Palmerston North Walks
Riverside Walkway (from Riverside Drive to Fitzherbert Bridge) - 6km - 1.5hr
From the end of Riverside Drive, walk down a fenced right of way to the Riverside Walkway. This is an easy walk along the Manawatu River and is popular with residents for walking and cycling. It has numerous access points along the way before reaching the Fitzherbert Bridge. The entrance to the riverside walk is 500m down Riverside Dr.
Fitzherbert Bridge to Old West Rd - 4km / 1hr
Leaving the Bridle trail before the Fitzherbert Bridge, cross the stopbank, head over the bridge, and follow around Tennent Drive entering Bledisloe Park at the carpark adjacent to Turitea Stream before the Massey main entrance opposite the Fitzherbert Science Centres. If you are coming on Tennant Drive on the RIGHT side of the bridge, at the entrance to the Fitzherbert Science Centres cross under Tennant Drive through the underpass to meet the Lower Turitea Walkway. The trail follows the Lower Turitea Walkway, a well-formed pathway with 3 footbridges over the Turitea Stream. A short side trip can be taken into the Massey Arboretum before climbing up the stepped terrace where good views over the picturesque Massey University Campus are seen.
Following further undulating contour, the trail passes through open parkland and play areas, alongside bush streams and open fenced farmland with views over the Massey Sports Institute. At the steps leading down to Old West Road, access to the carpark is reached crossing under the highway at the Turitea Stream bridge.
How to get here
Northern Start: Riverside Drive
Southern end: Old West Rd (SH57)