Tōtara Reserve Regional Park

Tōtara Reserve Regional Park Tōtara Reserve covers 340ha of native forest and offers a range of camping and recreational options.

Tōtara Reserve Regional Park is one of the best and most accessible examples of the diverse lowland forest that was once widespread in the Horizons Region. Nestled in the Pohangina Valley, just a 40-minute drive from Palmerston North, it’s the ideal spot for a short visit or a longer stay. The Reserve covers 340ha of native forest and offers a wide range of attractions, including walking tracks, s

wimming holes, an adventure playground, and an abundance of native plants and wildlife. There are two camping grounds in Tōtara Reserve, one large site (Kererū) on the northern side and a smaller site (Kahikatea) across the road to the east. The older Kahikatea site provides a sense of nostalgia and seclusion, while the newer Kererū site offers easy river access for swimming. Both camping grounds are open each year from Labour Weekend through to Easter. Find out more about the park at horizons.govt.nz/totara-reserve-regional-park or head to totarareserveregionalpark.co.nz to make a booking at one of the camping grounds.

Tōtara Reserve campgrounds officially closed for the camping season last month and we are keen to hear from those of you...
25/05/2026

Tōtara Reserve campgrounds officially closed for the camping season last month and we are keen to hear from those of you that stayed with us on how you would rate your experience? ⛺

❤️ - Amazing
👍- Good overall
😮 - Some surprises
🔥 - Best season yet
😐 - Meh (could’ve been better)

👇 Drop your emoji below, and feel free to share your favourite moment or any specific feedback you have.

We can’t wait to welcome you all back in October, and meet a few new faces too 😍

14/05/2026

The forest was buzzing this week with students from Parkland & Awahou School taking part in The Great Conservation Quest 🏆

07/05/2026

Hi all,

We spotted and trapped this cat at the campground on Sunday.

This one is not wild but is a wee bit weary 🐱

If you dumped it here, you are a bit of a D**K. The reserve is home to many native birds, and cats can do significant damage to our native wildlife.

We would like to reunite this one with it's owner, so send us a message if you are missing your fury friend 🙀

Tōtara Reserve campgrounds are officially closed for the season. 🏕️A huge thank you to everyone who joined us this year....
30/04/2026

Tōtara Reserve campgrounds are officially closed for the season. 🏕️

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us this year. We hope you made fantastic memories and had an amazing time! 🌳💚

We can't wait to welcome you back when we reopen at Labour Weekend. Until then, stay safe and happy adventuring! 👋

⛺ Now the wild weather has passed, the campground is back open for the final few days of the season which closes on 30 A...
23/04/2026

⛺ Now the wild weather has passed, the campground is back open for the final few days of the season which closes on 30 April😁

⚠️Unfortunately we are are due to have another weather system come through this afternoon and into tomorrow, brining wit...
19/04/2026

⚠️Unfortunately we are are due to have another weather system come through this afternoon and into tomorrow, brining with it more heavy rainfall 🌧️ 🌧️

For this reason we have decided to close the Kererū Campground till Thursday 23 April ⛔

We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you updated if anything changes and follow Civil Defence Manawatū Whanganui for more information.

🏃 Good news - tracks have been checked, storm debris has been cleared, so you are good to go out there doing it😀
14/04/2026

🏃 Good news - tracks have been checked, storm debris has been cleared, so you are good to go out there doing it😀

🔴 Tōtara Reserve will be closed today after the recent storm. 🌳Please be aware that that even after the storm, tracks ma...
12/04/2026

🔴 Tōtara Reserve will be closed today after the recent storm.

🌳Please be aware that that even after the storm, tracks may have obstructions and risk from fallen branches and trees which we may take a few days to find and clear.

We'll keep you posted on when it will be open again.

We’re pleased to share that the Pettifar Track is open again following works after the last storm, where several large ...
07/04/2026

We’re pleased to share that the Pettifar Track is open again following works after the last storm, where several large fallen trees had blocked the route 🌳🍃

Thank you for your patience and understanding while the team worked to make the track safe and accessible again 🙏

📷 Below are images captured immediately after the storm, followed by images of how things look now.

Ngā mihi o te Aranga! Happy Easter to you and your whānau 🐰 With the sunshine on the way this weekend, why not explore t...
02/04/2026

Ngā mihi o te Aranga! Happy Easter to you and your whānau 🐰

With the sunshine on the way this weekend, why not explore the Fern Walk and enjoy the incredible scenery ☀️

Have a safe and happy long weekend 💚

Address

Churchill Drive
Pohangina
4884

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