Last updated July 2026
Turitea is a small rural suburb of Palmerston North on the southern side of the Manawatū River, south of Massey University. It covers a large area with very low population density and is characterised by lifestyle properties, bush and rolling rural land. The suburb is best known for the Turitea Reserve, which supplies around 60 percent of the city’s water, and for its network of walkways. Turitea also contains the culturally significant Turitea Pā site and is the planned location of a wind farm.
Practical Information
| Location | Southern side of the Manawatū River, south of Massey University, Palmerston North |
| Population (2023 Census) | 153 |
| Area | 23.58 km² |
| Character | Rural residential and lifestyle blocks |
| Key features | Turitea Reserve (water supply), walkways, Turitea Pā, Turitea School |
| Access | Via Old West Road, Turitea Road, Pacific Drive and Aokautere Drive |
About Turitea
Turitea lies on the southern side of the Manawatū River and forms part of the Fitzherbert Ward. The suburb is predominantly rural-residential with a small number of dwellings spread across a large area of bush and farmland. Its defining feature is the Turitea Reserve, the largest reserve administered by Palmerston North City Council and the source of approximately 60 percent of the city’s water supply.
The reserve and surrounding valley also support several popular walkways. The Turitea and Adderstone Walkways climb from Old West Road car park through gravel and chip-seal paths to Turitea Road and Pacific Drive, offering views over the Manawatū countryside. The Turitea Green Corridor Walkway passes through early plantings of the city’s biodiversity initiative.
Turitea Pā is one of Palmerston North’s most culturally significant sites. In 2022 the council installed a two-storey cantilevered lookout platform at the pā. The suburb is also the planned location of the Turitea Wind Farm.
Turitea School, a state primary school for Years 1–6, opened in 1895 and had a roll of 122 students as of March 2026. The small resident population lives mainly in lifestyle properties that benefit from proximity to the city while enjoying a quiet rural setting.
Water Supply and Turitea Reserve
The Turitea Reserve is a strategic asset for Palmerston North. The original dam was built in the early 1900s and later raised; the reserve continues to supply the majority of the city’s drinking water. Public access is managed to protect the water catchment while allowing recreational use on designated tracks.
Walkways and Recreation
Several walkways provide access to the reserve and surrounding hills. Surfaces are mainly gravel and chip seal. The routes suit walkers and cyclists seeking moderate exercise with rural views. Access points include Old West Road, Turitea Road, Pacific Drive and Aokautere Drive.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers and locals appreciate the quiet rural setting, the views from the higher tracks, and the easy access to bush and farmland close to the city. The area is used mainly by residents and people visiting the walkways or the pā lookout.
Practical notes include the need for a car for most trips, the presence of the local primary school, and the contrast between the sparse housing and the extensive reserve land.
Where to Learn More
Palmerston North City Council – Turitea Pā: details on the culturally significant site and 2022 lookout platform.
Palmerston North City Council – Turitea and Adderstone Walkways: track descriptions, surfaces and access points.
Palmerston North City Council – Turitea Reserve Management Plan: information on the reserve as a water-supply asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Turitea located?
Turitea is a suburb on the southern side of the Manawatū River, south of Massey University in Palmerston North.
What is the population of Turitea?
The 2023 Census recorded a population of 153 people.
What is the Turitea Reserve used for?
The reserve supplies around 60 percent of Palmerston North’s drinking water and contains walking tracks.
Are there walkways in Turitea?
Yes. The Turitea and Adderstone Walkways and the Turitea Green Corridor Walkway offer gravel and chip-seal paths with rural views.
Is there a school in Turitea?
Turitea School is a state primary school for Years 1–6 that opened in 1895.
What cultural sites are in the area?
Turitea Pā is a significant site with a two-storey cantilevered lookout platform installed in 2022.
Is Turitea suitable for lifestyle living?
The suburb consists mainly of rural-residential and lifestyle-block properties set among bush and farmland.
How do I access the walkways?
Access points include Old West Road car park, Turitea Road, Pacific Drive and Aokautere Drive.
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