Scenic cycling beyond the central Palmerston North urban pathway network opens onto the wider Manawatū’s rural roads and country lanes: through the Pohangina Valley north-east, around the Kimbolton high country to the north, into Feilding and the farming country west, and through the foothills of the Tararua and Ruahine ranges to the east and south. These rural rides give riders the rolling-country experience that the flat urban pathways don’t, with light traffic, good road shoulders on most routes, and the option for full-day or multi-day touring.
Practical Information
| Type | Rural road cycling beyond the Palmerston North urban pathway network |
| Difficulty | Intermediate; mostly flat on the plains, rolling country to the north and east |
| Bike type | Road or gravel bike |
| Traffic | Light to moderate on the main rural roads; very light on the secondary lanes |
| Typical routes | Pohangina Valley loop, Kimbolton loop, Feilding ring, Tararua foothills |
| Day-ride distances | Most rural loops 40 to 80 km |
| Cost | Free public roads |
| Best for | Intermediate-to-experienced riders wanting longer rural-touring rides |
About Scenic Manawatū Cycling
The wider Manawatū region opens up some of the lower North Island’s best rural cycling once you ride beyond the central Palmerston North pathway network. Routes north into the Pohangina Valley follow the river through farming country, with the dramatic Ruahine Range as a backdrop. The Kimbolton high country to the north offers rolling sheep-and-cattle country with quieter back roads and gardens to visit. Routes west into Feilding connect with the Manawatū Cycleway and the Friday Farmers Market town for cafe stops. South and east into the Tararua foothills opens up Te Apiti / Manawatū Gorge cycling and the rural roads toward Linton and Tokomaru.
Most rural rides suit road or gravel bikes; surfaces are sealed on the main routes with gravel on the secondary lanes. Traffic is light to moderate on the main rural roads (SH3, SH54, Pohangina Valley Road) and very light on the secondary back roads. Cellular coverage is mostly good across the region; bring water and food because cafe stops can be 20 to 40 km apart in the rural sections.
Standout Rural Loops
- Pohangina Valley loop: north-east of PN, ~40 km, rolling country with the Ruahine Range as backdrop
- Kimbolton high country: north, ~60 km, rolling sheep country with garden visits possible
- Feilding ring: west, ~30 km via SH54 or back roads; combines with Feilding Farmers Market on Fridays
- Tararua foothills (Linton / Tokomaru): south, ~50 km, rolling country with Tararua views
- Te Apiti / Manawatū Gorge: east, ~25 km to the gorge; quieter route via Saddle Road avoids the highway
What Visitors Often Say
Local cyclists describe the rural Manawatū as one of the lower North Island’s most under-rated cycling regions. The light traffic, rolling country, good road surfaces and the variety of route options between the plains, the valleys and the hill country all get specific mentions. The Pohangina Valley and Kimbolton loops are repeat favourites.
Common practical tips: check the wind forecast (the region is windy and the rural roads are exposed); bring water and snacks (cafe stops are sparse outside the main towns); use a road or gravel bike (some routes have gravel sections); start early in summer to beat the wind and heat; and consider the Friday Feilding ride for a Farmers Market cafe stop.
Where to Learn More
Manawatū NZ tourism: regional tourism site with cycling route ideas and maps for the wider Manawatū.
PNCC, Cycling in Palmerston North: official council cycling pages including connections out to the rural network.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best rural cycling near Palmerston North?
The Pohangina Valley loop (~40 km north-east), the Kimbolton high country (~60 km north), and the Feilding ring (~30 km west) are the standouts. The Tararua foothills loop toward Linton/Tokomaru is also rewarding.
What bike do I need for rural Manawatū cycling?
A road or gravel bike works on most routes. Some secondary back roads have gravel sections better suited to a gravel bike.
How busy is traffic on the rural roads?
Light to moderate on the main rural roads (SH3, SH54, Pohangina Valley Road); very light on the secondary back roads.
Are there cafe stops on the rural routes?
Stops are sparse outside the main towns. Bring water and snacks. The Feilding ride is the easy exception because of the town centre cafes.
When’s the best season for rural Manawatū cycling?
Spring (October to November) and autumn (March to May): mild temperatures, less wind, good light. Summer is warm but often windy.
How do I avoid wind?
Ride early in the morning before the wind picks up; check the forecast for direction; plan loop directions to favour tailwinds where possible.
Can I link the rural rides to the urban pathways?
Yes. The Manawatū Cycleway connects the urban pathways into the rural network in both directions, plus you can ride out via Fitzherbert or He Ara Kotahi and pick up the rural routes from there.
For more PN cycling, see the cycling tracks hub. Combine with the Manawatū Cycleway for the regional connector route.