Whanganui-Manawatū
WHANGANUI
Talk to a Local
DANNEVIRKE
Fiona Manager Hansens Café in Kimbolton
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My top five must-do’s for visitors would have to be… • Heritage Park Gardens: Located in Haggerty Street in Kimbolton, these beautiful gardens are managed by a Trust. The park has different areas of interest including various species of rhododendrons.
• Cross Hills Gardens (and annual country fair): Located on Rangiwāhia Road just out of Kimbolton, this is a family owned and operated rhododendron haven. Every year, Cross Hills runs an incredibly popular country fair. • Ian McKean Pinetum: The largest collection of conifers in the southern hemisphere is located between Rangiwāhia and Apiti. It is part of the Queen Elizabeth II Trust and open for everyone to enjoy. • Rangiwāhia Hut: You will need about two hours each way (depending on your fitness level). On your tramp there is a multitude of birdlife. Amazing views await.
• Kimbolton Sculpture Festival: Held annually, rural sculpture and art is on display and for sale, plus all day entertainment, stalls and country food. I’m starting to feel hungry just thinking about… Handmade gourmet pizza at Hansen’s Café (and many other home-made treats…) and Feilding Farmers’ Market held on Fridays. For a delightful day trip… • Rangiwāhia Scenic Reserve • Ruahine Dress Circle • Iron Gates • Rangiwāhia Hut tramp Living in Manawatū is awesome. There are great people here, stunning scenery, and it’s central to all of the Lower North Island. It’s also got many fishing holes and there’s just loads to do and see.
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PAHIATUA Durie Hill Tunnel and Elevator Burrowed 213m into hillside, take an antique elevator 66m to the summit. From here, 176 steps lead to the War Memorial Tower and spectacular views across the city and surrounds.
was salvaged from the bottom of the Whanganui River while the restored MV Wairua first launched in 1904. Learn more at the Waimarie Riverboat Centre.
St Paul’s Anglican Memorial Church Bursting with intricate
Castlecliff and Kai Iwi Beach Shimmering black
Māori carvings, lattice panelling and tukutuku (wall panels), book a $10 tour via the Whanganui i-SITE.
sand beaches are firm favourites with families for their swimming, facilities and playgrounds.
Palmerston
Mable the Tram Enjoy an outing on the riverbank aboard Mable the vintage electric tram. Trundling the tracks on select Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm.
RANGITĪKEI
New Zealand Glassworks A gorgeous art centre with contemporary glass art gallery space, vibrant shop and glass paperweightmaking workshops.
River Traders’ Market Every Saturday morning, come rain or shine, the Whanganui River is the backdrop to more than 100 stalls. From local food producers to an eclectic mix of collectors of vintage and retro, traditional crafts, plants and street food, there’s something for everyone.
entry and complimentary barbecues. Pack your snags and have a sizzle in between the glasshouses, terraced succulents and frisbee golf course.
Paloma Gardens A perfect slice of paradise governed by nature, albeit upkept by two passionate owners, take a picnic and relax amidst the greenery. $10pp entry. Bushy Park A 100ha, predatorfree sanctuary brimming with birdlife, visit the five-room 1906 Edwardian-era homestead and Rātānui; at 43m high, it’s reputedly the world’s largest rata tree.
Bulls
housed in the Taupō Quay facility, a diverse collection of contemporary and high-quality exhibits will impress every art lover, while the gift shop is sure to seduce.
Virginia Lake Five minutes north of the city centre, enjoy a woodland walk by the lake, passing gazebos, rotunda and bronze statues. Stop by the café and fountain: pretty by day and lit up at night.
Windemere Farm PYO fresh berries, pat resident alpacas, sit in the café overlooking a strawberry patch and eat real berry ice cream. Don’t leave without a few bottles of strawberry dessert wine.
Hunterville
Two Historic Boat Cruises Take
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Bason Botanic Gardens Free
TAIHAPE
Sarjeant Gallery Temporarily
Hansen’s Café © Manawatunz.com
North
a trip up Whanganui River on an historic boat cruise. Originally built in 1899, the Waimarie paddle steamer
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