Palmerston North
- Masterton
101 km (63 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway
One of New Zealand’s largest provincial cities, Palmerston North has an attractive historic heart. Many of the original stores built in the 1920s and 1930s have been restored and now function as boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Rose gardens and museums should also be on your agenda of things to see.
The Manawatu Gorge is the first outstanding piece of scenery on this route – watch for adventure opportunities such as rock-climbing and bungy jumping. In Woodville you can browse for antiques, or follow the road to Balance and see the Tararua Windfarm. Before you reach Masterton, you’ll encounter the legendary town of Eketahuna (in kiwi slang Eketahuna is the archetypal hick town). The wildlife sanctuary at Mt Bruce is an essential stop.
Every year in March, Masterton hosts the international Golden Shears competition. Sheep shearing in the Wairarapa is both a sport and an art form. The town’s main park has an aviary, aquarium, deer park and a small boating lake. Or you could rediscover your childhood at the local toy museum.
Scenic Highlights
Castlepoint Scenic Reserve
At Castlepont you can hunt for one of the world's rarest daisies, climb Castle Rock or watch the waves for dolphins and fur seals.
Manawatu gardens
While in Manawatu, make time to stop and smell the roses. In terms of popularity, gardening is up there with rugby in this part of New Zealand.
Holdsworth
Pack a picnic basket for a day trip or gear up for a three day hike - this section of the Tararua Forest Park has something for everyone.
Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre
Cheeky kaka, friendly takahe and giant eels will have you reaching for your camera. Mount Bruce promises you some extraordinary wildlife encounters.
Riversdale Beach
Riversdale Beach is where the people of Wairarapa come to play. It's a great place for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, golf and fishing.
Activities
Manawatu
Arts & Crafts (2),
Gardens (3),
Horse Treks (3)
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