The Sledge Track Swimming Hole is a hidden bush-stream swimming spot reached via the popular Sledge Track walk in the Tararua foothills near Palmerston North. The pool sits in a native-bush setting with cooler water than the open-river options, suiting confident swimmers and those who like a more natural less-developed swim experience.
Access requires a moderate walk on the Sledge Track rather than roadside parking. This keeps the spot quieter than the developed reserve swim options. Bring sturdy footwear and water-quality awareness; the bush setting is part of the appeal.
Practical Information
| Location | Sledge Track, Tararua foothills near Palmerston North; access via Kahuterawa Road |
| Walk to swim hole | Moderate walk along the Sledge Track; allow 30-60 minutes each way depending on which pool you target |
| Setting | Native bush with stream pool |
| Water | Cool bush stream; clearer than main rivers but check conditions |
| Best for | Confident adult swimmers, walkers wanting a swim destination, quieter bush experiences |
| Facilities | None at the swim hole; basic at trailhead |
About the Swim Hole
The Sledge Track Swimming Hole is reached along the Sledge Track, a popular walking and tramping track in the Tararua foothills south of Palmerston North. The track follows a stream up a forested valley; swimming pools sit at various points along the stream where erosion has formed deeper sections.
The bush setting gives the swim a different character to the open-river spots. The water runs cooler because it stays in shaded bush rather than open sun, and is generally clearer because the catchment is forested rather than farmed. The trade-off is colder water year-round and a less-easy access compared to roadside reserves.
Allow 30-60 minutes walking each way depending on which pool you target. Pack as you would for a walk plus swim: sturdy footwear, water, snacks, towel, swim gear, and sun protection.
Swimming Safety
The Sledge Track pools are bush stream pools rather than developed swim facilities. Standard NZ stream-swimming cautions apply with extra care: cold water shock is a real risk in cooler bush streams; allow time to acclimatise before swimming. Pools can have hidden underwater snags, sharp rocks and varying depths.
Never swim alone in remote bush spots. Tell someone your plans and expected return time. Watch out for changing weather: bush stream pools can flash flood after heavy rain in upper catchment areas. Do not swim during or after heavy rain.
The cooler water also means hypothermia is a risk for longer swims even in summer. Get out, dry off and warm up if you feel cold; do not push through.
Combining With the Sledge Track Walk
For most visitors, the swim hole is part of a wider Sledge Track walk rather than the sole destination. The full Sledge Track is a popular Tararua foothills walk with views, native bush and varied terrain. Allow 2-4 hours for the full walk; add 30-60 minutes for a swim stop.
The track shares the wider Kahuterawa Valley recreation area with the Arapuke Forest Park MTB network and Turitea Reserve. A full Kahuterawa day can combine a Sledge Track walk and swim with one of these other Kahuterawa options.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers and swimmers describe the Sledge Track swimming hole as one of the more characterful and less-developed swim options near PN. The bush setting, the cooler clearer water, and the walk-in nature of the access all draw specific positive mentions. The pools are not for everyone; people wanting easy roadside swim access head elsewhere.
Practical observations: water is cold even in midsummer (acclimatise before fully entering); allow time for the walk in and out; never swim alone in remote bush; do not swim after heavy rain (flash flood risk); pack sturdy footwear plus swim gear; combine with the wider Sledge Track walk for a fuller outing.
Where to Learn More
PNCC: Kahuterawa Valley: covers the wider Kahuterawa Valley recreation area including Sledge Track access.
Water Safety NZ: general guidance on stream swimming, cold-water acclimatisation and supervising children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Sledge Track swimming hole?
Reached via the Sledge Track in the Tararua foothills south of Palmerston North, accessed via Kahuterawa Road.
How long is the walk in?
30-60 minutes each way depending on which pool you target.
Is the water cold?
Yes, cold even in midsummer because the stream runs in shaded bush. Allow time to acclimatise before fully entering.
Is it safe to swim?
Stream pools are not developed swim facilities. Never swim alone, do not swim after heavy rain (flash flood risk), watch for hidden snags.
Are there facilities?
None at the swim hole; basic facilities at the Sledge Track trailhead.
Is it suitable for children?
Older confident children with adult supervision in calmer pool edges. Not for young or non-confident swimmers.
Can I combine with the Sledge Track walk?
Yes, most visitors do. Full Sledge Track is 2-4 hours; add 30-60 minutes for a swim stop.
For more swim spots, see swimming in Palmerston North. Pair with Sledge Track walk for the wider Tararua foothills experience.