Manawatu travel tips
The best Manawatu and Palmerston North highlights, best walks and best lookouts: from Palmerston North heritage to the idyllic Rangitikei River valley and a 'Real NZ' rural landscape and culture!
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Manawatu and Palmerston North travel tips
Both the main railway between Auckland and Wellington as well as State Highway 1 pass through the rural Manawatu region- Manawatu has its own three scenic highways, the Stormy Point Route (Vinegar Hill to Feilding), the Iron Gates Route (Rangiwahia to Apiti) and the Horowhenua Experience (Foxton to Palmerston North)
- You'll find plenty of the 'real New Zealand' - lovely people everywhere and hilly green countryside
- Palmerston North is the biggest city, but there are many other cute little towns to discover
- The wind farms are quite spectacular if you have never seen any before
Country life and real adventuresAuthentic New Zealand experiences, a picturesque sea-to-mountain landscape and memorable countryside journeys characterise the Manawatu region. Expect to spend a lot of time outside, because the geography has inspired an exciting choice of mild, medium and wild adventures. Rafting, kayaking, horse trekking, mountain biking and rock climbing are just some of the things you can do. For those who want a taste of country life, it's everywhere you look. Experience the excitement and atmosphere of a real stock auction - one of New Zealand's oldest traditions dating back to the 1880s. Or find a farm stay and meet third and fourth generation farmers with a passion for the land. Real Kiwi culture comes in many forms here. Garden lovers will enjoy visiting some fabulous private and public gardens, including one of the top five rose gardens in the world. In Palmerston North, you can explore the world's first museum devoted to the rugby or see a local drama production. Around Horowhenua you'll find quirky attractions such as an owl park, a farm devoted to Clydesdale horses, and an operational Dutch windmill. River adventures: Every river has its specialities. The Rangitikei provides thrills with bungy jumping and rafting, the Manawatu has kayaking in the gorge, and the smaller waterways have hundreds of picturesque places to flick a fly-fishing rod. Discover the indulgent side of life in the country. Have a massage at a luxury lodge, relax in a wood-fired bath under the stars, make your own therapeutic body product or shop for picnic goodies at the local farmers’ market. See here for hotels in the Manawatu region. Source: Tourism New Zealand
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