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NUI
Whanganui-Manawatū Victoria Esplanade A 19ha oasis just minutes from the CBD. Great for bush walks, picnics and rides on the miniature scenic railway. A shallow paddling pool is open over summer.
DANNEVIRKE
Sledge Track A lesser-known scenic walk 20 minutes from the centre of Palmerston North, it’s laced with waterfalls, swimming holes, a 22m swing bridge and intriguing Argyle Rocks.
PAHIATUA
Palmerston
North
The Square/Te Marae o Hine With its striking clock tower and well-kept lawns, this communitycentric sanctuary envelops a pond, a giant chess set, Māori carvings and statues.
RANGITĪKEI WHANGANUI TAIHAPE DANNEVIRKE
He Ara Kotahi pathway © Manawatunz.com
BPu AlHlIsATUA Pahiatua Railcar Society This working railway museum is located at the Pahiatua Railway Station, 2km from town. Admire a smart collection of restored carriages.
Palmerston Pahiatua Main Street This leafy tree-lined street is packed with Hunterville
shops; most charming is the long strip of spacious garden.
North
Tui Brewery Stop in for a meal, beer or tour in Mangatainoka, north of Pahiatua. Between the tours, tastings and tap room there is also a small museum and a shop packed with Tui gear.
Pahiatua & Districts Museum This details the history of the Polish children who arrived in New Zealand following WWII, amongst other stories from the area. Open Sundays 2-4pm.
uĪiKEI NaGnIT WhaRn Ag
Harvard Plane This canary-yellow aeroplane circled the skies during WWII but has since been converted into a unique playground slide.
River
Timeless Horse Treks Down by the Manawatū River, take your pick from daily horse rides, overnight treks and trots on horse-drawn wagons. Twenty minutes from central Pahiatua.
TAIHAPE
Pahiatua Trout Fishing Carnival With six rivers surrounding town, this annual festival makes a lot of sense; every Labour Weekend. The Yellow Plane Gallery Owned by three local artists on Main Street, with an interesting selection of locally made crafts to buy.
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Bulls
Cuba Street, Palmerston North © Manawatunz.com
Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History Fun and engaging museum that swells with interactive exhibits for all ages. Within this complex is the New Zealand Rugby Museum. Manawatū Gorge Scenic Reserve With swimming spots, horse trekking and various day walks, the most popular being the three to five-hour (one way) Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge, which offers fantastic views. Manawatū River Bike Ride Hire an electric bike from the i-SITE in The Square and skirt the banks of the Manawatū River on a 10km riverside jaunt. He Ara Kotahi Palmerston North’s newest riverside pathway with He Ara Kotahi Bridge. At night, the bridge is illuminated, creating the illusion that it’s floating above the water.
Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery With new patients every day awaiting their release following treatment at Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital, come and see our native animals up close – and for free! Feilding A 20-minute drive south from Palmy, this place has won New Zealand’s most beautiful town a whopping 16 times. Take a guided tour of the Feilding Salesyard too – one of Australasia’s largest. Lido Aquatic Centre During warmer months, pack snacks and head over for the day. With diving boards and water slides, it’s a big hit with kids, while adults enjoy the spa pool, sauna and steam rooms. With basic pool entry starting from $4.20, it’s cheap-as. New Zealand Rugby Museum Sitting within Te Manawa Museum, discover some of the world’s rarest rugby artefacts, take a tour and test your rugby skills. Could you don the black jersey? MORE MUST DO’S:
> Food Truck Thursdays > Anzac Park > Dugald Mackenzie Rose Gardens
NUI WHANGA Park
> Arapuke Forest Mountain Bike > The Herb Farm
DANNEVIRKE DAVES DEN We bet you’ve never seen so many miniature cars. As with any dizzying collection, this emporium of tiny wheels is utterly fascinating and avid collector, Dave, makes a charming host.
PAHIATUA
TĀMAKI RESERVE Built 18km west of Dannevirke in the Ruahine Range exists a fabulous summer hideout. Ideal for barbecues and picnics, the grassy area is large enough for kids to run about, while the amenities include a rotunda, tables and toilets.
Palmerston
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