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Tracks & walks in the Palmerston North area
Learn about the DOC-managed sites found in the Palmerston North area, along with what type of outdoor recreation opportunities are available.
The diversity and number of wading and shore birds that visit the Manawatu Estuary make it one of the best bird watching spots in the country. Location: Located on the west coast next to the settlement of Foxton Beach.
The Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve has a distinctive landscape with steep greywacke ranges covered in native vegetation.Location: The Manawatu Gorge and Scenic Reserve form a link between the Manawatu province on the western side of the lower North Island and the northern Wairarapa province on the eastern side.
Visit the botanical treasure trove of Paengaroa Scenic Reserve, home to many rare species and more divaricating plants than in any similarly-sized area in New Zealand.Location: Located northwest of Taihape, approximately 4 km west off SH 1.
Pukepuke Lagoon, a dune lake and wetland near Tangimoana in the Manawatu, is an important wetland habitat for birds, freshwater fish and native plants.Location: The lagoon is accessible from the end of Pukepuke Road, off State Highway 1, between Himatangi and Sanson.
The two reserves bordering each side of the Rangitikei River mouth, Tawhirihoe to the south and Moana Roa to the north contain some of the best examples of parabolic dune systems left in the country.Location: Tawhirihoe Scientific Reserve is just south of the Rangitikei river mouth and Moana Roa is on the northern side. Both are on the coast west of Palmerston North.
The Ruahine Forest Park consists of beautiful bush-covered ranges. Recreational opportunities include tramping, hunting, cross country skiing, snowboarding, rafting, kayaking, fishing, swimming and camping.Location: The forest park stretches almost 100 km from the Taruarau River in the north to the Manawatu Gorge in the South.
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
