Tōtara Reserve, the Manawatu-Whanganui region’s only regional park, is opening for the camping season this Labour Weekend.
Less than an hour from Palmerston North, the reserve is nestled in the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges in the Pohangina Valley. It is one of the best and most accessible examples of diverse lowland forest that was once widespread in the Horizons Region.
Horizons councillor Fiona Gordon says she is excited about the reserve opening to public visitors again, after the damage earlier this year from Cyclone Gabrielle.
“Cyclone Gabrielle had a significant impact on Tōtara Reserve, staff have worked hard over the last few months to ensure the facilities are back up and running for this camping season.”
Tōtara Reserve is a popular spot for families to camp, or enjoy as day visitors, with lots to see and do.
“There are two camping grounds in Tōtara Reserve, the older Kahikatea site provides a sense of nostalgia and seclusion while the newer Kererū site adjacent to Camp Rangi Woods offers easy river access. There is an option for powered and non-powered sites, hot showers, a fire pit, electric barbecues, and an adventure playground at the Kererū site,” says Cr Gordon.
Fees start from $16 for non-powered sites and $37 for powered, both for two people, with extra campers at $6 each and under-fives being free.
To celebrate the campground reopening and highlight the Regional Park, this year Horizons Regional Council are hosting an inaugural Tōtara Reserve Open Day for Tuia te taiao, Tuia te tangata – connecting the environment to the people, and the people to the environment, a family-friendly event on Saturday, October 28, between 10.30am -1.30pm.
Cn Gordon says attendees will be able to try out a range of fun activities centred around Horizons’ core areas of business, such as biosecurity, biodiversity and freshwater monitoring. There will also be opportunities to build weta hotels, assemble rat traps and explore the nature walks with a scavenger hunt.
Horizons will be providing free buses from Feilding, Palmerston North and Ashhurst to and from the event. Due to limited seats, those wishing to travel via free bus will need to register their interest via the Eventfinda page to secure a seat in advance.
