Manawatu

Manawatu

Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic Kiwi experience that's not to be missed.

The dramatic landscapes sweep from the rugged Ruahine and Tararua Ranges and out to the Tasman Sea, making an exciting adventure playground. Explore one of the many cycling, mountain biking or walking tracks where you'll find stunning scenery and views, or get your adrenaline fix with bungy jumping, white water rafting, horse trekking and kite surfing, to name a few.

The iconic Te Apiti – Manawatu Gorge is a must visit, and allows you to discover ancient native bush and a land steeped in legend. You can explore this mythical land by foot, bike, jet boat or horseback.

The urban city of Palmerston North is home to the New Zealand Rugby Museum, Te Manawa – Museum of Art, Science and History, and a prominent collection of art galleries. Sit back and enjoy the internationally recognised theatre scene that provides entertainment for all genres -  all of which go hand in hand with the colourful array of cafes and dining options. If you’re a garden lover there are some fabulous public and private gardens to see, including one of the top rose gardens in the world. And a little way down the road around Horowhenua you’ll find such quirky attractions as an owl park, a farm devoted to Clydesdales and a fully operational Dutch windmill.

Exploring Manawatu is easy through The Country Road experience - routes that take you off the beaten track, through majestic landscapes and past rural villages. These are journeys that allow you to meet the locals and discover hidden places and tucked away treasures ranging from convivial country cafes and pubs to heritage sites, galleries, gardens and more.