The Tararua Range south of Palmerston North offers some of the more challenging cycling within easy reach of the city: foothill rural roads through Linton and Tokomaru, the Saddle Road climb between the Tararua and Ruahine ranges, and longer route options into the Wairarapa for serious touring riders. These routes suit intermediate-to-advanced riders comfortable with rolling-country gradients, light-to-moderate traffic and longer day-ride distances of 50 to 100 km.
Practical Information
| Location | Tararua Range foothills south and east of Palmerston North |
| Key routes | Linton-Tokomaru loop, Saddle Road, Pahiatua Track, Pahiatua-Eketahuna run |
| Difficulty | Intermediate to advanced; rolling country with climb sections |
| Bike type | Road bike for sealed routes; gravel bike if mixing in back roads |
| Typical distance | 50 to 100 km day-rides |
| Best season | Spring and autumn; summer windy; winter wet |
| Traffic | Light on rural lanes; moderate on Saddle Road and SH57 |
| Cost | Free public roads |
About Tararua Range Cycling
The Tararua Range rises south of Palmerston North as one of the lower North Island’s main mountain ranges, separating the Manawatū Plains from the Wairarapa to the south-east. For cyclists, the range provides a backdrop of rolling foothill country, with rural roads threading through farming country at the base of the hills. Routes through Linton and Tokomaru are accessible from the city via SH57 or via the He Ara Kotahi pathway extended south. The Saddle Road climbs between the Tararua and Ruahine ranges, offering a serious ride for cyclists wanting altitude and views.
The classic riding routes here include the Linton-Tokomaru loop (sealed, rolling, ~50 km), the Pahiatua Track (steeper climb route from Palmerston North side, sealed), and the Pahiatua-Eketahuna run for longer-distance touring riders heading toward the Wairarapa. Surfaces are sealed on the main routes; secondary back roads include gravel sections. Traffic is light on the rural lanes and moderate on Saddle Road and SH57.
Standout Routes
- Linton-Tokomaru loop: ~50 km, sealed, rolling Tararua-foothills country
- Saddle Road: classic climb between the Tararua and Ruahine ranges; ~25 km from PN
- Pahiatua Track: steep sealed climb from the Palmerston North side over the Tararua to Pahiatua
- Pahiatua-Eketahuna run: longer touring route into the upper Wairarapa
- Te Apiti / Manawatū Gorge: shorter ride east to the gorge area for the wind farms and lookouts
What Visitors Often Say
Local cyclists describe the Tararua-foothills routes as the rewarding next-step for riders who have outgrown the flat Palmerston North urban pathways. The rolling country, the Saddle Road climb, and the option to extend into the Wairarapa for multi-day touring all get specific mentions. The Linton-Tokomaru loop is the most popular standard day ride.
Common practical tips: bring food and water (cafe stops are sparse); check the weather forecast (the ranges generate their own weather and conditions change quickly); use proper climbing gearing for the Saddle Road and Pahiatua Track; consider the Linton-Tokomaru loop as the easier intermediate option before tackling the climbs; and avoid Saddle Road in heavy southerly weather (exposed and windy).
Where to Learn More
Manawatū NZ tourism: regional tourism site with cycling route ideas including the Tararua foothills and Saddle Road.
MetService: weather forecast. Essential pre-ride check for the Tararua and Saddle Road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Tararua Range cycling routes?
South and east of Palmerston North, accessing the foothills via SH57, Saddle Road, the Pahiatua Track and rural lanes through Linton and Tokomaru.
What’s the best Tararua-foothills loop?
The Linton-Tokomaru loop (~50 km, sealed, rolling) is the standard intermediate day ride.
How hard is the Saddle Road climb?
Serious climb between the Tararua and Ruahine ranges; suits intermediate-to-advanced riders with appropriate climbing gearing.
Can I cycle to the Wairarapa from Palmerston North?
Yes, via the Pahiatua Track and then onward to Pahiatua-Eketahuna. Longer touring riders use this route to connect to the Wairarapa cycling scene.
Is traffic heavy on the Tararua routes?
Light on the rural back lanes; moderate on Saddle Road and SH57.
When’s the best season?
Spring (October to November) and autumn (March to May): mild temperatures, less wind, fewer wet days.
Are there cafe stops?
Sparse outside the small rural settlements. Bring water and snacks for the longer rides.
For more PN cycling, see the cycling tracks hub. Combine with the Manawatū River Pathway for an easy warm-up before heading out south.