Five great places to bike in Palmy

Whether you're an experienced cyclist looking for a challenge, or a novice looking to gain more confidence riding before going on the road, Palmy has a pathway for you.

This list is only a handful of places you can bike around our city, so once you finish these, check out our cycling network map.

Prefer a different way of getting about? Our formed pathways are great for any wheels (think skateboards, scooters and roller skates), and all of the places listed here are excellent for walking as well.

Manawatū River pathway*

Photo shows smiling woman in a frock riding a utility bike with a flowery pannier and front basket along a tree-lined route.

Te Ara Tahatika o Manawatū pathway is along the Manawatū River and stretches for close to 10km long. With 12 different entrance points, you can choose to walk or cycle any length you want! Go for a quick 10-minute ride, or go for a long cycle - the choice is yours.

This pathway is also very popular with walkers, runners, families and dogs, so please keep to low speeds.

He Ara Kotahi bridge and pathway*

Photo shows aerial shot of people walking on a bridge winding its way through the treetops, surrounded by native bush.

This 9km network of pathways opened in June 2019 and is one of the city's favourite leisure activities. Within under six months, more than 220,000 visitors went to visit!

He Ara Kotahi offers different access points, and the trip can be as long (or short) as you want. At the He Ara Kotahi bridge near Ruha Street, you can cycle to Linton. This is a beautiful ride with pine forests, farmland and beautiful views.

If you're after a shorter route, you can cycle from the bridge to the Food HQ Science or Massey University campus. This is about 2km. Otherwise, cycle the loop between Fitzherbert Bridge and He Ara Kotahi Bridge, which clocks in at 3.7km.

Mangaone Pathway

Photo shows people walking along a limestone pathway meandering alongside a stream and riparian planting.

The Mangaone Stream Pathway stretches from Tōtara Road in Awapuni through to Milson Line and Flygers Line. Although you can travel the stopbanks on both sides, the walkway markers switch sides at Amberley Avenue.

Arapuke Forest Park*

Photo shows man on mountainbike leaping in the air on a dirt track at the top of a hill, with views out towards Palmerston North.

Thanks to Manawatū Mountain Bike Club, Arapuke Forest Park is fast becoming one of the best places in New Zealand to ride your mountain bike. Over the past five years, club members have developed more than 30km of cross-country and downhill tracks! This network has Grade 2 to Grade 6 mountain bike trails and forestry roads.

If you aren't sure you have the adrenaline required or have young kids, try some of our jumps along the river pathway first.

Arapuke also offers walkers many options.

Junior Road Safety Park

Photo shows gleeful kids on bikes in the road safety park.

The Junior Road Safety Park is a place for children aged two to 10 to learn how to be safe on the city's streets – without the pressure of real-life road rage. The park, which is in Victoria Esplanade*, has been built to scale and looks and feels like Palmerston North city's streets. It's designed to be a fun environment for kids to learn about basic road safety while gaining confidence.

*There are toilets at these locations.