The Westmere Walkway takes you out of the city and into open farmland on the hills northwest of Whanganui. The walking is through rolling pasture with cattle, stiles, and uneven ground — rewarded by panoramic views over the city and river. The popular turnaround point is the Restawhile Lookout, reached in around 20 minutes.
Practical Information
| Location | Aramoho, Whanganui (northwest of the city centre) |
|---|---|
| Access | Brunswick Rd or Kelvin St — walkway starts beside Save Mart, Aramoho |
| Restawhile Lookout | 20 minutes in, 40 minutes return |
| Reid’s Loop | 5.6 km, approx. 1.5 hours, 156 m elevation gain |
| Difficulty | Moderate — steep in sections, uneven farm ground throughout |
| Terrain | Farmland — expect cattle, stiles, uneven ground, mud in wet weather |
| Facilities | Shelter at the Restawhile Lookout (built by the Rotary Club) |
| Cost | Free |
About the Walkway
The Westmere Walkway begins in Aramoho beside Save Mart (on the left side of the old factory building) and climbs through working farmland with rolling hills and wide-open views. The terrain is almost entirely uneven farm ground — 95% of the walk is on pasture, not formed track — so footing requires attention, especially in paddocks with long grass or after rain.
Around 20 minutes in, the Restawhile Lookout offers spectacular views across Whanganui and out toward the river and coast. A small shelter here, built by the Rotary Club, provides a good spot to stop for lunch. Many walkers turn around at the lookout, making it a 40-minute return trip.
For a longer outing, Reid’s Loop continues through the upper farmland for a 5.6 km circuit with around 156 m of elevation gain, taking approximately 1.5 hours. Cattle graze along most of the route, so expect to share the track with stock and navigate through several stiles.
What Visitors Say
“The views from the lookout are incredible — you get the whole city and river spread out below you. Track is rough in places and there are cows on it, but that’s part of the charm. Make sure you have decent footwear.” — Moo and Moochelle travel blog
“Loved the peacefulness of walking through open farmland — it feels completely different from anything else in Whanganui. The stiles and uneven ground mean you do need reasonable balance and footwear, but the Restawhile Lookout views are worth every step.” — AllTrails reviewer
Where to Learn More
Whanganui District Council — Westmere Walkway has official information on access, distance, and what to expect on the track.
Moo and Moochelle travel blog has a detailed write-up of the walk with photos from a real visit.
AllTrails — Westmere Walkway has trail maps and 28 user reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Westmere Walkway start?
The walkway begins beside Save Mart in Aramoho, Whanganui. Access is from Brunswick Road or Kelvin Street — the track entrance is to the left of the store.
How long to the Restawhile Lookout?
About 20 minutes walking in, 40 minutes return. It’s the most popular turnaround point and has good views and a shelter.
Is the walk suitable for beginners?
The Restawhile Lookout section is manageable for most walkers, but the ground is uneven farm land with stiles and some steep sections — it’s not suitable for prams or those needing flat terrain. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Are there cattle on the track?
Yes — the walk crosses active farmland, and cattle are regularly on the track. This is a normal part of the experience.
What is Reid’s Loop?
Reid’s Loop is the longer 5.6 km circuit version of the Westmere Walkway, taking about 1.5 hours and gaining 156 m in elevation.
Is the walk free?
Yes, the Westmere Walkway is free.
The Westmere Walkway is one of the more rugged walking options in the Whanganui district. Browse the Whanganui Walking Tracks hub for the full range of city and rural walks.