Tararua & Manawatū

MANAWATU

In Manawatū visitors can go from fine dining to river valley rafting at the flick of a switch. With shopping, golf, rugged beaches and sweeping mountains all in the neighbourhood, access to a wealth of diverse activities is easy. Tararua borders the Ruahine and Tararua ranges and between these two mountain ranges is Te Apiti – Manawatū Gorge, a not-to-be missed attraction with iconic day walks. It is the only place in New Zealand where a river begins its journey on one side of the main divide and joins the sea on the other.

DANNEVIRKE

A little slice of Scandinavia in rural New Zealand, Dannevirke was founded in 1872 by 21 Danish and Norwegian families. Home to a mixed bag of attractions, visitors can investigate the International Police Museum, Dave’s Den and its collection of 8500 miniature vehicles, as well as the Dannevirke Fantasy Cave. Here you’ll find nostalgic toys and rooms to make you giddy about fairy tales, nursery rhymes and Christmas – whatever your age!

PAHIATUA

Having admired Pahiatua’s pretty gardens and meandered the tree-lined streets; eaten at historic buildings transformed into inviting restaurants, and visited the restored railcars at the Pahiatua Railcar Museum, stop and catch your breath. Then head for a guided Tui Brewery tour, a sheep-shearing demo at Bazza’s Baa's and a history lesson at the Pahiatua & Districts Museum.

Manawatū Scenic Route © www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz