Last updated July 2026
The Manawatū Cycleway is the regional cycle route running roughly 115 km from Mangaweka in the north, through Palmerston North, and out to Foxton Beach on the coast. It links several established sections including the He Ara Kotahi pathway, the Manawatū River Pathway and the Foxton Loop with on-road and off-road segments that together form one of the lower North Island’s longest signed cycling routes. Multi-day touring riders and section-by-section day-trippers both use it. The central Palmerston North to Foxton stretch is the most-completed and popular portion.
Practical Information
| Length | ~115 km Mangaweka to Foxton Beach (whole route) |
| Surface | Mix of sealed shared-paths, gravel road, and some on-road sections |
| Difficulty | Easy to intermediate; mostly flat through the Manawatū Plains; rural rolling country in the north |
| Bike type | Hybrid or gravel bike recommended; touring/MTB also fine |
| Best sections | Palmerston North (He Ara Kotahi + Manawatū River Pathway) and Foxton Beach loop |
| Direction | North-to-south is the more common touring direction (downhill on average) |
| Cost | Free public access throughout |
About the Manawatū Cycleway
The Manawatū Cycleway is a signed regional cycling corridor that brings together the region’s older shared pathways, river-corridor routes and rural roads into a continuous ride. The trail crosses the wider Manawatū-Whanganui region, taking riders from the small inland settlement of Mangaweka through farmland, the central city of Palmerston North, and out across the lower Manawatū Plains to the coast at Foxton Beach.
Sections are independently developed: the Mangaweka-Apiti rural stretch in the north, the Manawatū Gorge connection where SH3 takes you between the Tararua and Ruahine ranges, the urban He Ara Kotahi and Manawatū River Pathway sections through Palmerston North, the Foxton Loop, and the final spur to Foxton Beach. Surface and rideability varies; some sections are pure off-road sealed paths, others are quiet country roads with shoulder cycling.
The central Palmerston North to Foxton stretch is the most-popular day-ride section, with the urban pathway network through PN connecting smoothly into the rural lower-river country toward the coast. The route forms part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network as a Heartland Ride and follows the official Manawatū Scenic Route for much of its length.
Key Sections of the Route
He Ara Kotahi (PN central to Linton): 7.1 km sealed pathway with the iconic suspension bridge over the Manawatū River, traversing dairy farms, pā sites, forestry, a military camp and an eel sanctuary.
Manawatū River Pathway (PN urban): More than 10 km of sealed shared pathway along both river banks with multiple access points.
Foxton Loop and Beach connection: Short coastal-town loop with cafe and museum stops plus shared pathways leading to Foxton Beach.
Mangaweka to Apiti rural stretch: Quieter farming country in the north with scenic papa cliffs and rolling terrain.
Manawatū Gorge / Te Apiti connection: Cycling across the gap between the Tararua and Ruahine ranges with wind farms on the ridges.
What Visitors Often Say
Riders consistently describe the central Palmerston North to Foxton section as the most rewarding day-ride on the route: flat, sealed, well-signed, and with cafe/food stops at regular intervals. The He Ara Kotahi suspension bridge gets specific mentions as one of the iconic moments of the ride.
Common practical tips include riding north-to-south for the average downhill, checking wind forecasts as westerly headwinds on the coastal stretches can slow progress, using a hybrid or gravel bike rather than a road bike for gravel sections, and planning overnight stops for the full route as rural stretches have limited accommodation.
Where to Learn More
Palmerston North City Council: official details and maps for the Manawatū River Pathway and connected urban sections.
Manawatū NZ: regional tourism information with route descriptions, maps and visitor guides for the full cycleway.
New Zealand Cycle Trail: official Heartland Ride listing with overview and connections to the national network.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Manawatū Cycleway?
Approximately 115 km in total, from Mangaweka in the north to Foxton Beach on the coast.
Is the Manawatū Cycleway off-road?
Mostly. It mixes sealed shared-paths (the urban Palmerston North sections), gravel, and some on-road segments. Hybrid or gravel bikes are recommended.
What’s the best section to ride?
The central Palmerston North to Foxton stretch is the most popular: flat, sealed, well-signed, with regular food and cafe stops.
Can I do the whole Manawatū Cycleway in one day?
115 km in a day is doable for strong riders but most touring riders split it over 2 to 3 days with overnight stops.
What bike do I need for the Manawatū Cycleway?
A hybrid or gravel bike works best across all sections. A road bike is fine for the sealed urban segments but uncomfortable on the gravel stretches.
When’s the best time to ride?
Spring through autumn (October to April). Summer is warm but can be windy; autumn offers cooler temperatures and good light.
Is the cycleway free?
Yes, free public access throughout. No permits required.
Are dogs allowed on the Manawatū Cycleway?
Dogs are permitted on leads in most sections but check local bylaws for urban pathways and beach areas.
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