Last updated June 2026
The Tararua Range south and east of Palmerston North provides challenging cycling through rural foothills and over key passes. Routes include sealed roads around Linton and Tokomaru, the Saddle Road climb, and connections via the Pahiatua Track toward the Wairarapa. These options suit intermediate to advanced riders seeking rolling terrain and longer day rides of 50 to 100 km.
Practical Information
| Location | Tararua Range foothills south and east of Palmerston North |
| Key routes | Linton-Tokomaru loop, Saddle Road, Pahiatua Track, Pahiatua-Eketahuna run |
| Difficulty | Intermediate to advanced; rolling country with climb sections |
| Bike type | Road bike for sealed routes; gravel bike if mixing in back roads |
| Typical distance | 50 to 100 km day-rides |
| Best season | Spring and autumn; summer windy; winter wet |
| Traffic | Light on rural lanes; moderate on Saddle Road and SH57 |
| Cost | Free public roads |
About Tararua Range Cycling
The Tararua Range forms a significant barrier south-east of Palmerston North, separating the Manawatū Plains from the Wairarapa. Cyclists access the foothills via SH57 or extensions of the He Ara Kotahi pathway, with rural roads threading through farmland at the base of the hills. The Saddle Road offers a notable climb between the Tararua and Ruahine ranges, while the Pahiatua Track provides another sealed option over the range.
Official Heartland Rides include the Tararua Traverse, which links the Manawatū Cycleway at Palmerston North with Route 52 in the Wairarapa. Main surfaces are sealed on primary routes, with some gravel on secondary roads. Traffic remains light on rural lanes and moderate on Saddle Road and SH57.
These routes appeal to riders progressing beyond flat urban paths, offering views of the ranges and options for longer touring. Weather can change quickly in the hills, so checking forecasts is essential before heading out.
Standout Routes
The Linton-Tokomaru loop covers approximately 50 km on sealed, rolling roads through Tararua foothills country. Saddle Road provides a classic climb of around 25 km from Palmerston North between the Tararua and Ruahine ranges. The Pahiatua Track delivers a steeper sealed ascent from the Palmerston North side over the Tararua Range to Pahiatua. Longer options extend via the Pahiatua-Eketahuna run into the upper Wairarapa for touring riders. Shorter rides reach the Te Āpiti / Manawatū Gorge area for wind farm views and lookouts.
What Visitors Often Say
Local cyclists describe the Tararua-foothills routes as the rewarding next-step for riders who have outgrown the flat Palmerston North urban pathways. The rolling country, the Saddle Road climb, and the option to extend into the Wairarapa for multi-day touring all get specific mentions. The Linton-Tokomaru loop is the most popular standard day ride.
Common practical tips: bring food and water (cafe stops are sparse); check the weather forecast (the ranges generate their own weather and conditions change quickly); use proper climbing gearing for the Saddle Road and Pahiatua Track; consider the Linton-Tokomaru loop as the easier intermediate option before tackling the climbs; and avoid Saddle Road in heavy southerly weather (exposed and windy).
Where to Learn More
Manawatū NZ tourism: regional tourism site with cycling route ideas including the Tararua foothills and Saddle Road.
NZ Cycle Trail: details on the official Tararua Traverse Heartland Ride connecting Palmerston North to the Wairarapa.
MetService: weather forecast. Essential pre-ride check for the Tararua and Saddle Road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Tararua Range cycling routes?
South and east of Palmerston North, accessing the foothills via SH57, Saddle Road, the Pahiatua Track and rural lanes through Linton and Tokomaru.
What’s the best Tararua-foothills loop?
The Linton-Tokomaru loop (~50 km, sealed, rolling) is the standard intermediate day ride.
How hard is the Saddle Road climb?
Serious climb between the Tararua and Ruahine ranges; suits intermediate-to-advanced riders with appropriate climbing gearing.
Can I cycle to the Wairarapa from Palmerston North?
Yes, via the Pahiatua Track and then onward to Pahiatua-Eketahuna. Longer touring riders use this route to connect to the Wairarapa cycling scene.
Is traffic heavy on the Tararua routes?
Light on the rural back lanes; moderate on Saddle Road and SH57.
When’s the best season?
Spring (October to November) and autumn (March to May): mild temperatures, less wind, fewer wet days.
Are there cafe stops?
Sparse outside the small rural settlements. Bring water and snacks for the longer rides.
Is there an official cycle trail over the Tararua Range?
Yes, the Tararua Traverse is an official Heartland Ride linking the Manawatū Cycleway at Palmerston North with Route 52 at Alfredton in the Wairarapa.
For more cycling tracks in Palmerston North, see the cycling tracks hub. Combine with the Manawatū Cycleway or He Ara Kotahi Pathway for connections to the foothills routes.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.