Last updated November 2026
In 1913 the Matipo Land Company gave Whanganui the block of land that became Matipo Park. Whanganui District Council now looks after it as a reserve of native and exotic trees with walking and mountain biking tracks. The park lies in the Brunswick area, about 7.5 km north of central Whanganui in a straight line.
Walkers reach it on the Westmere Walkway from Kelvin Street in Aramoho: the council gives about 30 minutes to the Matipo Park turn-off by the lower route, or about an hour via Restawhile Lookout. It is a reserve you earn on foot, crossing private land and stiles on the way.
Practical Information
- Location
- Brunswick, Whanganui, reached from the Westmere Walkway
- Distance from the city
- About 7.5 km north of central Whanganui in a straight line
- Managed by
- Whanganui District Council
- Walking times
- Kelvin Street to the Matipo Park turn-off: 1.8 km, about 30 min (lower route) or 3.6 km, about 1 hr (via Restawhile Lookout)
- Tracks
- Walking and mountain biking tracks inside the park
- Facilities
- No toilets on the Westmere Walkway; nearest public toilets at Aramoho Shopping Centre
- Status
- Whanganui District Council: Matipo Park page; Whanganui District Council: Westmere Walkway page
About Matipo Park
The council describes Matipo Park simply: a reserve with a mix of native and exotic trees, crossed by walking and mountain biking tracks.
Its story starts with a gift. The Matipo Land Company donated the park to Whanganui in 1913. The council’s map point places it in Brunswick, and the Westmere Walkway leads to it from Aramoho.
The council doesn’t name the individual tracks or give their lengths, so a first visit is a chance to explore. Mountain bikers share the park with walkers, so keep an ear out on the tracks.
Getting There on the Westmere Walkway
The Westmere Walkway starts at Kelvin Street, Aramoho, and is a council-controlled walkway with its own post on this site. Follow the white track markers. The council gives two ways to the Matipo Park turn-off: the lower route, 1.8 km and about 30 minutes, or the higher route past Restawhile Lookout, 3.6 km and about an hour.
The walkway crosses private land, so stay on the marked route and follow the signposted access conditions. The council says it is steep in sections and needs a moderate level of fitness, and walkers should expect cattle, uneven ground, stiles, mud, manure and unfenced water such as streams, ponds and troughs. Follow the New Zealand Outdoor Access Code.
There are no toilets on the walkway; the nearest public toilets are at Aramoho Shopping Centre, on the corner of Somme Parade and Kaikakapo Road. Bring your own drinking water.
Where to Learn More
Whanganui District Council: Matipo Park: the park’s history, access and a location map.
Whanganui District Council: Westmere Walkway: route options and times to the Matipo Park turn-off, access conditions and what to expect on the farmland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Matipo Park?
On foot along the Westmere Walkway from Kelvin Street, Aramoho, to the Matipo Park turn-off.
How long is the walk to Matipo Park?
About 30 minutes (1.8 km) to the turn-off by the lower route, or about an hour (3.6 km) via Restawhile Lookout.
Can I mountain bike in Matipo Park?
The council says the park has walking and mountain biking tracks.
Who gave Matipo Park to Whanganui?
The Matipo Land Company donated it in 1913.
What kind of trees are there?
The council describes a mix of native and exotic trees.
Are there toilets?
Not on the Westmere Walkway. The nearest public toilets are at Aramoho Shopping Centre, on the corner of Somme Parade and Kaikakapo Road.
How hard is the walk in?
The council says the Westmere Walkway is steep in sections and needs a moderate level of fitness, with stiles, mud and cattle on the farmland.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.