Introducing Wanganui & Palmerston North
The Wanganui and Manawatu districts comprise a sizable chunk of the North Island’s south, running from Tongariro National Park in the north down towards Wellington. This is mellow, pastoral country, draped with rounded green hills, gently bent roads, socially significant cities and magical national parks, rivers and gorges.
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The history-rich Whanganui River curls through Whanganui National Park down to Wanganui city. Ripe with outdoor opportunities, the splendorous Whanganui River Rd mimics the river’s bows, while Wanganui itself, a 19th-century river port, has aged gracefully, recently reinventing itself as a centre for New Zealand glass art. Like any port there’s an edgy transience to the town, as if it’s not sure what might come up or down the river next. Settle into Victoria Ave’s top-notch restaurants and hip bars while you wait to find out.
Palmerston North, the Manawatu’s main city, is a town of two peoples: tough-talkin’ country fast-foodies in hotted-up cars and caffeinated Massey University literati, coexisting with none of Cambridge’s ‘Town vs Gown’ sabre-rattling. During the semester the cafés jump and pubs overflow with students.
Beyond the city the Manawatu blends rural grace with yesterday’s pace, cut by the dramatic slice of Manawatu Gorge. A meandering Manawatu drive is the perfect antidote to NZ’s tourism juggernaut – you might even squeeze in a little laziness!
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Hotels & Hostels in Wanganui & Palmerston North
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The Old Coach House
Whanganui & Palmerston North
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Wanganui & Palmerston North
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Wanganui & Palmerston North Overview
- Places in Wanganui & Palmerston North
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Things to do
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Our Top Picks For Wanganui & Palmerston North
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1 Wanganui’s and glass studios
Watching a glass-blowing demonstration at one of Wanganui’s glass studios
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2 Whanganui River
Blowing out the cobwebs with a jetboat ride on the Whanganui River
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3 Whanganui River and Road
Traversing the rainy Whanganui River Road – it’s all about the journey, not how fast you get there
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4 Whanganui National Park
Tramping the Matemateaonga and Mangapurua Tracks in the Whanganui National Park
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5 New Zealand Rugby Museum
Flexing your All Blacks spirit at Palmerston North’s New Zealand Rugby Museum
