Picnic, Play & Camp
Whether you're planning a family day out, a riverside picnic or an overnight stay, Te Āpiti offers a variety of welcoming places to relax, play and connect with the landscape. From peaceful reserves and campgrounds to playgrounds, picnic areas and riverside spaces, there are places for everyone to slow down, explore and enjoy this remarkable environment.
Te Āpiti WEST
Western Gateway Park
Western Gateway Park is the main entry point to the western side of Te Āpiti and the perfect place to begin your visit. Whether you're setting out on a walk, exploring the shared pathways, or simply taking a break on a road trip, it's a great place to stop, stretch your legs and take in the surrounding landscape.
From the viewing platform, enjoy sweeping views across Parahaki Island, the Manawatū River and the surrounding ranges. Interpretation panels and mahi toi share the cultural, historical and geological stories that have shaped this remarkable landscape, helping you connect more deeply with the place before you explore.
Western Gateway Park is the starting point for the Tawa Loop Track and the full Manawatū Gorge Track. From here, you can also access the Te Ahu a Turanga Shared User Path, the Western Tracks and the Eco-Viaduct wetland experience. Look across to the impressive Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway and the towering turbines of Te Āpiti Wind Farm, where modern engineering sits alongside a landscape millions of years in the making.
The park offers ample parking, including bus and overflow parking, public toilets, and parking for visitors to the Gorge Quarter Precinct and Gorge Quarter Store. Before or after your visit, stop in for a coffee, ice cream or a bite to eat.
Native planting throughout the park, including toetoe, harakeke (flax) and , reflects the natural character of Te Āpiti and provides a welcoming entrance to this special place.
Opening hours
May–September: 6.00am – 7.00pm
October–April: 5.00am – 9.00pm
The gates are locked each evening. Please ensure your vehicle has left the park before closing time.
For enquiries regarding a locked gate, contact Palmerston North City Council on 06 356 8199. Release fees apply.
The Gorge Quarter
Gorge Quarter is a popular gathering point for walkers, runners, cyclists, families and nature lovers.
It sits alongside the starting points for the Tawa Loop Track, Manawatū Gorge Walkway, Te Ahu a Turanga Western Tracks and the Shared Pathway, making it an ideal base for exploring Te Āpiti.
At the heart of the Gorge Quarter precinct is Gorge Quarter Store, a welcoming gathering place for visitors exploring Te Āpiti. Part café, part ice cream stop, part retail store, it offers a place to pause, refuel and enjoy views of the rivers and surrounding countryside. Whether you're heading out on the trails or returning from an adventure, it's an ideal spot to connect.
Parking is available at Western Gateway Park, with easy access for wheelchairs and buggies. Dogs are welcome.
Gorge Quarter Store
Open 7.30 am – 2.30pm, Wednesday to Sunday
Ashhurst Domain
Nestled alongside the Manawatū River, Ashhurst Domain is a popular destination for families, campers and nature lovers. Surrounded by native bush and alive with birdsong, it offers a peaceful place to relax, explore and connect with the natural environment.
The Domain has picnic and barbecue areas, public toilets, extensive playgrounds and a flying fox, making it an ideal spot for a family outing. A network of walking tracks winds through the reserve, with easy loops suitable for all ages. Explore native bush, enjoy views across nearby wetlands, and discover more about the area's natural heritage through the nature trail and tree quiz.
Bicycles and dogs are welcome on the upper walking circuits, while the lower tracks are reserved for walkers.
Camping
Ashhurst Domain offers both powered and unpowered campsites in a scenic riverside setting. Facilities include a kitchenette, toilets, hot showers and a free barbecue area. Dogs are welcome.
Upon arrival, please visit the office or wait for the park attendant to collect camping fees.
Camping fees (per night)
Powered site $10 per person per night
Non-powered site $7 per person per night
Children 1-14 years old $5 per person, per night
Showers $3 for up to 5 minutes
Te Āpiti EAST
Woodville Ferry Reserve
Located near Ballance Bridge at the eastern entrance to Te Āpiti, Woodville Ferry Reserve is a peaceful riverside destination for camping, picnics and relaxing beside the Manawatū River.
The spacious grassy reserve provides easy access to the river for swimming, kayaking and fishing, while a small wetland planted with native trees adds to the area's natural character. Nearby walking tracks make it an ideal base for exploring Te Āpiti and the surrounding landscape.
Woodville Ferry Reserve is the only campground located within Te Āpiti. Wake to the sound of native birdsong and enjoy the tranquility of the river as it winds through the valley. The reserve is cared for by the Woodville Domain Board and is a much-loved place for both visitors and the local community.
Facilities
Free camping for self-contained vehicles only
Basic toilets
Picnic tables
Food preparation area
No power or running water
Access to the Manawatū River
Camping information
Self-contained vehicles only
Free
Access may be slippery after wet weather
Fires are prohibited
Getting there
The reserve is located on State Highway 3, just beyond Ballance Bridge. Enter through the gate at the roadside. If the gate is closed when you arrive or leave, please leave it as you found it.
Ballance Domain
Nestled alongside native bush at the eastern entrance to Te Āpiti, Ballance Domain is a peaceful spot to relax, play and enjoy the natural surroundings. With open green spaces and a small playground, it's a popular stop for families exploring the area.
Located just across the road from the Manawatū Gorge Loop Track, the Domain provides easy access to one of Te Āpiti's most popular short walks. A gentle 15–30 minute loop offers an opportunity to experience the forest, birdsong and stories of this special place.
