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ROAD TRIP - Whanganui to Palmerston North
Whanganui to Palmerston North via Bulls & Feilding on SH 3 1hr 10min, 84km
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SIDE TRIP - Whanganui to Whanganui National Park via SH 4 1hr 46min, 113km
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 While the original route is no longer open to traffic, it is 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 for a bush walk.
BRIDGE TO NOWHERE Built in 1936, this was the second bridge to facilitate local settlers in the area, However, the valley was remote and inhospitable and the community eventually diminished to nothing. Access to the bridge is via jet boat, mountain bike, hike or Whanganui River Great Walk (which is actually a three to five-day canoe journey).
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, there is a bovine-themed moniker for everything. Bulls also has a surprisingly large number of antique, collect-a-bull and homeware stores.
WAIREKA HONEY CENTRE Try honey ice cream and honey brandy and observe the working bees. Twelve minutes south of Bulls.
FEILDING Voted New Zealand’s most beautiful town 16 times over.
FEILDING SALE YARDS One of the largest livestock sale yards in the southern hemisphere and a weekly hub of excitement. Take a guided tour and learn the lingo.
FALLING CREEK RANCH This working farm in Whanganui share their love of the land with horse treks for the whole family.
PALMERSTON NORTH
Cycling via Berrymans Lane, Palmerston North
© www.ManawatuNZ.com
The Square offers a peaceful community space with its striking clock tower, giant chess set and manicured lawns that are illuminated every evening.
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. Better still, entry is free. Also inside the museum is the New Zealand Rugby Museum, take a tour and test your rugby skills. Could you don the black jersey?
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.
> Manawatū Gorge
> Esplanade Scenic Railway
> Lido Aquatic Centre
> Central Energy Trust Wildbase
> Victoria Esplanade
> Bledisloe Park Walkway
The Square, Palmerston North
© www.ManawatuNZ.com
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 multiday adventures, the Whanganui National Park makes an enticing detour to experience the unique landscapes and heritage of the region.
If you’re kayaking onthe 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.
