Last updated July 2026
Turitea Reserve lies on the northwestern edge of the Tararua Range, just south of the Manawatū Gorge and on the southern outskirts of Palmerston North. The large reserve protects native bush, supports biodiversity plantings and includes sections of the Turitea Stream while forming part of the Te Araroa long-distance trail. It is managed by Palmerston North City Council and serves as a strategic water-supply catchment for the city. Walkers can access several linked tracks that range from short easy loops to longer climbs with rural views.
Practical Information
| Location | Northwestern edge of the Tararua Range, southern outskirts of Palmerston North |
| Managed by | Palmerston North City Council |
| Key features | Native bush, Green Corridor plantings, Turitea Stream, Te Araroa Trail section, rural views |
| Turitea and Adderstone Walkways | 2.3 km one way from Old West Road car park to Aokautere Drive via Pacific Drive; difficulty rating 3/5; gravel and chip seal; views over Manawatū countryside |
| Turitea Green Corridor Walkway | 1.4 km; grass and boardwalk; easy; dogs off-leash permitted |
| Bledisloe Park / Lower Turitea Walkway | Follows Turitea Stream near Massey University; connects into the wider network |
| Dogs | On leash on most sections; off-leash permitted on Green Corridor Walkway |
| Cost | Free |
| Access | Old West Road car park is the main starting point for the upper tracks |
About Turitea Reserve
Turitea Reserve is the largest reserve administered by Palmerston North City Council and supplies around 60 percent of the city’s water. The reserve combines remnant native vegetation, pine forest areas and farmland with ongoing Green Corridor biodiversity plantings that create habitat for native birds and improve water quality.
The reserve sits at the edge of the Tararua Range and includes the Turitea Stream. It forms part of the Te Araroa Trail, allowing long-distance walkers to pass through on their journey the length of New Zealand.
Management focuses on protecting the water catchment while providing public access for walking, running and cycling. The network links with nearby reserves and provides options for both short outings and longer point-to-point routes.
Turitea and Adderstone Walkways
The main route begins at the Old West Road car park and climbs through bush and farmland to Turitea Road and then Pacific Drive. Walkers gain height and are rewarded with expansive views over the Manawatū countryside.
From Pacific Drive the track continues as the Adderstone Walkway to Aokautere Drive, near Summerhill Shopping Centre. The combined Turitea and Adderstone route measures 2.3 km one way with a difficulty rating of 3 out of 5. The surface is gravel and chip seal. Transport at both ends is useful for a one-way walk.
Turitea Green Corridor Walkway
The Turitea Green Corridor Walkway offers a shorter, easier option through the first of the city’s Green Corridor plantings. It is 1.4 km long with a grass and boardwalk surface and is rated easy. Dogs are welcome off-leash in this section provided they remain under control.
The planting project aims to create native bird habitat, improve stream water quality and provide an attractive local walking and picnicking area.
Bledisloe Park and Lower Turitea Walkway
The Bledisloe Park section follows the Turitea Stream through shaded, vegetated areas close to Massey University. This lower track connects into the wider Turitea walkway network, allowing walkers to extend their outing toward the Old West Road or upper sections.
It provides convenient access for university staff and students as well as a pleasant stream-side walk for the general public.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers praise the Turitea and Adderstone route for its steady climb and rewarding rural views, noting the Te Araroa connection as a bonus for longer journeys. Many recommend the Green Corridor Walkway as an accessible, family-friendly introduction with good birdlife and easy terrain.
Practical comments highlight the Old West Road car park as the primary access point, the value of arranging transport for point-to-point walks, and the off-leash dog area on the Green Corridor. Visitors appreciate the mix of native plantings and open farmland scenery close to the city.
Where to Learn More
Palmerston North City Council – Turitea and Adderstone Walkways: official details on distances, difficulty, access points and rules.
Palmerston North City Council – Turitea Green Corridor Walkway: information on the shorter loop, surface and dog rules.
Palmerston North City Council – Turitea Reserve Management Plan: background on the reserve’s size, water-supply role and long-term management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Turitea Reserve?
On the northwestern edge of the Tararua Range, just south of the Manawatū Gorge and on the southern outskirts of Palmerston North.
Who manages the reserve?
Palmerston North City Council. It is the largest reserve administered by the council and supplies around 60 percent of the city’s water.
What walks are available?
The Turitea and Adderstone Walkways (2.3 km one way), the Turitea Green Corridor Walkway (1.4 km) and the Bledisloe Park / Lower Turitea Walkway along the stream near Massey University.
Is the reserve part of Te Araroa?
Yes. Sections of the Turitea and Adderstone Walkways form part of the Te Araroa long-distance trail.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs must be on a leash on most sections. Off-leash walking is permitted on the Turitea Green Corridor Walkway provided dogs remain under control.
Is there parking?
Yes. A car park is available near the Old West Road bridge, the main starting point for the upper tracks.
Is the reserve free to visit?
Yes. Public access is free.
Can I cycle on the tracks?
Cycling is permitted on the Green Corridor Walkway and some sections of the network; check current rules on the council pages for each track.
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