Manawatu

Conveniently located about halfway between Rotorua and Wellington, the Manawatu Region combines the charm of rural New Zealand with the sophisticated provincial appeal of Palmerston North (also known as “Palmy”).

The area sweeps dramatically from the Ruahine and Tararua mountain ranges, through the spectacular Manawatu Gorge and picturesque Pohangina Valley, then along the Manawatu River to the coastal plains of Tangimoana and Himatangi. Manawatu enjoys a mild climate, providing fantastic growing conditions for the many public, world-class gardens.

You can indulge in a spa treatment, enjoy multi-cultural, award-winning food and wine, or treat yourself to shopping at New Zealand fashion specialists. Then journey through the spectacular, natural sea to mountain landscape to see native New Zealand flora, fauna, birds and wildlife up close.

At the heart of Manawatu region, Te Manawa is the only institution of its kind in New Zealand to unite a museum, art gallery and interactive science center.

Centrepoint Theatre has the proud distinction of being New Zealand’s only professional provincial theater company. For thirty-six years Centrepoint has excited and challenged audiences from all over New Zealand with first rate productions.

If you’re a rugby enthusiast or are intrigued about the sport, then visit the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North. It is the oldest and arguably the first museum in the world devoted to the “oval ball code.” It contains New Zealand’s biggest and most comprehensive collection of rugby memorabilia and records, including some of the world’s rarest rugby artefacts.

For some liquid history, visit Tui HQ, home of things Tui – one of the leading beers in NZ. They are open 7 days a week and you can sample their beers and some tasty kiwi tucker (NZ food) from the Tui HQ Cafe, and enjoy a free look around the museum and gift shop.

MOSAIC is a one-stop arts information shop where you can find out all you need to know about local Manawatu artists, performers, events and arts related activities featuring Maori artists and performers.

Focusing on the horse-drawn era of early Manawatu, the Coach House Horse Drawn Era Museum gives us a wonderful insight into the life of early pioneers through their stories, photos and the transportation they used to settle Manawatu and New Zealand.

Manawatu Gorge Experience

Experience the thrill and excitement of one of New Zealand’s most iconic river trips through the spectacular Manawatu Gorge on a V8 powered jet boat.

Mangaweka Adventure Company

The company is located only one hour north of Palmerston North and two hours south of Taupo. “MAC” offers a range of products and river craft, including sit-on-top kayaks – which are good for running river waves. All the trips are run on the Rangitikei River, a river of unspoilt scenic beauty.

Aorangi Experiences

Unique New Zealand hikes and guided walks incorporating a strong Maori Cultural Experience highlighted by the haunting Hikoi ki Paerau – “A walk into the distance, or time.”

Mokai Gravity Canyon

Gravity Canyon is the ultimate extreme adventure playground. Leap off the bridge into the narrow Mokai Gorge by an expanding rubber cord. This 80m (264 ft.) bungy is New Zealand’s highest bridge jump.

For another adrenalin rush, experience the ultimate ground rush on the world’s highest tandem SWING as you are released from the 80m (264 ft.) bridge, freefalling 50m (165 ft.) towards the river below and swinging into a 60m (98 ft.) arc.

Or check your nerves as you are strapped into the worlds most extreme FLYING FOX! You are then launched from 182 m (600ft.) above the riverbed and sent flying down a 1km (.6 mi) wire at speeds of up to 160kmh (96 mph).

Timeless Horse Treks

Try a gentle one-hour trail ride around the Manawatu River, or two hours and add to that, scenic hill country. Pack a picnic and ride to the top to be amazed on the Tararua Wind Farm Trek.

Manfeild Park

Manfeild Park is considered one of New Zealand’s most diverse venues, annually hosting a range of events from National and International motor racing, road shows, agricultural and pastoral shows, field days and community events such as the very popular jamborees and fireworks spectaculars.

“Owlcatraz” Native Bird & Wildlife Park

Enjoy a guided tour with the talented team at Owlcatraz. Get acquainted with native NZ owls – Owl Capone, Owle MacPherson and Owlvis Presley in surroundings as never seen before. Walk through peaceful spectacular native bush with wooden bridges and the old water wheel.