This article was first published in Tararua Tramper in March 2025
Cycling Palmerston North and environs
10-12 February
Eight enthusiastic cyclists met at the Victoria Esplanade in Palmerston North for three days’ cycling. Having driven for two hours, we consumed tea and coffee refreshments before heading off on our first ride towards Linton Military Camp. On the way we stopped beside the Turitea Stream where we coached the urban eels out of their hiding places to be fed. The next stop was the Turitea Pā site which provided a view over the Manawatū River and southern part of the city.
We continued to Linton and turned around at the new toilet covered with very realistic murals of the New Zealand falcon. The next stop was Anzac Park, commonly known to the local population as Pork Chop Hill. There were great views of the Manawatū River and the city. In addition, you can see on the opposite side of the river the path named Rangitāne whakataukī: Tini whetū ki te rangi, ko Rangitāne nui ki te whenua. Like the myriad of stars in the sky, so are the people of great Rangitāne upon the land. The path contains small stones which absorb light during the day and then cause the path to glow at night.
After cycling to the top of Summerhill Drive for a break, we descended to pass around Massey University and cross the Manawatū River to the Historic Caccia Birch House and gardens which overlook the Centennial Lagoon. We received a guided tour of the house, once used as a residence and now a conference centre/wedding venue.
On the second day we clocked up 64 km venturing away from the city to Bunnythorpe, then Ashhurst via Hiwinui. Just prior to Ashhurst we visited the Herb Farm with its shop and café. In addition to some good refreshments there was an intriguing bushwalk containing gnomes, elves, and fairies. It was then on to a challenging ride through roadworks and gravel tracks to visit the relics of the old Manawatū Gorge Road and view the new Manawatū Tararua Highway including the new bridge over the Manawatū River, which is nearing completion.
This new road is on track to open in June 2025. One of the conditions of consent, a new shared pathway that would provide access to Ashhurst via a proposed clip-on, has not proved viable because of engineering requirements. A feasible alternative, a new shared-path bridge with a multi-million price tag, is being considered. Our last day consisted of a tour around the circumference of the city, having to navigate around closed sections because of horse training at Awapuni Racecourse and flood protection upgrades on Mangaone Stream. Some of our group were interested in camper vans so a short diversion was made to the R V Super Centre. On reaching the Victoria Esplanade an appetising café was visited and we enjoyed a stroll in the well-kept Rose Garden, before returning home. (F U)
Robyn and Frank Usmar (leaders), Pamela Campbell, Paul Haines, Kathryn Kelly, Helen Lukes, Jeanette Martin, Jennifer Roberts