Palmerston North

Where to ride your horse around Palmerston North

Himitangi Beach

Himatangi is the closest beach to the city of Palmerston North being only 35 kilometres from the city centre. Another black sand beach, backed by dunes. Many kilometres of riding.

Shared with motorbikes and all other beach users. Please stay off dunes and away from any nesting birds.

Beach Access and Parking

Take SH1 to Himitangi and turn onto Himitangi Beach Rd. Himitangi Beach Rd turns into Koputara Rd, and the beach access is on the corner near the recycle centre. There is plenty of parking on the roadside at Koputara Rd (next to the playground), or you can take your chances on the beach itself.

Manawatu Riverside Walkway and Bridle Track

Approx 10km each way in total. Numerous access points allow for the option of shorter rides. Enjoy river views, river access on this reasonably flat bridle trail that follows the River from the end of Maxwells Line through to Riverside Drive..

Trail is shared with walkers, cyclists, and dog walkers.

Access Points: Riverside Drive (off Te Matai Road), Napier Road, Ruamahunga Crescent, Ruahine Street, Ayr Place, Waterloo Crescent, Albert Street, Fitzherbert Avenue, Victoria Esplanade Drive (Esplanade access), Dittmer Drive, Buick Crescent, Maxwells Line.

Carparks at Riverside Drive, Napier Road, Ruahine Street, Fitzherbert Avenue, Palm Drive, Dittmer Drive, and Maxwells Line accessways.

Toilets are available at: Maxwells Line, Fitzherbert Avenue and Ruamahunga Crescent.

Riverside Rd access point

Maxwells Line access and carpark

Durham St Reserve, Ashhurst

Horses welcome at this reserve, which is also an off-leash dog area.

Ashhurst Domain

Horses welcome at this domain, off-leash dog area also.

Ahimate Reserve

Horses welcome. Approx 22ha. Many other activities on-site. River access is popular, but if you chose a quiet time this might be a great spot to have a dip on your horse. Joins up with the Riverside pathway.

Park at Maxwells Line carpark and ride along the pathway to get here (or ride from one of the other entrances)