The road State Highway Three through Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge may be closed but the walking and running trails are still wide open. Just a 15 minute drive from Palmerston North city, park at the Ashhurst side entrance and take on the 4km Tawa Loop – an approximately 45 minute run with undulating sections to keep your fitness levels up. You can also head to Windy Point Look out along the main Manawatū Gorge Track via the Tawa Loop, which takes about 2hrs to do return. Flourishing birdsong and evergreen native bush makes this a go-to spot for runners, walkers and families alike.

With access points on Tennent Drive or along Massey University Avenue, this inner city park in Palmerston North city offers fantastic, relatively flat trails for runners on their lunch break or for weekend explorers.  Majestic redwoods, tranquil streams, beautiful native bush and the Massey Arboretum are scenic highlights along the way. Dogs are welcome too but must be on a leash.

Every Saturday morning at 8am, you can join hundreds of Parkrun enthusiasts for a free 5km timed run along the scenic Manawatū River Pathway in the city beginning at Fitzherbert Bridge. Dog friendly (on a leash please), buggy friendly and wheelchair friendly, this is a place where everyone is welcome. Post run coffee at The Elm Café just 500m from the finish line makes this a very active and social way to kick start your weekend.  

Palmerston North Parkrun is part of a global phenomenon with two million registered runners and volunteers who organise weekly timed runs around the world.

Enjoy an easy 6km loop run (mostly on trails) starting from the South Street entrance of Kōwhai Park in Feilding towards Kitchener Park. The first 2km follows a trail beside the Makino Stream which then leads to a loop track through Kitchener Park along a scenic boardwalk surrounded by beautiful native bush and wetlands. Keep an eye out for New Zealand’s tallest kōwhai tree as well as an 800 year old kahikatea. Toilets are available at both parks. 

Challenge your fitness levels and your adventurous side too at this annual must-do event held at the Rangitīkei Farmstay in Marton. From elite athletes to keen novices, The Mudder is an unforgettable experience everyone can enjoy. Course distances range from 3km, 5km to 8km treks through natural springs, dams, bogs, rugged hills, man made obstacles and a whole lot of mud.

Stay up to date with the next Mudder here.

Experience what it’s like inside New Zealand’s largest army base at Linton Military Camp’s annual Tough Guy and Gal challenge each winter. For a muddy good time running through swamp crossings, stunning native bush trails, tunnels and hurdles, year after year, locals as well visitors to our region rave about this extreme off-road running event that will definitely keep you on your toes. 

Stay up to date with the next Tough Guy and Gal challenge here.