Outdoor adventures and wildlife
The rivers, valleys and mountain ranges of the Manawatu, Rangitikei and Wanganui districts set the scene for all kinds of outdoor challenges.
Explore the mystical Whanganui River by paddle steamer, jetboat, kayak or canoe Have fun white water rafting, kayaking and jet boating on the Rangitikei River Visit a key Lord of the Rings filming site Spend a day at Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, where some of New Zealand's endangered species are bred and returned to the wild Follow the Rangiwahia Track to magnificent views and a comfortable hikers' hut Venture into the Tararua Ranges for fishing, hunting, walks and challenging overnight hikes Visit Pukepuke Lagoon and Ashhurst Wetlands to see fascinating plant and bird life The Dugald McKenzie Rose Breeding and Trialling Centre in Palmerston North was voted one of the world's top five rose gardens in 2003 The charm of small towns
New Zealand's rural settlements are famous for their character and friendliness.
Follow the Whanganui River Road for an insight into early Maori occupation, the influence of Christian missionaries and the interesting history of the romantically-named settlements Kimbolton is an enchanting rural township set high above the Manawatu Plains. It offers wonderful views of Kapiti Island and is home to world-renowned rhododendron gardens Feilding has been named New Zealand's most beautiful town 12 times and has the largest stock sale yards in the Southern Hemisphere. Sale day is not to be missed Taihape is the 'gumboot capital of New Zealand'. Try your hand at gumboot throwing or time your visit to coincide with the annual gumboot festival Norsewood is proud of its Scandinavian heritage. The township features an award-winning organic goat cheese factory, the Norsewear clothing factory shop, antiques, a museum and the unique Troll Stroll Woodville is home to the Gottfried Lindauer Replica Studio - a unique collection featuring one of New Zealand's most celebrated artists Dannevirke's Fantasy Cave is a must for families with young children Visit Bulls township - unforget-a-bull for its curio shops At Mangatainoka you can tour the Tui brewery Wander around the region's beautiful private gardens and historical homesteads Fascinating landscapes
Charge your camera in preparation for some amazing photographic opportunities.
View the Tararua and Te Apiti windfarms. Tour options include quad biking and horse trekking The Pohangina Touring Route is a must-do for the self-drive traveller Manawatu Gorge is one of only a few places in the world where the river flows east to west through a main divide. The gorge is a place for hiking, steam train trips, kayaking and jet boating At Himatangi you'll find New Zealand's largest sand dune field On a rafting trip you can visit the ancient Ohingaiti Boulders or experience a magical night time glow worm float History and culture
Museums, galleries and other cultural venues put you in touch with the region's heart and soul.
Feilding's Steam Train Museum and Horse Drawn Era Museum are run by local enthusiasts Te Manawa Art Gallery, Museum and Science Centre in Palmerston North celebrates life, art and the mind Palmerston North has a strong theatre scene - see what's playing at the Regent on Broadway or Centrepoint Theatre Rugby enthusiasts will appreciate the New Zealand Rugby Museum You can tour Massey University - New Zealand's largest tertiary facility Wanganui has a vibrant arts scene - fine arts, graphic design, glass blowing and fashion The Sarjeant Art Gallery in Wanganui is known for its neo-classical architecture and magnificent exhibitions Take a ride in Wanganui's historic Durie Hill elevator. Built in 1919, it is the only earthbound elevator in New Zealand and one of only two in the world Also in Wanganui, the Memorial Tower is built from fossilised shell rock and offers excellent views of the city, Mount Taranaki, Mount Ruapehu and the Tasman Sea Follow the heritage walk to find Wanganui's oldest buildings The Ward Observatory in Wanganui houses the largest unmodified refractor telescope still in use in New Zealand The Whanganui Regional Museum is recognised for its outstanding collection of Maori taonga (treasures) and Lindauer portraits Visit historic Ratana - a mainly Maori town where the tiny population swells during the annual pilgrimage of followers of the Ratana faith Wild rides and unusual thrills
Kiwi ingenuity has given birth to some interesting forms of entertainment.
Stay on a working farm and experience rural life first-hand Ride a small boat with a big motor on a tight, purpose-built circuit at Flat Hills Jet Sprint Get lost, haunted and entertained in Rangitikei's Amazing Maze 'N Maize - a giant maze within a maize field White water rafting and kayaking experiences come in every strength from Grade 2 to Grade 5 The Rangitikei River has the highest bungy jump in the North Island The recently opened extreme flying fox is the world's highest A jet boat ride through the Manawatu Gorge will leave you gasping
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