Nestled in the Pohangina Valley, just a 40-minute drive from Palmerston North, Tōtara Reserve Regional Park is one of the best and most accessible examples of the diverse lowland forest that was once widespread in the Horizons Region. The Reserve covers 340ha of native forest and offers a wide range of attractions, including camping grounds, walking tracks, swimming holes, an adventure playground, and an abundance of native plants and wildlife. Please note, no dogs are allowed within the Reserve, on the walking tracks or in the camping grounds.
A network of tracks takes you on a journey through the mixed podocarp forest with its tall canopy trees, shrub and forest floor communities, wide variety of birds and animals, and wonderful views of the Ruahine Ranges and Pohangina Valley.
There are several tracks which can be accessed from Pohangina Valley East Road (Manawatū Scenic Route), on route to the Tōtara Reserve camping grounds, while the nature trails can be accessed from different locations around the camping ground.
Up-to-date information on our walking tracks including warnings and closures can be found on the Tōtara Reserve Regional Park website.
There are two campgrounds in Tōtara Reserve. Kererū Campground is the larger of the two, located adjacent to Camp Rangi Woods, while the smaller and more secluded Kahikatea Campground is across the road. The campgrounds are ordinarily open during the summer months from Labour Weekend until the end of April. Bookings are required, and can be made here. For information regarding pricings and the facilities on offer, please visit the Tōtara Reserve Regional Park website.
There are toilet and shower facilities with wheelchair access at both camp sites. The larger and easier to use of these is at the newer ablution block at Kererū Campground. Both setups have been used by campers with wheelchairs and are considered satisfactory.
Tōtara Reserve DL Brochure (PDF, 812KB)