Last updated July 2026
The Tōtara Reserve Regional Park covers 340 hectares of native forest in the Pohangina Valley and serves as the Horizons Region’s only regional park. It features a network of walking tracks through lowland bush, popular swimming holes in the Pohangina River, and established camping facilities. The reserve lies about 45 minutes’ drive north-east of Palmerston North and supports day visits or overnight stays combining walks, swims and picnics.
Practical Information
| Location | Pohangina Valley, approximately 45 minutes drive north-east of Palmerston North |
| Park size | 340 hectares of native forest |
| Tracks | Nature trails (10 minutes to 1 hour); Pettifar Loop Track (1-2 hours); Fern Walk (3-4 hours) |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate; some tracks can become boggy after rain |
| Swimming | Pohangina River at Kererū campground; check current LAWA water quality |
| Camping | Powered and non-powered sites available; fees apply and advance booking recommended in summer |
| Cost | Day use free; camping fees from around $16 non-powered |
About Tōtara Reserve
Tōtara Reserve protects a significant area of lowland podocarp forest including mature tōtara, rimu, matai and kahikatea. The park sits in the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges beside the Pohangina River, offering a mix of dense bush, river terraces and open flats. It functions as a key recreation destination for the Manawatū region with facilities managed by Horizons Regional Council.
Access is via Pohangina Valley Road. Three tracks can also be reached from Pohangina Valley East Road on the approach to the main camping areas. The reserve supports a range of activities that suit families, day trippers and those seeking longer bush walks.
Recent events including Cyclone Gabrielle caused permanent closure of the Gilchrist Track after a section fell into the river. Visitors should check the official website for current track status before heading out.
Walking Tracks
A network of trails winds through varied bush behind the camping areas. Short nature trails suit low fitness levels and take 10 minutes to one hour. These provide easy access to representative forest sections near the day-use zones.
The Pettifar Loop Track offers a low-to-moderate 1-2 hour circuit that descends terraces to the Pohangina River and follows a section of the historic Old Coach Road. It can become boggy after rainfall. The Fern Walk provides a moderate 3-4 hour option through the most intact lowland forest, featuring kahikatea stands, nīkau palms and ancient tōtara, rimu and rātā.
Track maps are available on the reserve website. Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially for longer or wetter routes. No dogs are permitted on the tracks.
Swimming in the Pohangina River
The Pohangina River at the Kererū campground provides a popular summer swimming spot with clear water and river holes suitable for families. Swimming is a favourite activity alongside walking and picnicking.
Water quality is monitored weekly during the swimming season (typically November to April). Visitors must check the latest LAWA reports before entering the water and exercise caution near unstable cliffs or after heavy rain. The site is unsupervised.
Camping and Day Facilities
Two campgrounds offer powered and non-powered sites, hot showers, electric barbecues and a fire pit. An adventure playground is located at the Kererū site. Day visitors have free access to parking, picnic areas, toilets and river frontage.
Camping operates seasonally with advance bookings essential during peak summer months (December to January). Fees start from approximately $16 for non-powered sites. All food and supplies must be brought as there is no shop on site.
What Visitors Often Say
Families and locals praise Tōtara Reserve as a reliable summer destination combining bush walks with river swimming and camping. The variety of track lengths and the setting close to Palmerston North receive frequent positive comments.
Practical notes include booking camping early for summer weekends, checking water quality on LAWA before swimming, wearing sturdy shoes on longer tracks, and bringing all supplies as facilities are limited on site.
Where to Learn More
Horizons Regional Council: official information on Tōtara Reserve Regional Park including track details and camping.
LAWA: current water quality monitoring for the Pohangina River at Tōtara Reserve.
Tōtara Reserve Regional Park: dedicated site with track descriptions, maps and booking information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tōtara Reserve?
In the Pohangina Valley approximately 45 minutes drive north-east of Palmerston North via Pohangina Valley Road.
What tracks are available?
Nature trails (10 minutes to 1 hour), Pettifar Loop Track (1-2 hours) and Fern Walk (3-4 hours). The Gilchrist Track is permanently closed.
Is swimming available?
Yes, in the Pohangina River at the Kererū campground. Always check current LAWA water quality reports first.
Can I camp at Tōtara Reserve?
Yes, powered and non-powered sites are available with fees applying. Book ahead for peak summer.
Is day use free?
Yes, day use including parking, picnicking and walking is free.
Are dogs allowed?
No, dogs are not permitted on the tracks or in the reserve.
What facilities are on site?
Toilets, picnic areas, barbecues, showers at the campground and an adventure playground.
How do I check track conditions?
Visit the official Tōtara Reserve or Horizons Regional Council websites for maps and current status updates.
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