Welcome to Lower North Island

Festival of Lights, New Plymouth © Mark Harris

The lower North Island is divided by a rugged, mountainous spine down the middle. Taranaki and Whanganui sit on the west coast, with the Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa regions on the eastern side of the Ruahine and Tararua ranges.

Incorporating the scenic stretch of shoreline that is the Kāpiti Coast, the central Manawatū region, with its vibrant university town of Palmerston North and across to the wild and isolated eastern coastline of the Wairarapa, the lower North Island boasts many varied and interesting attractions.

Urban highlights are New Plymouth and Napier, perched on opposite sides of the island, as well as our compact harbourside capital, Wellington.

He Ara Kotahi Pathway, Palmerston North © ManawatuNZ.co.nz

• He Ara Kotahi – just minutes from Palmerston North’s CBD this new, scenic pathway facilitates walkers and cyclists.

• Waimarie and MV Wairua – take a leisurely trip up the Whanganui River on one of these historic boat cruises.

• Hawke’s Bay Food & Wine – it’s no secret that Hawke’s Bay is renowned for its fine wine and vineyard dining but there are plenty of other unique options for eating out around the region, too.

• Weta Workshop, Wellington – take the classic Workshop Tour and fascinating Miniature Effects Tour, or learn to build armour and clay creatures.

• Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton – explore one of the country’s best family-friendly parks. There’s a large lake with pedal boats that you can hire and feed the friendly waterfowl as you potter around the shallow waters

• Splash Planet – New Zealand’s only water theme park is just a seven-minute drive from central Hastings.

Tamatea’s Cave, Whanganui River © Visit Ruapehu

Home to Wellington, our cool little capital, and more national parks than you can shake your hiking boots at. Surfy coastlines and small but vibrant cities await, as does Hawke’s Bay’s revered wine scene and intrepid adventures on the Whanganui River. From east to west, this region delivers.

Five Top Lower North Island Road Trips

ROAD TRIP - Awakino to Whanganui via Inglewood, Surf Highway/ SH 45 and Stratford 4hr 49min, 365km (side trip to Whangamomona)

ROAD TRIP - Whanganui to Palmerston North via Bulls and Feilding 1hr, 10min (side trip to Whanganui National Park)

ROAD TRIP - Napier to Pahiatua Classic Wine Trail Part One, 2hr 3min, 167km

ROAD TRIP - Pahiatua to Wellington Classic Wine Trail Part Two, 2hr 27min, 164km (side trips to Castle Point & Cape Palliser)

ROAD TRIP - Wellington to Foxton Beach, 1hr 41min, 118km (side trip to Kāpiti Island via ferry).

© AA Traveller 2021

DON’T MISS: New Zealand’s answer to Route 66, Surf Highway 45 covers the coastline between New Plymouth and Hāwera. A dream for both drivers and wave-hungry surfers .

Main Image Above : Wellington view from Mt Victoria © WellingtonNZ

Enjoying your road trip?

Where to next?

Visit https://issuu.com/home/published/must-do_s_north_island_2021

On the road and need a place to stay? Book accommodation at aatravel.co.nz