Nestled in the Pohangina Valley lays Tōtara Reserve Regional Park; a treasure of the Horizons Region. Covering 340 ha of bush, the reserve offers a wide range of attractions to the day visitor. From walking tracks, swimming holes, and the native wildlife that is scattered all over the park.
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 grounds. Please note, no dogs are allowed within the reserve or camping grounds.
There are two camping grounds in Tōtara Reserve, one large site (Kererū) adjacent to Camp Rangi Woods and one smaller site (Kahikatea) across the road. If you're coming from Palmerston North, once you reach the Tōtara Reserve turn-off (Pohangina Valley East Road), keep travelling north until you get to the Highland Christian Camp and veer off to the left.
Amenities on site include toilets, showers, BBQs, a 'back to roots' adventure playground, powered and unpowered camp sites, and river access. The camping grounds are open during the summer months, opening on Labour Weekend every year through until the end of March. Sites can be booked here.
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 the southern and larger camp area (Kererū). Both setups have been used by campers with wheel chairs and are considered satisfactory.
Prices
Bookings are necessary to avoid missing out and can be made here. Please note, no dogs are allowed at the grounds.