Last updated October 2026
Its name means “the spine”, and that is what Te Tuaiwi is for Whanganui’s shared pathway network: a 2.3 km walking and cycling path down the middle of the city, from Whanganui Intermediate School to the City Bridge. It follows the central rail corridor and St Hill Street, joining Taupō Quay on the river to London Street, and passes Whanganui Intermediate, Whanganui City College and Whanganui Collegiate on the way.
Most of it runs on KiwiRail land, behind a 1.2 m fence that separates it from the railway. It is open to people walking, cycling, scootering, skating and using mobility aids, and the council says it lets people bypass busy intersections, driveways and parking spaces.
Practical Information
- Ends
- Whanganui City Bridge (Taupō Quay) and Whanganui Intermediate School (London Street)
- Length
- 2.3 km
- Route
- Central rail corridor and St Hill Street
- Who can use it
- Walking, cycling, scootering, skating and mobility aids
- Rail corridor
- 1.2 m fence between the path and the railway; cross only at proper crossings
- Access
- Free, public shared path
- Managed by
- Whanganui District Council, built with KiwiRail
- Opened
- Officially opened in November 2019
- Status
- Check Whanganui District Council’s website for current closures before you ride
About Te Tuaiwi
The council called Te Tuaiwi a crucial link in its shared pathway network. When Transport Minister Phil Twyford opened it in November 2019, Mayor Hamish McDouall explained the name: the path is “the spine” because it is the central structure in Whanganui’s shared pathway network.
Because it runs along the railway, KiwiRail worked with the council on its design and construction. Most of the funding came from the NZ Transport Agency’s Urban Cycleways Fund and the National Land Transport Fund.
The council built it with school travel in mind. Three schools sit along the route, and the council said it gives students in the area a route to school away from busy intersections, driveways and parking spaces.
Riding Next to the Railway
This is a working rail corridor, and KiwiRail’s advice at the opening was to “be vigilant when near trains or railway lines”, because trains “cannot stop quickly”. Look both ways before crossing the tracks, and cross only at proper crossings.
How It Fits the Network
At the river end, Te Tuaiwi meets the City Bridge and Taupō Quay. At the top, it connects to London Street at Whanganui Intermediate. When it opened, the council said its next pieces of the network would be a London Street section from Fergusson Street to the rail corridor and a Whanganui East section from Kowhai Park to Georgetti Road.
Senior roading engineer Brent Holmes called finishing it “very satisfying”, as another section of a network built up path by path.
Where to Learn More
Whanganui District Council: Crucial link in shared pathway network officially opened: the council’s opening story, with the route and funding.
Whanganui District Council: cycling and shared pathway information, and any roadworks or path notices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Te Tuaiwi mean?
“The spine”. The council named it that because it is the central structure in Whanganui’s shared pathway network.
How long is Te Tuaiwi?
2.3 km, from Whanganui Intermediate School to the City Bridge.
Can I ride a scooter or skateboard on it?
Yes. It is a shared path for walking, cycling, scootering, skating and mobility aids.
Which schools does it pass?
Whanganui Intermediate School, Whanganui City College and Whanganui Collegiate.
Is it next to the railway?
Yes. Most of it runs on KiwiRail land, with a 1.2 m fence between the path and the tracks. Cross the railway only at proper crossings.
When did it open?
It was officially opened in November 2019 by Transport Minister Phil Twyford.
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