New Zealand Walk: Vaucluse Heights - a fitness person’s paradise

Amillion dollar three year project to hold back the Manawatu River when it floods from eroding into the high banks near the Summerhill area of Palmerston North, resulted in a new walkway, with two sets of steps down to the river.

The walkway was popular over the Christmas holiday period but is closed for a period to improve safety concerns. It is expected to be sometime in March when it is re-opened and formally handed over to the Palmerston North City Council.

From the top there are great views looking over the city of Palmerston North together with the popular Manawatu River pathway on the opposite bank of the river.

On a clear day views of Mt Ruapehu can be seen, as well as the many wind turbines on the Tararua and Ruahines Ranges.

The two kilometre loop walk sur- rounds the newly developed up market 101 section subdivision of Vaucluse Heights.

With 222 steps down on one set of steps with 160 steps at the opposite end this is sure to be a popular site for fitness training when opened again. Above left: Magnificent views of the Manawatu and beyond from the top of the cliff. Above right: Only 222 steps down!. Below: In this photo can be seen the Observatory to the left with the tall telephone building in the city to the right. Bottom two photos: A close up of the steps showing their steepness.

Above: What was once a steep cliff eroding into the river is now a sloping bank with steps. Below: Magnificent views from the top of the steps with the Mnawatu River below. The shared pathway that runs from Awapuni in the south to Te Matai Road to the...