Kahuterawa Reserve is the riverside reserve at the end of Kahuterawa Road, 17 km south of Palmerston North, marking the main entrance to Arapuke Forest Park mountain biking trails. The reserve sits beside the Kahuterawa Stream in the Tararua foothills, providing parking, picnic spots, toilets and the Manawatū Mountain Bike Club (MMBC) shelter for riders accessing the trail network.
Beyond the MTB access, the reserve is a quiet picnic and short-walk destination in its own right, with the stream providing swimming spots in summer and the surrounding Tararua-foothills bush forming the natural backdrop.
Practical Information
| Location | End of Kahuterawa Road, ~17 km south of Palmerston North |
| Main use | Arapuke Forest Park mountain bike trail access; picnic and short walks |
| Facilities | MMBC shelter, bike wash, toilets, picnic tables, parking |
| Swimming | Kahuterawa Stream swimming spots in summer |
| Cost | Free public access |
| Managed by | Palmerston North City Council; MMBC manages the trails |
| Best for | MTB riders, picnickers, summer river swimmers |
About Kahuterawa Reserve
The Kahuterawa Reserve sits at the end of Kahuterawa Road in the Tararua foothills south of Palmerston North, at the natural junction between the lower farming country and the rising bush-clad slopes of Arapuke Forest Park. The reserve is the main visitor gateway to the 50+ km Arapuke mountain bike trail network, with the MMBC shelter, bike wash and toilets installed by the Manawatū Mountain Bike Club for trail users.
Beyond the MTB function, the reserve serves as a quiet picnic spot. The Kahuterawa Stream flows through the reserve providing swimming holes in summer (best after a week of warm weather; check water clarity). Picnic tables and the grassed reserve areas suit family lunches; the surrounding bush gives shade.
The drive in via Kahuterawa Road covers nearly 10 km of mostly-sealed road through rolling farming country, with the last section narrowing as the road climbs toward the reserve and the Arapuke trail entry.
Combining With Arapuke
- Arapuke MTB trails: 50+ km of trails graded 2 to 6; main access from this reserve
- MMBC shelter: trail information, bike wash, toilets
- Kahuterawa Stream: swimming holes in summer
- Picnic areas: grassed reserve with tables under trees
- Scotts Road alternate entry: top entrance to Arapuke via SH57 turnoff
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers describe Kahuterawa Reserve as the natural staging point for Arapuke mountain bike trips. The MMBC shelter, bike wash and toilets get specific mentions for making the trail experience easier. The reserve also draws picnic families and summer swimmers looking for a quieter alternative to the central PN parks.
Common practical tips: combine MTB ride with a stream swim and picnic for a full afternoon; check trail status on Trailforks before riding (some closed seasonally for maintenance); bring food and water (no shop at the reserve); consider Scotts Road entry for easier beginner trails; and donate to MMBC if you enjoy the trail network.
Where to Learn More
PNCC, Arapuke Forest Park: official council page covering Kahuterawa Reserve and the wider park.
Manawatū Mountain Bike Club: trail status, events and membership info.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kahuterawa Reserve?
At the end of Kahuterawa Road, about 17 km south of Palmerston North in the Tararua foothills.
What’s the main use?
The main entrance to Arapuke Forest Park mountain biking trails. The reserve also serves as a picnic spot with stream swimming in summer.
Are there facilities?
Yes, the MMBC shelter (trail info), a bike wash, toilets, picnic tables and parking.
Can I swim in the Kahuterawa Stream?
Yes, in summer at the stream swimming holes. Check water clarity before swimming, particularly after rain.
Is the road sealed?
Mostly sealed for the ~10 km drive from PN. The last section narrows as the road climbs toward the reserve.
Is the reserve free?
Yes, free public access.
Can I camp?
No, day-use only. For camping, check Tōtara Reserve or Ashhurst Domain.
For more PN parks, see the parks and reserves hub. Combine with Arapuke Forest Park MTB for the trail-network detail.