Track Facts:
- Reid’s Loop = 5.6km (although the picture at the start says 4.6)
- 1.5 hours
- 20 mins to “Rest a while” Lookout
- Moderate level of fitness required: 156m gained elevation
- No shade: bring water and sun protection
It’s Labour Day here in New Zealand, and that means a Monday off work and obligations, and time to go out and complete a walk we have been meaning to do for years. (We have tried before but calf-deep mud had us turning around back home very early on)
I loved this walk sooo much. And would definitely recommend it whether you are new to day hiking, or have been exploring on foot for awhile. It’s mostly kid friendly (but there are some steep drop offs in parts). The highlights are definitely the cattle you share the track with, the peacefulness of walking in rolling pasture, and beautiful views over Whanganui.
The walk starts beside Save Mart in Aramoho, Whanganui, down the walkway to the left of the store/old factory. It kinda feels natural to keep walking around the factory, so watch out for the grassed path pictured above, and stick to the fence on the left.
The rest of the walk is over farmland so there are grazing cattle in parts (which I LOVE, and they are super friendly and will mostly leave you alone if you leave them alone). The ground is uneven farm land 95% of the way, which means that the footing in parts can be difficult, especially in the paddocks that have long grass.
The track is marked by signposts where the track forks, and by white post markers along the way. There are a number of fence crossings, with styles (some fences are electric so stick to the formal crossings). I would recommend doing the loop clockwise, so at the first turnoff head up the hill 🙂
Anyway. 20mins in to the walk you arrive at the “Rest a While” Lookout. Which is such an amazing lookout, both in terms of the spectacular views, and the work that the Rotary Club have done to make it a really great place to take a rest for awhile (get it!? Ha!!). There are pictures of the view which point out interesting and iconic whanganui landmarks, as well as a little shelter to stop and have a lunch break, or just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.
The rest of the loop from here goes over farm land, then winds down into a valley then along the boundary of Jeanie Lynas Reid Reserve. You can also spot the grave of Jeanie from the track. I’ve tried to find some more information on the reserve/woman, but haven’t been able to find any info (please leave me a comment if you know anything about this! It seems like such special whanganui family history).
The loop keeps going for awhile, and you can spot Brunswick Road and the main train line that goes from Marton-New Plymouth (if you’re lucky you may spot a train, but they aren’t very common in Whanganui). The track then joins back up, below the rest a while lookout, and you head back the way you came towards Save Mart.
For a longer walk, you could take the turn off to Matipo Park, which is a mountain bike park (although I’m not sure if you can walk these trails so attempt that at your own risk) and walk as far as you can then turn around again before completing the loop (this turn off is the featured picture and is maybe 300m from where the loop joins back to the original track)
Let me know in the comments if you’ve done this little day hike and how it went!!
Happy hiking
Xx
Moochelle.