The Manawatu is off the beaten track for many travellers - but it's jam-packed with wildlife, history, adventure and unique small towns.
Wildlife and the outdoors
Rivers, valleys, mountain ranges and endless acres of farming land set the scene for all kinds of outdoor challenges.
Must do's for wildlife lovers
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Spend a day at Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, where some of New Zealand's endangered species are bred and returned to the wild.
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Follow the Rangiwahia Track to magnificent views and a comfortable hikers' hut.
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Venture into the Tararua Ranges for fishing, hunting, walks and challenging overnight hikes.
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Visit Pukepuke Lagoon and Ashhurst Wetlands to see fascinating plant and bird life.
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The Dugald McKenzie Rose Breeding and Trialling Centre in Palmerston North is a scented paradise in spring and summer.
History and culture
Museums, galleries and other cultural venues put you in touch with the region's heart and soul.
Must do's for history lovers
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Feilding's Steam Train Museum, Horse Drawn Era Museum and Homeprint are run by local enthusiasts.
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Te Manawa Art Gallery, Museum and Science Centre in Palmerston North celebrates life, art and the mind.
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Rugby enthusiasts will appreciate the New Zealand Rugby Museum.
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Wander around the region's beautiful private gardens and historical homesteads.
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Walk or bike the historic bridle track that runs beside the Manawatu River.
Wild rides and unusual thrills
Kiwi ingenuity has given birth to some interesting forms of entertainment.
Must do's for thrill seekers
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Himatangi Beach on the west coast of the North Island stretches for as far as the eye can see. There’s plenty of room for blokarting, and absolutely nothing to bump into! Himatangi’s local legendary hero is Matangi, who is said to have slain a great taniwha (water monster) near here.
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The Mokai Gravity Canyon offers all sorts of gravity-driven thrills - bungy jumping, canyon swinging, a flying fox and a chairlift drop.
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Ride a small boat with a big motor on a tight, purpose-built circuit at Flat Hills Jet Sprint.
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Get lost, haunted and entertained in Manawatu's Amazing Maze 'N Maize near Sanson - a giant maze within a maize field.
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Have fun white water rafting, kayaking and jet boating on the Rangitikei River. The River also has the highest bungy jump in the North Island and the highest tandem bridge swing and fastest flying fox in the world.
The charm of small towns
Manawatu's rural settlements are famous for their character and friendliness.
Small towns worth a visit
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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.
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Feilding has been named New Zealand's most beautiful town many times and has the largest stock sale yards in the Southern Hemisphere. It also has great cafés and a farmers’ market every Friday.
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Taihape is the 'gumboot capital of New Zealand', which explains the giant corrugated gumboot icon that marks the town.
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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.
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Woodville is home to the Gottfried Lindauer Replica Studio - a unique collection featuring one of New Zealand's most celebrated artists.
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Dannevirke's Fantasy Cave is a must for families with young children.
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At Mangatainoka you can tour the famous Tui brewery, easy to find because its high-rise Art Deco brewing tower can be seen for miles.
