Last updated October 2026
Beehive Creek Walkway follows the sandy bed of a shallow creek through native bush and exotic trees in the Pohangina Valley, about 29 km from Palmerston North. DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track and times it at 2–3 hours for the 4 km return trip.
DOC’s track page says the northern part of the walkway “is closed for major farm operations”, so start from the southern end and come back the same way once you reach private land.
The walk involves several crossings of what DOC calls a normally shallow, gentle stream. Check DOC before you go, and leave it for another day if the creek is up after rain.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Beehive Creek Walkway 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
- Southern end of the walkway, Pohangina Road, about 3 km past Pohangina
- Distance from the city
- About 29 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- 2–3 hr return
- Track length
- 4 km return via the same track
- Grade
- Easy (DOC: easy to intermediate walking track)
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Stream crossings
- Several, through a normally shallow creek
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Partly closed when checked on 18 October 2026 (northern section closed for farm operations; enter from the southern end). Check DOC before you go.
About Beehive Creek Walkway
This is a creek walk in the true sense: rather than a track beside the water, the route follows the sandy bed of Beehive Creek itself, winding through a mix of native bush and exotic trees. DOC calls it “a great summer walk”, and warm, settled weather is when the stream crossings are at their most pleasant.
The walkway once ran through to a northern exit across an easement, but DOC’s track page says that section is closed for major farm operations, so the walk is an out-and-back: head in from the southern end, turn around when you reach private land and return the way you came.
Expect to cross the creek several times. DOC also notes that frequent flood damage can make parts of the track hard to follow, so take your time picking out the route and keep an eye on where you’ve come from for the return trip.
With a 2–3 hour return time and an easy to intermediate grade, it suits walkers who are happy with uneven ground and wet crossings, and it makes a good summer outing in the Pohangina Valley.
Getting There
DOC places Beehive Creek on Pohangina Road, around 33 km north of Palmerston North. From Palmerston North, head to Ashhurst, turn onto Pohangina Road and drive through Pohangina. DOC says the walkway begins about 3 km further on and is signposted.
Stream Crossings and Flood Damage
The creek is normally shallow and gentle, but DOC warns that it’s dangerous to cross or follow the river when the water is high, which can happen during or after heavy rain.
If the stream is flooded, or you can’t find good entry and exit points, turn back or wait for the water to drop. DOC’s rule of thumb is simple: if in doubt, stay out.
Before you head out, check the weather and the river flows, and remember that parts of the route can be hard to follow after floods. Dogs are not allowed on the walkway.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Beehive Creek Walkway: 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
Is Beehive Creek Walkway open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no current alerts for the walkway. DOC’s track page says the northern part is closed for major farm operations, so enter only from the southern end and return the same way once you reach private land. Check DOC before you go.
How long does the walk take?
DOC times the 4 km return walk at 2–3 hours.
Will I get my feet wet?
The route follows the creek bed and needs several crossings of the stream, so plan for it. Don’t cross if the water is high.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it as an easy to intermediate walking track. Some parts can be hard to follow because of flood damage.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs are not allowed on the walkway.
Where does it start?
On Pohangina Road, about 3 km past Pohangina. Drive to Ashhurst, turn onto Pohangina Road and carry on through Pohangina to the signposted start.
When is the best time to go?
DOC describes it as a great summer walk. Avoid it during or after heavy rain, when the creek can rise.
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