Manawatu & Whanganui
An Authentic
Kiwi Heartland Experience
In Whanganui, New Zealand’s longest navigable river weaves through a diverse landscape, linking mountains, rainforest, city and sea.
Whether you like to explore the great outdoors, admire artwork, or devour a perfectly brewed coffee; Manawatu and Whanganui offer an authentic Kiwi heartland experience that’s not to be missed.
An Authentic Kiwi Heartland Experience
At the heart of the lower North Island, this region has landscapes sweeping from the rugged Ruahine and Tararua ranges, out to the Tasman Sea.
The urban city of Palmerston North is home to a prominent collection of art galleries, cultural collections and vibrant street art. Discover the arts and sculpture trail, enjoy the internationally recognised theatre scene and dine out at award-winning restaurants with international and local cuisine.
In Whanganui, New Zealand’s longest navigable river weaves through a diverse landscape, linking mountains, rainforest, city and sea. Whether you like to explore the great outdoors, admire artwork, or devour a perfectly brewed coffee; Manawatu and Whanganui offer an authentic Kiwi heartland experience that’s not to be missed.
Experience Manawatu & Whanganui
- Have fun white-water rafting, kayaking and jet boating on the Rangitikei River
- Visit Pukepuke Lagoon and Ashhurst Wetlands to see fascinating plant and bird life
- Stop at the Dugald McKenzie Rose Breeding and Trialling Centre in Palmerston North which is a scented paradise in spring and summer
- Walk or bike the historic bridle track that runs beside the Manawatu River
- Enjoy a couple of hours at The Herb Farm’s themed gardens, therapeutic body products shop and café
- Visit Kimbolton, an enchanting rural township set high above the Manawatu Plains. It offers wonderful views of Kapiti Island and is home to world-renowned rhododendron gardens
- Pass through Feilding, frequently called New Zealand’s most beautiful town with the largest stock sale yards in the Southern Hemisphere. It also has great cafés and a farmers’ market every Friday
- At Himatangi you’ll find New Zealand’s largest sand dune field
- Ride Wanganui’s historic Durie Hill elevator. Built in 1919, it is one of only two earth-bound elevators in the world
- Climb the Memorial Tower on Durie Hill. Built from fossilised shell rock it offers sweeping views of the city, inland volcanic mountains and the Tasman Sea
- Enjoy Wanganui’s vibrant arts scene, which includes fine arts, graphic design, glass blowing and fashion
- Look out for the Ward Observatory in Wanganui. It houses the largest unmodified refractor telescope still in use in New Zealand
- Cruise on the Waimarie (est. 1900), New Zealand’s last paddle steamer, or the MV Wairua (est. 1904)
- Take a guided tour on the Whanganui River, the longest navigable waterway in New Zealand and the second longest river in the North Island
- Visit the Bason Botanic Gardens in Whanganui recognized as a Garden of Significance
- Allow a couple of hours for the 80-kilometre scenic journey from Wanganui to Pipiriki
Here is a small selection of the accommodation available in the Manawatu and Whanganui area, but we have many alternative Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs, Motels and Lodges to suit all tastes and budgets.
Copthorne Hotel, Palmerston North
Located just off The Square, Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North is perfectly placed to sample all the city has to offer.
Superior Room
Kingsgate Hotel The Avenue, Whanganui
Located just a ten-minute walk from the central business district, arts and cultural centre, Whanganui River and Virginia Lake, the hotel is set in large and beautiful gardens with an outdoor swimming pool and BBQ area.
Superior Room
Some of the experiences available in Manawatu and Whanganui are outlined below, but there are many, many more, so please ask for details of any other activity you would like to include during your stay.
Bridge to Nowhere Jetboat Tour, Pipiriki (2 hours north of Whanganui)
Travel upstream into the middle reaches of the Whanganui River, where you will feel as if time has stood still. Your guide will share stories of the Awa (Māori for “river”) with you and show you some of the secrets of this historic and cultural icon.
See the world-famous Drop Scene, the Dress Circle, Sulphur Springs, and the ancient pegs used by the river boat crew to help them negotiate the treacherous Ngaporo rapids. Along the way you will stop at the Mangaio Gorge and the Manganui-O-Te-Au River, home to the endangered Blue Duck. Continuing deeper into this wilderness area you’ll arrive at the Mangapurua Landing. A 40-minute bush walk will introduce you to the call of the native tui, bellbirds and catch a glimpse of the woodpigeon. Continue to the historic “Bridge to Nowhere” – gateway to the “Valley of Abandoned Dreams.” Bring a picnic lunch to have at the bridge. A return walk to the boat and trip down river to Pipiriki completes this unique experience.
Duration: 4.5 hours. Includes a 30-kilometre jet boat to the Mangapurua Landing, refreshments and biscuits.
Rambler Day Tripper (Cycle Tour) – Bridge to Nowhere, Pipiriki (2 hours north of Whanganui)
Leave your car safely parked at Raetihi Holiday Park and along with your bike, catch the shuttle bus to the start of the Mangapurua Track.
At the end of your ride (35kilometres/21.75 miles), meet the Bridge to Nowhere yellow jet boat at the Mangapurua Landing where you will jet boat with your bike down river to Pipiriki. From here you will be transported back to your car at the Raetihi Holiday Park.
Duration: Full day (3-5 hours cycling)
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From assisting with your travel insurance and foreign currency to airport transfers, parking, marvellous accommodation and lounges. All Ways Tailormade are here to give you the experience of a lifetime and as stress-free as possible.
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