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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -40.08219, 175.90810. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 20 min
- Track grade
- Easy
- Location
- Pohangina Valley area
- Dog access
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This easy walk is a great introduction to broadleaved forest suitable for young and old.
This DOC directory entry covers Kahikatea Walk in Manawatu-Whanganui, within Pohangina Valley area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 20 min
- DOC grade: Easy
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
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.
Getting there
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.
Nature and conservation
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.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
