Arapuke Forest Park is a 50-plus kilometre mountain bike and walking trail network in the Kahuterawa Valley, south of Palmerston North. The area is part of the wider Kahuterawa outdoor recreational area and became formally known as Arapuke Forest Park in 2012. It is considered home to some of the best single track in the lower North Island and is the principal mountain bike destination of the Manawatu region.
The trail network runs from beginner-friendly Grade 2 tracks (like the flowing ‘Icebreaker’ through growing Douglas Fir) up to expert Grade 5 and 6 descents, with the bulk of the network maintained by volunteers of the Manawatu Mountain Bike Club. The park is also walker-friendly, with shared paths and dedicated walks (the Sledge Track being the headline) using former logging roads and purpose-built tracks.
Practical Information
| Location | End of Kahuterawa Road, south of Palmerston North |
| Access from Palmerston North | SH57 south, turn onto Scotts Road (between Linton and Tokomaru), which becomes Kahuterawa Road (gravel, steep and winding for the final section) |
| Mountain bike trails | More than 50 km in total; Grades 2 through 6; major bike-park brands sponsor multi-grade flow trails |
| Walking | Over 30 km of trails including shared paths and walks (Sledge Track is the headline walk) |
| Formal name since | 2012 (renamed from the wider Kahuterawa recreational area) |
| Maintained by | Volunteers of the Manawatu Mountain Bike Club; council partnership |
| Facilities | Carpark at end of Kahuterawa Road, toilets, trail map |
| Cost | Free |
About Arapuke Forest Park
Arapuke Forest Park sits in the Kahuterawa Valley, accessed via Kahuterawa Road south of Palmerston North. The area is part of the wider Kahuterawa outdoor recreational area and was given its current formal name in 2012 to reflect its evolution into a dedicated forest-and-trail park rather than a working forestry block.
The park is best known as the principal mountain bike destination of the Manawatu region, with riders citing it as having some of the best single track in the lower North Island. The trail network has grown over the years through volunteer-led work by the Manawatu Mountain Bike Club, with the network always expanding.
While mountain biking is the headline use, walking is also catered for: a mix of former logging roads and shared paths give walkers more than 30 km of options through the same forest, with the Sledge Track the headline walk and the Checkpoint Charlie Track a useful shorter connector.
Mountain Bike Trails
Arapuke has more than 50 km of mountain bike trails ranging from Grade 2 (beginner / family friendly) up to Grade 5 and 6 (expert technical). The most-mentioned beginner trail is Icebreaker, a Grade 2 mostly-flat flow trail through growing Douglas Fir trees. Climbing the grade scale, Mr Twister (Grade 3) is a flowing descent with plenty of bermed corners.
The Manawatu Mountain Bike Club volunteers maintain the network and add new trails as resources allow. The trail map and current track conditions are best checked via the club’s website or the Trailforks Arapuke Forest map before riding.
Walking Tracks
The 30-plus kilometres of walking options include a mix of former logging roads and shared paths where mountain bikers also ride. Walkers should expect to share the trails and step aside for bikes; the network is designed for shared use.
The Sledge Track is the headline walk: it begins as an easy stroll but gradually steepens after about 30 minutes, rewarding walkers with sections of waterfalls and scenic picnic spots. The Checkpoint Charlie Track connects to the Sledge Track loop and is useful as a shorter or supplementary walk.
Access and Practical Tips
Access from Palmerston North is via SH57 south. Turn left onto Scotts Road between Linton and Tokomaru; Scotts Road becomes Kahuterawa Road and the final section is a steep and winding gravel road. Follow it to the end where you will find a car park, toilets and a trail map.
The road in is gravel and the road condition reflects the previous week’s weather. Drive to conditions and allow extra time in the wet. Bring water, snacks and a fully tooled bike for riding; cellphone coverage in the valley is patchy.
What Visitors Often Say
Arapuke is consistently rated by mountain bikers as the best park in the lower North Island, with the volume of trail (50+ km), the range of grades (2 to 6), the volunteer-maintained quality, and the flow trail design (Icebreaker, Mr Twister and the wider network) all drawing positive specific mentions. The Sledge Track is the most-recommended walk for non-riders.
Practical observations: the access road is steep and winding gravel for the final section so drive to conditions; carpark, toilets and a trail map are at the road end; check the Manawatu MTB Club or Trailforks for current track status before riding; respect the shared trail use between bikes and walkers; bring water and snacks (no food/drink on site).
Where to Learn More
PNCC: Arapuke Forest Park: official Palmerston North City Council page with park facilities and current notices.
Trailforks: Arapuke Forest: full mountain bike trail map with grades, conditions and rider notes.
Manawatu Mountain Bike Club: Where to Ride: Manawatu MTB Club official page covering Arapuke and club rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Arapuke Forest Park?
At the end of Kahuterawa Road, south of Palmerston North. Access via SH57 then Scotts Road / Kahuterawa Road; the final section is gravel.
How many trails are there?
More than 50 km of mountain bike trails (Grades 2 through 6) and more than 30 km of walking trails (a mix of former logging roads and shared paths).
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Grade 2 trails (like Icebreaker through Douglas Fir) are mostly flat flow trails suited to beginners and families.
Is it free?
Yes. Free access. Park maintenance is funded by council and volunteer work by the Manawatu Mountain Bike Club.
Is the access road sealed?
Mostly. The final section of Kahuterawa Road is steep and winding gravel. Drive to conditions, especially in wet weather.
What is the best walk for non-riders?
The Sledge Track. It begins as an easy stroll and gradually steepens after about 30 minutes, rewarding walkers with waterfalls and scenic picnic spots. The Checkpoint Charlie Track is a useful shorter connector.
When was it formally named Arapuke Forest Park?
2012. Before that the area was part of the wider Kahuterawa recreational area.
For more walking and cycling options, see the Palmerston North walking tracks hub or the cycling in Palmerston North hub.