4 minute read
ROAD TRIP: A journey through Manawatū
Whanganui to Palmerston North via Bulls & Feilding on SH 3 1hr - 10min, 84km
SIDE TRIP - Whanganui to Whanganui National Park via SH 4 - 1hr 46min, 113km
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Head inland from Whanganui for the relaxed drive through iconic North Island farming country that sits between Whanganui city and the vibrant university town of Palmerston North.
You’ll pass through the Manawatū District, bordered on the west by the Rangitīkei River and the Ruahine and Tararua ranges to the east.
The small, characterful towns of Bulls and Feilding are charming, with excellent shopping, great cafés and many attractions and activities to explore.
But before you leave the region, take a detour to the famous Whanganui National Park. With many outdoor pursuits to be enjoyed here, most are centred around the iconic river and surrounded by vast swathes of native bush – it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
HIGHLIGHTS
TE ĀPITI – MANAWATŪ GORGE - When slips closed the Manawatū Gorge back in 2017,the road between Woodville and Ashhurst was shut. But while the route is no longer open to traffic, it is now alive with birdsong,making the Te Āpiti walking trails, just 15 minutes from the centre of Palmerston North, one of the region’s best spots to enjoy a bush walk.
Te Āpiti, Manawatū Gorge
ManawatuNZ.com
BRIDGE TO NOWHERE - Built in 1936, this was the second bridge to facilitate local settlers in the area, namely returning servicemen. However, the valley was incredibly remote and in hospitable; physical labour and economic hardship finally took its toll and the inhabitants fled the vicinity, leaving the region desolate and the bridge unused. There are no roads, but it is accessible by mountain bike, hike, boat or kayak.
MARTON - This vibrant little rural town is about half way between Whanganui and Palmerston North. It’s at the heart of Rangitīkei and worth exploring for its historic buildings, character homes and gardens. Several walking tracks weave through Mt Lees nature reserve.
BULLS is the punniest town in New Zealand. From the soci-a-bull town hall to the cure-a-bull medical centre, all of the small town’s amenities have been given a bovine themed moniker. Bulls also has a surprisingly large number of antique, collect-a-bull and homeware stores making it a trip highlight for retail therapy.
FEILDING - Having been voted New Zealand’s most beautiful town 16 times over, it’s not surprising that the friendly centre of Feilding is charmingly picturesque. With its red brick pavements and immaculately groomed gardens, it’s a delightful place to explore.
Feilding
ManawatuNZ.com
FEILDING SALE YARDS - One of the largest livestock sale yards in the southern hemisphere, the Feilding Sale Yards are a weekly hub of activity as farmers and agents gather to trade stock every Friday. Take a guided tour and learn about the business of buying and selling at auction.
ARRAN FARM MILK SHOP - Feilding is the quintessential farm town, so you won’t find fresher milk than that sold at Arran Farm. The on-site store sells delicious cows’ milk in traditional glass bottles.
FEILDING’S COACH HOUSE MUSEUM - The region’s agricultural heritage is inventively explored here.
SIDE TRIP to WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK
From its source at Tongariro National Park, to where it reaches the sea at Whanganui’s Castlecliff Beach, the Whanganui River stretches for 290km. Half of this is navigable as the Whanganui River Journey, officially classed as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks – though really, it’s more of a paddle.
From day trips on the river by kayak, jet boat or canoe, to multi-day adventures, the Whanganui National Park makes an enticing detour to experience the unique landscapes and heritage of the region.
If you’re kayaking on the river, book the DOC campsite at Tīeke Kāinga, where there’s also a marae. You can stay overnight, learn more about the local Māori culture and partake in a pōwhiri.
Canoeing the Whanganui River, Whanganui National Park
Visit Ruapehu
PALMERSTON NORTH
The Square offers a peaceful community space with its striking clock tower and manicured lawns that are illuminated every evening. On Thursdays there’s a Food Truck Street Feast, with music and meals from around the world.
Check out the Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History for excellent exhibits, including those of emerging artists from Massey University. Kids love the indoor interactive play area and the chance to dig for fossils. Next door you’ll find the New Zealand Rugby Museum and some of the world’s rarest rugby artefacts.
Palmerston North is home to a flourishing street art scene. Don’t miss Berrymans Lane, an epicentre of street art bursting with colour and imagination.
Thirty minutes south of Palmerston North is Tui Brewery with its famed brew house, tours, café and free museum.
The Square, Palmerston North
ManawatuNZ.com
Palmerston North Must-Do's
> Te Manawa
> New Zealand Rugby Museum
> Manawatū Gorge
> Victoria Esplanade
> The Square
> Bledisloe Park Walkway
Victoria Esplanade, Palmerston North
ManawatuNZ.com
