Last updated June 2026
Arapuke Forest Park is a premier mountain biking destination in the Tararua foothills south of Palmerston North, offering more than 30 km of trails graded from 2 (easy) to 6 (extreme). The park is managed by the Manawatū Mountain Bike Club in partnership with Palmerston North City Council and features a developing network across regenerating native bush and pine plantation. It also welcomes walkers, with the Te Araroa Trail running through the area. Two entrances provide access: the main Kahuterawa carpark at the end of Kahuterawa Road and the Scotts Road carpark at the top.
Practical Information
| Location | Kahuterawa Road, Linton (main entrance); Scotts Road (top entrance) |
| Distance from Palmerston North | Approximately 17 km to Kahuterawa carpark (about 25 minutes drive) |
| Trail length | More than 30 km of mountain bike trails |
| Grading | Grade 2 (easy) to Grade 6 (extreme) |
| Managed by | Manawatū Mountain Bike Club with Palmerston North City Council |
| Facilities | MMBC shelter, bike wash, toilets and parking at Kahuterawa; parking only at Scotts Road |
| Cost | Free public access; donations to MMBC welcomed |
| Other activities | Walking, including Te Araroa Trail |
About Arapuke Forest Park
Arapuke Forest Park lies in the Tararua foothills and forms part of the larger Kahuterawa outdoor recreation area, which also includes Kahuterawa Reserve, Sledge Track, Back Track, Gordon Kear Forest and Hardings Park. The trail network has been built and maintained by volunteers from the Manawatū Mountain Bike Club over many years, with ongoing development adding new tracks and upgrading existing ones to modern standards.
The park supports riders of all abilities. Beginner and intermediate riders often start at the Scotts Road entrance where gentler cross-country loops are located, while advanced riders typically use the Kahuterawa entrance and climb via the Back Track 4WD road before descending steeper trails. The terrain mixes flowing singletrack with technical sections and jumps.
Walkers are welcome alongside mountain bikers. The Te Araroa Trail follows the shared Back Track, and former logging roads offer loop options with views across the Manawatū plains. Dogs are permitted on leads in designated areas.
Trails for Every Skill Level
The network includes family-friendly Grade 2 and 3 trails such as Jack Frost at the top of the park, progressing to intermediate flow trails like Riff Raff and About Time. The Back Track serves as the main climb from the lower carpark. A series of Grade 4 to 6 descents provide challenging options for experienced riders. Full details, current status and maps are available on Trailforks and the club website, as some trails may close seasonally for maintenance or rebuilding.
What Visitors Often Say
Riders praise Arapuke Forest Park as one of the best mountain biking destinations in the lower North Island, highlighting the variety of trails across all grades and the active volunteer maintenance by the Manawatū Mountain Bike Club. Many visitors from further afield travel specifically for weekend rides and note the free access as a major advantage.
Practical advice from visitors includes starting at Scotts Road for easier trails, checking Trailforks for real-time status, carrying spare tubes for technical sections, and making a donation to support ongoing trail work. Helmets are essential and packing food and water is recommended as there are no on-site facilities for refreshments.
Where to Learn More
Palmerston North City Council Arapuke Forest Park page: official details on access, facilities and park management.
Manawatū Mountain Bike Club Where to Ride: current trail information, events and club updates from the volunteer maintainers.
Trailforks Arapuke Forest: interactive trail map with status, ratings and downloadable GPX files.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Arapuke Forest Park from Palmerston North?
Approximately 17 km to the Kahuterawa main carpark, around a 25-minute drive south.
How many trails are there?
More than 30 km of trails graded from 2 (easy) to 6 (extreme).
Where should beginners start?
Park at the Scotts Road carpark and ride the Grade 2 Jack Frost loop. Progress to Grade 3 trails such as Riff Raff and About Time once comfortable.
Where do advanced riders start?
Park at the Kahuterawa carpark and climb via the Back Track 4WD road before descending the steeper Grade 4–6 trails.
Are there facilities?
The Kahuterawa carpark has the MMBC shelter, bike wash and toilets. Scotts Road has parking only. No food or drink is available on site.
Is Arapuke Forest Park free?
Yes, public access is free. Donations to the Manawatū Mountain Bike Club help fund trail maintenance.
Who maintains the trails?
The Manawatū Mountain Bike Club in partnership with Palmerston North City Council.
Can walkers use the park?
Yes, walkers are welcome. The Te Araroa Trail follows the Back Track and other loops are available.
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