Hidden Gems - Lower North Island

The lower North Island is divided by a rugged, mountainous spine down the middle. Taranaki and Whanganui sit on the wild 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.

The Square, Palmerston North

www.ManawatuNZ.com

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

WE LOVE YOU NEW ZEALAND - HIDDEN GEMS

Weta Studios, Wellington

Positively Wellington

• Durie Hill Tower and Elevator – a one-of-a-kind attraction in Whanganui, the antique elevator is accessed by a mammoth 66-metre long tunnel and ascends to the top of Durie Hill.

• Backpaddock Lakes Wakeboarding – located 50 minutes south of Hastings, here exists a large lake for sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking and wakeboarding.

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

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

• Turakirae Head, Palliser Bay, Wellington – this great hunk of earth is a fascinating example of tectonic uplift during major earthquakes.

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

• Matiu/Somes Island, Wellington – Wellington’s answer to Alcatraz!

Cable Car, Wellington

Positively Wellington

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.

Pt Dorset, Wellington

Wellington Tourism

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz