Manawatu

The Manawatu is an area of the lower (southern) North Island of New Zealand. It is centred on the city of Palmerston North and a broad flat river plain, much of which has been formed by the mighty Manawatu river, one of the few rivers in the world to bisect a mountain range.

Cities

 * – home to Massey University

Other destinations

 * - popular camping ground on the Rangitikei River, which for 30 years has hosted an annual gay and lesbian New Year's Eve party

Understand
Manawatu is part of the local government region of Manawatu-Wanganui, along with the Whanganui region.

By plane
Palmerston North Airport

By bus
Intercity Coachlines operates NZ's national bus network with daily departures. Tickets can be purchased online or throughout the country at numerous agents including the i-site network.

By car
State Highways 1 and 3 run through the Manawatu.

By rail
Occasional rail connections may be possible at Feilding and Levin.

Do
Explore nature walks, cycle tracks and conservation areas. The beaches are a rolling playground for the whole family. Swimming, sailing, surfing, and fishing, diving or just lazing the hours away soaking up the sun. The children can discover places to build driftwood shelters.

Levin has a marvellous children's adventure playground, including volleyball court to exhaust their energy and a BBQ area to fuel them up for more fun.

For a bit of nature experience the Manawatu River at Foxton Beach is listed as a Wetland of International Importance. The bird life has to be seen to be believed.

Levin's Murrayfield Clyesdales is another good stop for country food at the cafe, while the kids can feed the farm animals.

Go next
Kapiti Coast, Whanganui region, Hawke's Bay, or Wairarapa