Last updated October 2026
The Kahikatea Walk is a 20-minute forest walk in the Pohangina Valley, about 39 km from Palmerston North, where mature kahikatea are the stars. DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track and describes it as a great introduction to broadleaved forest for young and old.
The track is well defined and easy to follow, and DOC says it suits the whole family, except those on wheels. The entrance is on Pohangina Valley East Road, about 1 km past Arbon’s Road. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the track, but check DOC before you go.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Kahikatea Walk on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOCTrack facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.
Practical Information
- Start
- Track entrance on Pohangina Valley East Road, about 1 km past Arbon’s Road
- Distance from the city
- About 39 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- 20 min
- Track length
- About 0.8 km
- Grade
- Easy (DOC: easy to intermediate walking track)
- Suitable for
- The whole family, but not pushchairs or wheelchairs
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Walking track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Kahikatea Walk
As the name suggests, this short walk is all about the kahikatea. Mature trees tower over the reserve, and DOC’s suggestion is to lie on your back, look up into the canopy and take in the size of these forest giants. It’s a simple idea that works well with children.
Look out too for a stand of rātā beside the track. These trees began life as epiphytes, perched high on larger host trees, before sending roots down to the ground. As the tree grows, those roots twist and weave together, and the rātā can grow bigger than its host, sometimes killing it along the way.
The track is well defined and easy to follow, which makes it a good first forest walk for young children and a gentle outing for older walkers. DOC notes it isn’t suited to anyone on wheels, so leave the pushchair in the car.
Getting There
DOC puts the track about 40 minutes’ drive from Palmerston North. From Ashhurst, drive north along Pohangina Road, then turn right onto Pohangina Valley East Road and stay on it. The track entrance is on the left, about 1 km past Arbon’s Road.
If you want to stay in the valley, DOC notes the track is 6.3 km (about 6 minutes’ drive) south of the Pohangina Base Campsite and Pohangina Base lodge, both good bases for exploring the area.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Kahikatea Walk: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Pohangina Valley area: other walks, campsites and alerts in the Pohangina Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Kahikatea Walk?
DOC times it at about 20 minutes.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. DOC says the well-defined track suits the whole family and is a great introduction to broadleaved forest for young and old.
Can I take a pushchair or wheelchair?
No. DOC says the track suits the whole family except those on wheels.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not allowed on this walk.
Where does the walk start?
On the left side of Pohangina Valley East Road, about 1 km past Arbon’s Road. DOC puts it about 40 minutes’ drive from Palmerston North.
What will I see?
Mature kahikatea towering over the reserve, and a stand of rātā that started life growing on other trees.
Is there somewhere to stay nearby?
DOC points to the Pohangina Base Campsite and Pohangina Base lodge, 6.3 km north of the track.
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