Runs along Te Araroa: Palmerston North, which is the longer route the map draws through here. This is its own walk, with its own trailhead and its own page.
-40.39364, 175.63334
Dogs allowedModerate

Old West Road To Atawhai Park

Palmerston North · Manawatū-Whanganui · Out & Back

0.511.522.533.9 km79 m
↑ 67 m gain↓ 66 m descenthigh 79 msteepest 14 %
DISTANCE3.9 km
ASCENT67 m
DURATION1–1.5 hr
STEEPEST14 %
ROUTEOut & Back
DOG EFFORT2.2 /5 paws
PARKING0 m away

This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. Evidence: inferred from the licensed data only. Walked it and read the sign? Send us the rule and this line retires. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetMassey University Pet Emergency Centre (Te Pokapū Ohotata), Palmerston North~5 min drive · 24/7
0800 738 363
The route

Good to know

Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but no rule-setter publishes wording for this track by name, so the district-wide rule is what applies. Keep the lead handy, read the signs at the gate, and give ground-nesting birds and stock their room.

River swim spotsForest shade2 stiles 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 Old West Road To Atawhai Park

Old West Road To Atawhai Park is an out-and-back of 3.9 km, near Palmerston North in Manawatū-Whanganui.

Expect moderate going, with around 67 m of climb, pitching up to 14 % at its steepest, and takes about 1–1.5 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest, river frontage, and big views. Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but no rule-setter publishes wording for this track by name, so the district-wide rule is what applies. Keep the lead handy and read the signs at the gate.

Stay nearby

Dog-friendly places to sleep within 25 km of the trailhead, each one with the distance shown. Sort out the stay, then walk.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog on Old West Road To Atawhai Park?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Old West Road To Atawhai Park by name, so this one rests on the licensed walk data and the district-wide rule rather than a rule-setter's own words. Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but that is not the same as a rule saying yes, so keep the lead handy and let the signs at the gate decide.

How long is Old West Road To Atawhai Park?

Old West Road To Atawhai Park is 3.9 km with roughly 67 m of climb and takes about 1–1.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Old West Road To Atawhai Park?

Yes, the track has river access where a dog can cool off. In warm months check the LAWA water quality map for toxic algae warnings first.

From the pack

Walked and logged 2 times by the pack, 1 proven with a photo. first proven by Julie & Benji.

Walks nearby

The closest dog-friendly tracks to this trailhead, by straight-line distance.

EasyPalmerston North
2.4 km↑38 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spot
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyPalmerston North
3.4 km↑47 m1–1.5 hr★4.6 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyPalmerston North
1.1 km↑10 mabout 15 min
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

More in Manawatū-Whanganui

EasyPalmerston North
3.5 km↑38 m1–1.5 hr★4.5 rating
Good with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyPalmerston North
2.9 km↑7 m0.5–1 hr★4.2 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyMarton
3.4 km↑63 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyMarton
4.5 km↑70 m1–1.5 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spot
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Manawatū-Whanganui →

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