Located in the lower half of the North Island, Manawatu-Wanganui is bursting with fantastic scenery, picturesque roads, fascinating native wildlife and some of the most important heritage collections in the country. Come here for a glimpse into rural local life, before exploring the region’s two bustling cities.
Hike across the spectacular landscape of the Tongariro National Park, home to three majestic mountains, one of which is New Zealand’s youngest and most active volcano. Ride the Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail, which runs from Ruapehu to the Whanganui River Road, passing Māori and European landmarks along the way.
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting or jet boating down the Rangitikei River. Get up-close with some of the region’s native wildlife at Owlcatraz, home to a brood of New Zealand owls.
Learn more about the heritage, art and science of the region at the Te Manawa museum. Exhibits here feature Māori artifacts, natural history displays and modern art collections.
Discover everything there is to know about New Zealand's national sport, rugby, at the New Zealand Rugby Museum in the city of Palmerston North. See rare rugby antiquities and have a go at kicking a rugby ball yourself. Another standout museum in the region is the Whanganui Regional Museum, which contains one of largest collections of moa bones in the country. Moa were a species of birds that became extinct about 600 years ago.
Explore the small towns of Manawatu-Wanganui such as Woodville and Dannevirke. Try your hand at gumboot-throwing in Taihape, the “gumboot capital of New Zealand,” or sip a coffee in one of the cute cafés in Feilding, a town which has won the award for “New Zealand's Most Beautiful Town” award 16 times.
Fly into Auckland Airport and then take a connecting flight to either Palmerston North or Whanganui. Rent a bike to explore the extensive New Zealand Cycle Trail, or rent a car to drive along the Country Road, a series of scenic routes through the region.
Full of friendly locals and exciting outdoor adventures, Manawatu-Wanganui is a region that should not be missed.
