araroa walkers and Whio (native blue duck) enthusiasts Anthony and Fiona (aka Whinny and Whiona).

Resupply
Pak N' Save - 327 Ferguson St, Hokowhitu - P: 06 356 4043
Countdown Supermarkets - Cnr Ferguson & Ashley Sts, Palmerston North - P: 06 356 6066
Pioneer New World Supermarket - 187-193 Main St, Palmerston North - P: 06 357 6180
4 Four Square - 354 Albert St, Hokowhitu - P: 06 357 8680

Requirements

Respect private land
No fires in forest

Environment

Take all rubbish with you
Bury toilet waste well away from water

Amenities
(Start)

Full range of amenities in Palmerston North CBD
Toilets Toilets at Fitzherbert Bridge
Accommodation In Palmerston North

Amenities
(On Route)

Full range of amenities in Palmerston North CBD
No amenities on Trail
Toilets There are toilets at start of Back Track

Amenities
(End)

No amenities re-supply before leaving Palmerston North centre
Accommodation in Palmerston North

Closest Town(s)

Palmerston North