On-leadModerate
Arapuke Forest Park Loop
Palmerston North · Manawatū-Whanganui · Loop
↑ 327 m gain↓ 327 m descenthigh 433 msteepest 56 %
DISTANCE9.5 km
ASCENT327 m
DURATION3–3.5 hr
STEEPEST56 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.5 · 159
DOG EFFORT3.9 /5 paws
PARKING20 m away
Nearest emergency vetMassey University Pet Emergency Centre (Te Pokapu Ohotata), Palmerston North
0800 738 363
The route
Good to know
On the lead here. Keep it to two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds, as on most NZ tracks.
River swim spotsWaterfallForest shadeGood with kidsA popular track, busy on weekendsSwing bridge on route
Check the water before the dog swims. Toxic algae blooms in NZ rivers and lakes can kill a dog within hours. Scan the LAWA water quality map in warm months and keep dogs away from dark slime on rocks.
About Arapuke Forest Park Loop
Arapuke Forest Park Loop is a loop of 9.5 km, near Palmerston North in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Expect moderate going, with around 327 m of climb, pitching up to 56 % at its steepest, and takes about 3–3.5 hr to walk.
Walkers come for native forest, river frontage, big views, and waterfalls. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 159 reviews.