Our Region

Come on a journey to Manawatu - your gateway to New Zealand culture and the beautiful North Island, New Zealand.

Conveniently located half way between Rotorua and Wellington, our region combines the charm of rural New Zealand with the sophisticated provincial appeal of Palmerston North city (affectionately known as Palmy).

The landscape sweeps dramatically from the Ruahine and Tararua mountain ranges, through the spectacular Manawatu Gorge and picturesque Pohangina Valley, along Manawatu River to the coastal plains of Tangimoana and Himatangi.  The region enjoys a mild climate, providing fantastic growing conditions for the many public, world-class gardens.

Nearby townships

Feilding

13 times winner of New Zealand's Most Beautiful Town award.  An attractive and thriving rural town where property owners have been encouraged to restore and preserve the beautiful late Victorian and Edwardian buildings that are a feature of this town.  It's a welcoming and vibrant place to visit with no traffic lights, no parking meters, friendly people, quality shops, cafes and restaurants.  Manchester Square in the centre of the town is a must see with beautiful paving and important historical monuments such as the clock tower.

Sanson

Situated at a pivotal crossroad where State Highways 1 and 3 meet, the town is a popular stop-off point for craft and antique enthusiasts, and has some great cafes for hungry and thirsty travellers.  The small township boasts an original New Zealand rural rugby grandstand built around the time of World War I.

Ashhurst and Pohangina Valley

Just a short drive from Palmerston North, near the Manawatu Gorge, Ashhurst is a popular residential area for city workers seeking a semi-rural lifestyle.  Ashhurst Domain and the nearby Ruahine Forest Park provide great recreation spaces for both keen trampers, wetland enthusiasts, and families seeking a great picnic spot and a place for children to run around and play.  Pohangina Valley is one of the region's most picturesque places to visit, particularly in Autumn (April-June), also offering accessible bushwalks and camping grounds.

Apiti

Nestled in the hill country of Northern Manawatu, Apiti is a tiny township that once boasted two dairy factories, shops, a post office and a primary school.  Today the small rural village offers visitors a delightful country lodge, a museum, and a hill country pub.

Himitangi Beach

A popular destination for swimming, pipi digging (shellfish), horse riding, fishing, whitebaiting and trail bike riding.  The width and length of the beach makes it a popular walk between beach settlements.

Tangimoana

Tangimoan (meaning "crying sea") is located at the river mouth of the Rangitikei River on the west coast of the North Island, New Zealand.  The settlement is a popular place for fishing and sailing.  The wetlands on the northwest side of the village is a significant wildlife area for migrating birds.

Kimbolton

One of Manawatu's most picturesque rural townships, Kimbolton is renowned for its porous, fertile soil.  On a clear day visitors are treated to wonderful views of the South Island, New Zealand.  Kimbolton is renowned for its world class rhododendron gardens for which peak season is October.

Rangiwahia

Manawatu's Northern most township. Traveller's can enjoy spectacular views towards Mount Ruapehu.