Manawatu - no limits

Manawatu has the energy to surprise. It is home to the North Island's highest bungy jump; to hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks; to art galleries and boutique shopping; to mountain biking and horse trekking. It is flanked by beaches on the Tasman Sea where visitors can take a blo-kart ride on the sand or just enjoy the largest dune field in New Zealand.

Conveniently located half way between Taupo and Wellington, the landscape sweeps dramatically from the solitude of the high country Ruahine and Tararua Ranges to the natural playgrounds of the scenic Manawatu Gorge and Pohangina Valley, and the coastal plains and beaches of Tangimoana and Himatangi. The unspoiled rivers that wind their way from the ranges through fertile agricultural and pastoral farmlands to the coast are a big drawcard for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

It's true to say that the region offers visitors the best of both worlds - an eclectic mix of urban culture and rural New Zealand experiences.

The magnificent Tararua Ranges which boast an extensive network of walking tracks as good as any found in New Zealand.

What to do
See www.manawatunz.co.nz/things_to_do.html for ideas on what to do whilst you're in the region - everything from going on a brewery tour at Tui HQ in Mangatainoka, making a therapeutic body product at The Herb Farm to having a WOOFER experience at Homeprint.

Manawatu Gorge
Some of the impressive Te Apiti Wind Farm turbines can also be seen from Manawatu Gorge - a spectacular geographic feature and aa classic example of what happens when a mountain range intersects a river. It's also one of only a few places in the world where a river flows east to west through a main divide.
Initially the river flowed westwards, across a landscape that showed no sign of the present mountain ranges. Over the last million years, a wedge of basement greywacke rock has been slowly thrust upwards between two major faults. During this period, the Manawatu River has continually cut down through the rising mountain range to create the gorge. The road and railway cling to the top of the vertical walls.

Accommodation
Manawatu offers accommodation options to suit every preference and pocket including sophisticated central city hotels and motels, a luxury 5 star lodge, holiday parks with cabin and camping facilities, backpackers, rural retreats, bed and breakfasts, home-stays and farm-stays.
i-SITE Palmerston North can assist with all accommodation bookings, and is open seven days a week. Email palmerstonnorth@i-site.org or visit the friendly team in The Square, Palmerston North.

Outdoor Walking Tracks
Nature lovers have a fantastic network of huts and tracks in the western Ruahine Forest Park. Remember to plan, prepare and equip yourself well for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
See www.manawatunz.co.nz/walking_and_hiking.html for a list of Department of Conservation huts in the area.

Sustainability
This diverse region has its eye on the future and has focused its sights on sustainability. But sustainability isn't just a trendy buzz word here - Manawatu harnesses and celebrates its windy natural resource. To see an 80m turbine up close visit Te Apiti windfarm, set high on the Ruahine Ranges. Take your camera because the views are fantastic. Locals have created interesting ways to appreciate the wind farms, including quad bike tours and horse treks.
The City's former landfill is now home to Awapuni Sustainable Development Centre - an innovative recycling and educational centre. You can even have a ride on an electric bike powered by dead batteries.

Getting to and from Manawatu
The Manawatu region is intersected by State Highway 1 and the main trunk railway line and is served by Palmerston North Airport. However you choose to arrive, you'll find it convenient to rent a car or campervan for local explorations. 
The attractive country roads are generally well maintained and easy to drive. It's very easy to base yourself in Palmerston North or one of the smaller towns and commute to local sights and activities.

For more information contact -

i-SITE Palmerston North
The Square
PO Box 12 005
Palmerston North 4444
Manawatu
New Zealand
Telephone: +64 6 350 1922
Email: palmerstonnorth@i-SITE.org