Family-friendly walks and tramps in Manawatu/Whanganui

Papaitonga Scenic Reserve walks

Take a short, easy walk around a dune lake with some great spots to enjoy views and look for and listen to birds – it's a good option for kids.

Gordon Park Loop Track

This flat and well-formed track passes through native podocarp-hardwood forest and has a variety of birds - with a picnic table at the start, it's a good option for families.

Manawatu Gorge Tawa Loop Walk

This track passes through native podocarp broadleaved forest with views over Palmerston North and Ashhurst. It's a good option for kids and they can earn a Kiwi Guardians medal.

Rangiwahia Hut Track

This well-graded track to the tussock tops on Whanahuia Range is a great overnight tramp for families with children and new trampers.

Manawatu Gorge Loop Track

This is an easy loop walk through bush a short distance from Palmerston North - it's a good option for families with children.

Alice Nash Memorial Heritage Lodge Track

This track in the scenic Oroua River valley can be enjoyed as a half day tramp but it's also a good overnight tramp for families with children and new trampers.

Mangaweka Scenic Reserve Track

Enjoy great views over the Rangitikei River terraces on this short loop walk that's suitable for children.

Te Maire Loop Track

Walk through a fine example of the podocarp forest that once covered much of the central North Island. It's a suitable track for kids.

Sunrise Track

This well-graded track is a great overnight tramp for families with children and new trampers - it passes through changing forest types to the open tops, with great views of the Hawke’s Bay plains and excellent sunrises from the hut.

Bruce Park Loop Track

An easy walk through a podocarp and broadleaf forest remnant with impressive specimens of rimu, totara and kahikatea - great for kids and they can earn a Kiwi Guardians medal too!

Atene Viewpoint Walk

Just 40 minutes drive from Whanganui this is a great walk for families to a viewpoint over Whanganui National Park - there is a picnic table 20 minutes from the start with spectacular views of the Whanganui River.