Pohangina Valley Route

The Pohangina Valley driving route is New Zealand countryside at its best. It hosts an amazing array of activities, gardens, walks and more.

Starting from Colyton and Ashhurst you will see the landscape evolve dramatically as you head up into the Pohangina Valley. Lush, green clad terraces frame the river, whilst the Ruahine Range provides a dramatic backdrop.

Visit the local winery, explore some of the easily accessible native bush walks or picnic alongside the river. Also see a wetlands, garden or heritage collection. Be inspired by the local history and culture and immerse yourself in what is one of the Manawatu Region's most spectacular spots to visit.

Driving Instructions:

Heading North: Heading from Feilding, travel North on Kimbolton Road, then turn right onto Colyton Road. Follow this road then turn right onto Watershed Road. Follow this road to the end then turn left onto Ashhurst Road. Stay on this through to Mulgrave Street, then at the end of Mulgrave Street turn left onto Cambridge Ave. Continue up Cambridge Ave, which will become Pohangina Road. Just past Raumai, you will see a small T-intersection. Take the right hand turn into Pohangina Valley East Road. Continue on this road, through Komako and Umutoi until you get to the Oroua Valley Road T-intersection, where you will need to turn left to head down to Apiti. You can continue on past Apiti to the end of the route, which brings you up from the valley and out onto Rangiwahia Road, north of Kimbolton.

Heading South: North of Kimbolton, turn right onto Apiti Road. This road is slightly steep, but is extremely scenic. Continue down this road, which becomes Oroua Valley Road. Drive through Apiti, past the Apiti Tavern. Approximately 2km up the road; you will need to turn right onto Pohangina Valley East Road. Continue down this road through Umutoi and Komako, and down through Awahou North. Pohangina Valley Road will eventually bring you to a T-intersection, where you need to turn left onto Pohangina Road.Travel down this road, into Ashhurst where the road becomes Cambridge Avenue. In Ashhurst, turn right onto Mulgrave Street, and follow this on as it becomes Ashhurst Road. Take a right onto Watershed Road and head up until you see Colyton Road. Turn left into Colyton Road and continue down this road until you meet Kimbolton Road.

View & Download the Trail

Click here to see an abridged version of the Pohangina Valley Route on The Country Road on EveryTrail.