Venture off the paved path along well-trodden dirt paths down to the rocky riverbanks, and reach the river’s edge. Here you can skip stones, connect with nature, and find a moment of mindfulness. Along the way are several sets of giant steps where you can picnic, ponder and soak up the awa views. 

Make sure to check our Guide to Staying Safe before getting into the water.

The striking He Ara Kotahi bridge is aptly named the “pathway that brings people together” – where visitors, trainers, and commuters  can merge city with country, past with present and work with home and play. 

Originally designed to provide a safe and direct route to educational centres east of the river, it’s also an opportunity for residents and guests to connect with the rich farmland, and the history of surrounding areas. 

More than just a bridge, this piece of local toi (art) exists for the people and by the people. The entirety of the design gives nod to the karaka tree grove that originally provided food and shelter for the local early settlers, the Rangitāne iwi. At night, be sure to watch underfoot for the bespoke Rangitāne design, cleverly lit and patterned to symbolise the puriri waka and koru – life in the tree and the people around it. 

But don’t stop there! 

Carry on to the lesser known (but just as adventurous) series of four unique bridges along the undulating 7.1km track to Linton Military Camp. Each with its own impressive design, the bridges bring you up to forest blocks, amongst a canopy of native trees, over an eel breeding site, and swinging over a stream. 

Journey along He Ara Kotahi and the Manawatū River Pathways to explore the six sites of special significance, scan the QR code at each marker and, whether you’re local hapori (community) or manuhiri (visitors) to our region, you’ll be provided with an authentic and trusted source of ancestral knowledge through an innovative and interactive storytelling experience. Interact with video interviews, stories, illustrated recreations and animations to discover what life was like as far back as the 1600s. With 8 kms of river pathways to explore between all six sites, you have the option to walk, cycle or make use of the nearby Flamingo scooters to visit all the sites. By car you can visit all but one of these sites (Turitea Pā requires a 5km return walk, or cycle from He Ara Kotahi bridge car park. Please note that the scooters' range does not allow you to get all the way to the Turitea Pā site).

Choose a fine morning or afternoon in your weekend, pack a drink bottle, your phone, and a sense of adventure and get exploring!

The wide open flat spaces of Manawatū River Pathway and He Ara Kotahi beat the treadmill any day. With sign-posted running and walking loops of every distance imaginable, it doesn’t matter if you are exercising your pup or yourself, there are options for marathon runners and casual joggers alike. Fitness fans can find their happy place amongst the open-air gym equipment available near the Fitzherbert Avenue entrance near the road bridge. Those who prefer the slower approach will find bench seats strategically placed to stop and take in the seasonal views.  

Cyclists and mountain bikers, follow your nose through the fragrant pine forest by the Albert Street entrance to find a few special trails and ride a dirt pump track amongst the trees. Head west and you’ll find another hidden network of dirt trails and pathways at Ahimate Reserve. 

Though walkers and cyclists share the path, those on two wheels will also find mini-tracks to ride along the way, with dips, jumps and bumps thrown in for those seeking an adrenaline fix. 

Between the Fitzherbert Avenue bridge and He Ara Kotahi there’s a plethora of bush trails that merge into Victoria Esplanade for more nature time. Explore with a curious mind and you’ll find world-renowned rose gardens,, a paddling pool, duck pond, aviary, a flying fox, Café Esplanade, the Esplanade Scenic Railway, Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery and a variety of playgrounds for all ages. 

Like the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, Awapuni’s Ahimate Reserve, is a local favourite at the end of Maxwell's Line. Catch some rays or bring your bike to tackle the thrilling tracks and jumps of the mountain bike park, or let your pooch run off-leash with Palmy’s finest dog agility park. Tamariki can play the day away while connecting with the environment, on a natural playground full of giant logs and low-hanging trees.   

At 22  hectares, the Manawatū River Pathway weaves through the entirety of the park. Rich with local history, and home to a fairy grotto, local art, and even a resident ghost in the trees, it’s treasured for its sense of wilderness and remoteness. Visit once and chances are you’ll keep coming back again and again.