Image: Shellie Evans | ©
Kahikatea walk.
Kahikatea Walk

Located in Pohangina Valley area in the Manawatu/Whanganui region

This easy walk is a great introduction to broadleaved forest suitable for young and old.

The well defined and easy to follow track is suitable for the whole family (except those on wheels).

As the name of the walk suggests, mature kahikatea are the stars in this reserve. Lie on your back, look up at the canopy and admire these majestic forest giants. 

The track is 6.3 km / 6 min drive south of Pohangina Base Campsite and Pohangina Base lodge. They are ideal accommodation options for exploring the area. 

The track is located in the Pohangina Valley about 40 minutes drive from Palmerston North. From Ashhurst, drive north along Pohangina Road, then turn right onto Pohangina Valley East Road and stay on this road. The track entrance is on the left approximately 1 km past Arbon's Road.

There is a stand of rata trees beside the track that started out life by piggy-backing on larger trees. They perch in the tree as an epiphyte and send down roots that then form their ground support. As the rata grows, its roots become twisted and interwoven with each other. The rata then grows larger than its host tree, sometimes killing it in the process.