The Pohangina Experience Walks

The Kahikatea Walk is an easy 45 minute guided walk in the Pohangina Valley with a great introduction to nature. A guide will lead us along an easy to follow track that is suitable for children of all ages. As the name of the walk suggests, mature kahikatea are abundant in this reserve, and if the ground is dry enough try lying on your back to look up at the canopy and admire these majestic native trees. There is a stand of rata trees beside the track that started out life by piggy-backing on larger trees. They perch in the tree as an epiphyte and send down roots that then form their ground support. As the rata grows, its roots become twisted and interwoven with each other. The rata then grows larger than its host tree, sometimes killing it in the process.

After the walk the bus will take us to Puri Puri Road where there is a small limestone glow worm cave. The walk in is about 400m and for those who want to go down a bank walk, (in groups of 4) wade through a small stream, (subject to stream conditions) through a very narrow cave there is a chance you may some glow worms on the top of the cave. If you suffer from being in a confirmed space this part of the walk may not be for you.

The bus then goes to Totara Reserve for a nature walk, and a gourmet picnic lunch.

On the return journey to Palmerston North we will stop at the old Pohangina Estate Vineyard for wine tasting. Three varieties of grapes: chardonnay, pinot gris and pinot noir, were grown here to produce award winning wines. We can sample six of their wines in a garden setting.

Date: Saturday 2 March 2019
Distance: 4km
Walking Time: 2 – 3 hours
Cost includes a gourmet picnic lunch and wine tasting
Depart: Bus departs Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History, 326 Main Street, Palmerston North at 8.30am and returns about 4pm.

Limited to 20 people, book now to avoid disappointment.

Bookings are essential – no ticket sales on the day.

Don't miss the after walk event at Viva Cafe & Bar from 6pm where you can share a meal and your experiences from the day's walks - www.eventfinda.co.nz/2019/manawatu-walking-festival-after-walk-event/manawatu-whanganui