Top Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
Top Hotels in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
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10 Things to do Good for Couples in Manawatu-Wanganui Region That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, New Zealand including Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Canoe Safaris, Timber Trail NZ, Horsemtrails, Whitecliffs Boulders, Tama Lakes, Bradley's Garden -Garden Visit & Miniputt Golf, Mellonsfolly Ranch, Bushy Park Sanctuary, OFF THE LOOP Wake Park.
Restaurants in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,166 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By RJMEX - Brooks, Canada
My wife and I did the Tongariro Crossing on February 8, 2019. We rode the Northern Express train from Auckland, stopped in Ohakune for two nights to do the Crossing, and continued on to Wellington. I had done some research on the Crossing, so we were prepared with hiking boots, day packs, layered windproof clothing, and extra collapsible water bottles. We also pre-booked a shuttle service to deliver us to the trail head, and pick us up at the finish. This is essential if you are doing the full day hike as there is a 4 hour parking limit in the car parks and the full hike is a good 6-8 hours depending on fitness level, photo op time, and how much you want to just enjoy the experience. Make no mistake, this is not a flatland "walk in the park", and unless you are at a good level of health and fitness and have the proper gear, this is not the hike for you. We are in our mid 60s and consider ourselves fit, but this was a workout. I recall the shuttle driver saying there were something like 800 stair steps going both up and down, and while they do make things less treacherous going up, they were a special kind of torture on the descent which takes 3 - 3.5 hrs. We saw several hikers suffering blisters, aching knees, and lack of water. The temperatures were quite cool when we started in the morning, along with a fairly strong wind, and we were glad for the wind proof clothing. By the time we were descending in the afternoon, it was quite warm and we had shed the layers. Heed the warnings about changing weather! We had a beautiful clear day, but a couple days earlier a guide told us the trail was down to a meter visibility in places due to fog and mist. You will find websites and reviews that play down the difficulty of this journey and tell you people from 4 years to 94 years have done the Crossing. That may well be, but these are exceptions, not the rule. My wife had to help a young nurse in her twenties who was afraid to continue due to the unstable footing on the descent from Red Crater and a guide told about having to carry a 10 year old over part of the trail he simply refused to go down. If you are unsure of your ability or equipment, book the hike with a guide or at least talk to someone who has done the crossing. Age is not the barrier, fitness and careless preparation is. If you decide to take the challenge and weather cooperates, you will be rewarded by some of the most spectacular views on the planet. Enjoy and good hiking!!
2. Canoe Safaris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
Guided tours from 1 to 5 days in the Whanganui National Park. Suitable for all ages and all fitness levels. Family trips a speciality. Operating for 40 years. Easy paddling, short Walks, Maori and European history. Fantastic meals. Fully qualified guides and we are a licensed operator. Canoe and Kayak Hire is also available.
3. Timber Trail NZ
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 204 reviews
The Timber Trail with it’s accessibility to stunning forest, steeped in history and packed with flowing trails, has cemented itself as one of NZ’s favourite offroad adventure cycle trails. In the heart of the Pureora Forest, and easily accessed from Taumaranui, Ongarue, Te Kuiti or via Benneydael as gateways. Generally ridden over two days , the trail features stunning podocarp forest, spectacular gorges traversed by incredible suspension bridges (35 bridges to be crossed en route) and historic tramways. Discover ancient Maori stories and history, learn about the pioneering foresters and those those more modern pioneers that fought to keep this forest for all of us (and the flora and fauna) somewhere to enjoy for the future. Travelling from Pureora in the east to Ongarue in the west, most cyclists choose to stay mid trail in one of the comfortable lodges, or camp at the Department of Conservation campsite. Shuttle services and pacakges are available - see website.
Reviewed By Jamjarz - Auckland, New Zealand
This is a great ride and challenging enough to provide the satisfaction of completing the 83Zkm trail. The trail is in great condition and even with torrential rain we experienced on day 2, it held up well.
4. Horsemtrails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 49 reviews
Memorable horse trekkings at the foot of the great mountains Tongariro - Ruapehu - Ngauruhoe.
Reviewed By VikkiA102
Cannot sing praises high enough!! I had the most magical day out on a horse trek with Hone, it really is a must do! The trek took us through beeeeaaaaautiful native forest with the added bonus of an exciting river crossing and a picnic in a remote hut. Having never done an off-trail horse trek like this before, I felt it was the perfect balance between being challenging and exhilarating while also feeling perfectly safe under Hones watch and guidance. Hone is an awesome guide and his passion for the horses and knowledge of the area really shines through. His horses are all gorgeous and having the chance to travel through such a pristine forest with them was a dream come true! Thanks a million Hone and Wai - wonderful people and an amazing experience!
5. Whitecliffs Boulders
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Brightsidejon - Palmerston North, New Zealand
Despite its otherworldliness, the carpark for this gem in only a 15 min drive from State Highway 1 and well worth the excursion. At the carpark you'll find an information booth and an honesty box asking for $5 pp. Pay up and march across the farmland to a long steep descent to the river. When you reach the river, you'll see a stand of woodland/ native bush a few hundred metres upstream. This is where the boulders are. There's a table at the edge of the woods and a full set of table and chairs in the heart of the glade if you're planning a picnic. It's a long hard trudge back up the hill (carry water) but what an amazing place!!!
6. Tama Lakes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By PuntRdTigers
We visited the Whakapapa Visitors Information Centre & got excellent advice from staff member Hari. We were concerned we weren't Alpine Crossing prepared & we were shown some options to do with our teenagers. A pleasant walk to Taranaki Falls starting from the car park near Skotel in the village. Slight rising elevation on firm ground with some loose stones. Lots of photo opportunities. Not very busy. Good signage. We wore lots of layers, even in December as the wind is cold, but the sun harsh-a hat & sunglasses very handy. A short detour down steep steps gets you to Taranaki Falls. Back up the steps & follow the signs on to Tama Lakes. The lower lake is viewed from a windy spot-lots of people sheltering for lunch in the short foliage. We braved the 30min climb to the upper lake for a great view of both lakes as well as Mount Ruapehu & Mount Ngauruhoe. It is steep with loose small stones coming back down-best done with walking poles-but take your time! There are drop toilets just before the lower lake view & near the bridge above Taranaki Falls. Round trip took us 6 hours with plenty of photo stops, lunch & snack breaks. Sunscreen is useful. We saw no flies, no mosquitoes & no snakes!
7. Bradley's Garden -Garden Visit & Miniputt Golf
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Dairyflatters - Mairangi Bay, New Zealand
We were a collection of friends in town to do the Lost Highway Rail Trail & stay in town for 3 nights. When asking locals what to do, Bradley's was recommended every time. We were treated exceptionally, ordered the Devonshire Tea the day before (as is the instruction), toured the lovely gardens, played Mini Putt to shrieks of laughter & had a fab time. Seriously recommended.
8. Mellonsfolly Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
At the Old West Town you step back in time and experience the charm of the Old West. We offer a total Western experience from our western activities and lip smackin cowboy cuisine, to our luxurious premium rooms, elegantly furnished in Victorian style or our Plains Indian/Rustic standard rooms. Visiting us is by arrangement only.
Reviewed By IzzyCf
We had such an amazing time! We were very well looked after and the guys working there are lovely! The town itself is beautiful and so authentic, there is also an abundance of wild life in the area, including deer, moreporks, and so much more. The food was wonderful and there were always plenty of snacks. It is such a fantastic place to stay! Thank you to everyone who works there, it was great!
9. Bushy Park Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 775gilvray - Cambridge, New Zealand
we had morning tea of fresh scones, jam and cream.. the service was wonderful warm a nd friendly. this place is a must for a visit to Whanganui.
10. OFF THE LOOP Wake Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Here at OFF THE LOOP we have created the latest 'must do' attraction in the Lower Nth Island! We offer Cable Wakeboard & Waterski riding at our purpose built lake on our 2 x Two tower CABLE Systems. Based in Foxton, 1 1/2 hrs north of the Wellington CBD, and 30 mins west of Palmerston North we have a variety of flat glassy water, ramps and rail slides at our dual laned fantastic location
Reviewed By EricR1975 - Porirua, New Zealand
The park, rides and activities are amazing fun. Super friendly staff, reasonably priced. Go Foxton. Combo deals on the inflatables and the biscuit rides. Love it here ... I'm telling everyone about it. Super easy if you pre-book and pay online and fill in all the forms before you arrive.
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