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Whanganui
5.6 km
1 hour 30 minutes
156 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you are looking to swap the riverside tarmac for the rolling green ridges of the River City, the Westmere Walkway is calling your name. While Whanganui is world-famous for its namesake river and the artistic soul of its town centre, its surrounding hill country offers a different kind of magic. This is a classic Kiwi "tramping-lite" experience—an engaging loop track that trades manicured gravel paths for the authentic, undulating terrain of a working farm.
Located just a few minutes northwest of the city in the suburb of Aramoho, the Westmere Walkway is a cherished local secret. It’s the kind of place where you can be standing in a suburban car park one minute and, twenty minutes later, feel like you’ve been transported into a pastoral landscape that stretches all the way to the Tasman Sea.
The journey begins with a bit of a quirk. You’ll find the trailhead tucked away behind the Save Mart in Aramoho, right beside an old factory building. Don’t let the industrial start fool you; within seconds of crossing the first stile, the urban fringe fades away, replaced by the rhythmic "swish-swish" of grass against your boots and the wide-open sky of the Whanganui hill country.
The Westmere Walkway is a 5.6-kilometre loop that takes roughly 1.5 hours to complete, though you’ll likely want to add a bit of time for photos. It’s important to note that this isn’t your typical park stroll. About 95% of the track traverses open pasture on working farmland. This means the ground is uneven, shaped by years of weather and the heavy hooves of grazing cattle. You’ll find yourself navigating a series of stiles—those classic wooden ladders over fences—which add a bit of a rustic workout to the adventure.
The first section of the walk involves a steady climb. As you gain elevation, the views begin to unfold behind you. You’ll see the Whanganui River snaking its way toward the coast and the city of Whanganui laid out like a map below. The trail is marked by poles, but because it's a working farm, the exact "path" can shift slightly depending on where the cows have been wandering.
Once you reach the upper ridges, the terrain levels out somewhat, offering a breezy, panoramic stroll. You’ll be sharing the space with plenty of "local residents"—mostly inquisitive bovines who are usually more than happy to let you pass, provided you give them a respectful wide berth. The descent takes you down into a sheltered valley bordering the Jeanie Lynas Reid Reserve, where the air feels a bit cooler and the scenery shifts from wide-open hills to a more intimate, secluded bush-edge environment.
Parking is available at the trailhead located off Kelvin Street in Aramoho, Whanganui, beside Save Mart. The track entrance is to the left of the old factory building. A map of the walkway is often displayed in the Kelvin Street car park for reference.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
3km away
A popular riverside eatery in Whanganui, offering seasonal brunch, small plates, freshly baked treats, and a curated drinks menu, with views of the Whanganui River.
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Loop
The undisputed crown jewel of the early walk is the Restawhile Lookout. Perched about 20 minutes from the start, this spot features a small, sturdy shelter built by the local Rotary Club. It is the perfect place to catch your breath if the initial climb has your lungs working. From here, the vistas are breathtaking—on a clear day, you can see right across the city and out to the distant horizon where the Tasman Sea meets the sky. For those short on time or walking with very young children, this is a popular turnaround point, making for a satisfying 40-minute return trip.
For those continuing on Reid’s Loop, the highlight is the sense of historical immersion. The track passes through the Jeanie Lynas Reid Reserve, and keep your eyes peeled for the burial site of Jeanie herself. There is something deeply poignant about finding a lone historical grave in the middle of the quiet hills, and it adds a layer of "pioneer" storytelling to your tramp.
The geological undulations of the land are also a feature in themselves. The "terracettes" (often called sheep tracks) that rib the hillsides are a classic example of New Zealand’s soft-rock hill country, creating a textured landscape that is a dream for landscape photographers, especially in the "golden hour" of late afternoon.
Finding the start of the Westmere Walkway is straightforward. Head to Aramoho, a suburb just a few kilometres from the Whanganui CBD. The trailhead is located off Kelvin Street, right beside the Save Mart.
You can park your vehicle in the Kelvin Street car park. Look for the track entrance to the left of the old factory building; there is usually a large map of the walkway displayed there to help you get your bearings before you set off. Because the track is on private land, ensure you don’t block any farm gates or industrial access points.
While the livestock are the most obvious animals you’ll encounter, the Westmere Walkway is a fantastic spot for birdwatching, particularly as you approach the Jeanie Lynas Reid Reserve and the more vegetated gullies.
The most common companion you’ll have is the Pīwakawaka (New Zealand Fantail). These cheeky birds love to follow hikers, flitting around your feet to catch the insects stirred up as you walk through the grass. You’ll also hear the high-pitched, delicate trill of the Riroriro (Grey Warbler) echoing from the scrubby patches.
Keep an eye on the sky and the taller trees for the Kererū (New Zealand Wood Pigeon). Their heavy wingbeats are unmistakable. You might also spot Tūī and Bellbirds (Korimako) darting through the flax and native plantings. If you’re walking in the quieter hours of the early morning, the bird chorus in the valley sections is truly restorative.
The Westmere Walkway is best enjoyed during Spring, Summer, and Autumn.
The Westmere area sits on the edge of the Whanganui Basin, an area with deep significance to both Māori and early European settlers. To local iwi (tribes), the connection to the Awa (river) and the surrounding fertile hills is foundational.
The walkway itself is a testament to the "Kiwi" spirit of land sharing. In New Zealand, the "Queen’s Chain" or public access over private land is a valued tradition. The Westmere Walkway exists because of the generosity of local landowners and the hard work of groups like the Rotary Club. The Jeanie Lynas Reid Reserve, which the loop borders, is a small pocket of protected land that serves as a reminder of the region's colonial farming heritage and the families who carved a life out of these rugged hills.
Once you’ve conquered the hills and navigated the last stile, you’ll likely have worked up a healthy appetite. Luckily, Aramoho and the nearby riverfront are home to some of Whanganui’s best spots to refuel.
The Westmere Walkway is more than just a workout; it’s a chance to breathe in the salty air, engage with the region's farming heart, and see Whanganui from a whole new perspective.
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Fringilla coelebs
An introduced species, the Chaffinch is one of the most widespread and recognisable birds in New Zealand's open and semi-open habitats.
Best time: Year-round
3.2km away
A local bar and restaurant on Durie Hill, offering classic pub meals, weekly specials, and a casual dining atmosphere with views overlooking the Whanganui River.
3.5km away
A charming cafe with a bright yellow exterior, known for its freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries.