Titoki Reserve runs through one of the main gullies of Summerhill, a residential suburb on the southeastern edge of Palmerston North. The reserve and its walkway have been transformed from former farmland into a regenerating native-bush gully through a long-running programme of Green Corridors plantings, with help from community volunteers and corporate sponsors including Ricoh New Zealand.
The Titoki Walkway follows the gully system between Cliff Road and Aokautere Drive, giving walkers an accessible bush-gully route through the suburb. The walkway connects to the Poutoa Walkway further west and together both form part of the council’s Green Corridors network across southern Palmerston North.
Practical Information
| Location | Summerhill suburb, southeastern Palmerston North |
| Walkway route | Between Cliff Road and Aokautere Drive, through a gully system |
| Type | Council reserve and walkway, part of the Green Corridors network |
| Plantings | Transformed from farmland by Green Corridors plantings with community volunteers and Ricoh New Zealand |
| Connects to | Poutoa Walkway (Green Corridors network) |
| Cost | Free |
| Best for | Summerhill locals, gully walking, Green Corridors loop, casual exercise |
About Titoki Reserve
Titoki Reserve sits in the Summerhill area on the southeastern edge of Palmerston North. The reserve protects one of the main gullies of the suburb and gives the residential area its main native-bush walking link.
What makes Titoki Reserve distinctive is the transformation story. The gully was former farmland; over years of Green Corridors planting work, supported by community volunteers and corporate sponsorship from Ricoh New Zealand, the gully has been replanted with native vegetation typical of lowland New Zealand ecosystems, creating habitat for local birds and small native fauna.
Titoki Walkway and the Green Corridors Network
The Titoki Walkway threads through the reserve, following the gully system between Cliff Road and Aokautere Drive. It is rated for walking and leisurely strolls and accessible to a range of fitness levels.
The walkway is part of the council’s Green Corridors network and connects west to the Poutoa Walkway, allowing walkers to extend their route through the linked gully systems. Both walkways are open to the public at all times.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers describe Titoki Reserve as one of the better suburban gully walks in southern Palmerston North, with the regenerating native plantings, the Cliff Road to Aokautere Drive route, and the link through to the Poutoa Walkway all drawing positive specific mentions. The Green Corridors transformation from farmland is regularly cited as the reserve’s standout feature.
Practical observations: gully walking includes ups and downs so it is moderate rather than flat; pick your direction depending on where you parked (Cliff Road or Aokautere Drive); combine with the Poutoa Walkway for a longer Green Corridors loop; the walkway is open at all times; check current dog rules with the council page.
Where to Learn More
PNCC: Titoki Reserve: official Palmerston North City Council reserve page.
PNCC: Titoki Walkway: full walkway page with route detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Titoki Reserve?
In the Summerhill suburb of southeastern Palmerston North, running between Cliff Road and Aokautere Drive.
Why is the planting so notable?
The gully was former farmland; Green Corridors plantings (with community volunteers and Ricoh New Zealand support) have transformed it into a regenerating native-bush corridor.
Does it connect to other walks?
Yes. The Titoki Walkway connects to the Poutoa Walkway as part of the council’s Green Corridors network.
Is the walkway accessible at all times?
Yes. It is part of the city walkway system and is open to the public at all times.
Is it suitable for buggies?
It is a gully walkway with ups and downs so it is moderate rather than flat – not ideal for buggies.
Is it free?
Yes. Free public reserve and walkway.
Are dogs allowed?
Check the PNCC page for current dog rules at this reserve and walkway.
For more gully walks and reserves, see the Palmerston North walking tracks hub or the parks and reserves hub.