Wellington - Taupo - Wellington

Day 3: Palmerston North to New Plymouth

On this page: Travel time:   Km/Miles Palmerston North - Wanganui 1 hr  72/45 Wanganui - New Plymouth 2 hrs  166/104   Totals for Day 3 hrs  238/149

Palmerston North - Wanganui - New Plymouth

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.

On the short drive to Wanganui, you’ll enjoy refreshing farmland and river scenery. Pause in the town of Bulls if you’re interested in antiques. In nearby Marton, a maze is cut into a field of maize every summer.

The picturesque river city of Wanganui has a long history. Take time to explore the restored heritage areas, then check out the various options for an expedition on the river. You can also take the tunnel and elevator to the top of Durie Hill, for commanding views of the city and surrounding countryside. A number of private gardens in and around Wanganui are open to visitors.

Scenic Highlights

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.

Bason Botanic Gardens and Bushy Park Forest Reserve
Find a host of golden daffodils, a sea of pink camellias or the oldest rata tree in New Zealand. Wanganui's gardens and reserves are picture perfect.

Wanganui City Heritage Walks
Stroll around the streets of Wanganui and discover a wealth of impressive heritage buildings. The city's special character has been beautifully preserved.

Activities

Manawatu
Gardens (4), Golf (2), Horse Treks (5), Scenic Flights (2)

Palmerston North - Wanganui - New Plymouth

The picturesque river city of Wanganui has a long history. Take time to explore the restored heritage areas, then check out the various options for an expedition on the river.

As the road heads west, interesting townships pop up regularly. Keep an eye out for small museums and quirky art shops. The rural centre of Hawera is home to New Zealand’s largest milk factory and an interactive dairy farming attraction.

At Hawera it’s time to make a choice. You can follow the ‘Surf Highway’ around Cape Egmont and have a beach view all the way. Or you can take the inland route via Stratford and enjoy the green serenity of farmland. Either way, the dramatic volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki will dominate the landscape for much of your journey. The forested lower slopes of the mountain are laced with walking tracks.

The city of New Plymouth is known for its beautiful parks and gardens. It also has a strong arts focus, so check out the current exhibitions.

Scenic Highlights

Sugar Loaf Islands and Paritutu Rock
Paritutu and the Sugar Loaf Islands are remnants a large volcano that was active nearly two million years ago.

Taranaki Lakes
Give your shutter finger some exercise at beautiful Lake Mangamahoe, an ideal location for taking pictures of Mount Taranaki.

Wreck of the Gairloch
Discover the rusted skeleton of the Gairloch, a coastal steamer that ran aground on a moonless night in 1903.

Bason Botanic Gardens and Bushy Park Forest Reserve
Find a host of golden daffodils, a sea of pink camellias or the oldest rata tree in New Zealand. Wanganui's gardens and reserves are picture perfect.

Egmont National Park
With more than 300 kilometres of walking tracks, Egmont National Park is a dream destination for enthusiastic hikers.

Wanganui City Heritage Walks
Stroll around the streets of Wanganui and discover a wealth of impressive heritage buildings. The city's special character has been beautifully preserved.

Pukekura Park
Pukekura Park is New Plymouth's pride and joy - a huge area of gardens, water features, display houses and entertainment facilities.

Tupare Garden
Just a short drive from New Plymouth, Tupare is one of New Zealand's most beautiful and distinctive gardens.

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway
Stretch your legs along the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, a seven kilometre parade of beaches and city attractions.

Puke Ariki
Put a few hours aside to explore the museum galleries at Puke Ariki, New Plymouth's groundbreaking cultural centre.

Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust
Wander the pathways of Pukeiti in any season - there's always so much to see in this spectacular rainforest garden.

Activities

Taranaki
Abseiling/Rappelling (1), Climbing (3), Surfing (3)