William Herlihy is best known as the co-owner of the Feilding house that was dramatically washed into Kiwitea Stream 20 years ago. But he reckons people will.
After enjoying my share of Palmerston North’s urban enticements, Manawatū’s big backyard was calling. The corrugated dragon-like spine of the Tararua and R
Mike Yardley: Manawatu’s Big Backyard
Mike Yardley: Manawatu’s Big Backyard Sat, 13 Mar 2021, 1:30PM
After taking my fill of Palmerston North’s urban enticements, the big backyard was calling. The towering dragon-like spine of the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges, beckon as a billboard for outdoorsy adventure and my first playground date was at Arapuke Mountain Bike park. Formerly known as K-Loop, the Arapuke Forest Park is the premier mountain bike destination in the lower North Island with over 30kms of well-formed trails, in a growing network. Spanning all grades of difficulty, the Grade 2 trails are the ideal option for beginners and families. From the Scott’s Road entrance, I struck out on the Icebreaker trail which threads you through Douglas Fir trees, before switching onto the Swamp Monster trail which looped me back to the car park. I then headed to the Kahuterawa Road car park to strike out on the region’s beloved Sledge Track.