About Manawatu, New Zealand

From the rugged country of the Whanganui River and National Park to the Ruahine Ranges, to the awe inspiring Manawatu Gorge, this is great country for the outdoorsman (or woman).

Experience the past with a trip on the restored Whanganui River paddle boat or have a go at white water canoeing. There are 239 named rapids! The region is also home to the "Bridge to Nowhere".

The urban centres of Palmerston North and Wanganui have their own attractions too. Try the Jazzboat Festival in Wanganui and visit Cook’s Gardens, famous for athletics. It was here that Peter Snell set the world mile record in 1962.

In Palmerston North visit the Rugby Museum to learn about New Zealand’s passion for the sport. Also in Palmerston North you will find the stunning, 3 hectare Rose Gardens. Then for a completely different insight into the world of New Zealand farming, take a tour of to the livestock sale in Fielding where up to 15,000 sheep are sold at each sale.