Top Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
Top Hotels in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
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10 Things to do 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, Tama Lakes, New Zealand Rugby Museum, Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science & Heritage, Victoria Esplanade Gardens, Virginia Lake, Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre), Waitonga Falls Track, Taranaki Falls, Esplanade Scenic Railway.
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. 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!
3. New Zealand Rugby Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
The sport that shaped a nation.How did rugby come to play such an important role in the culture and heritage of New Zealand, and why are the All Blacks so good? Our Balls, Bullets and Boots Exhibition opens on 22nd August - Rugby Remembers WW1. Explore the rich history and folklore of the nation's game, see some of the world's rarest rugby artefacts, and learn about some of our rugby greats. You can get active by testing your rugby skills in the dedicated "Have A Go" area and measure yourself against the best.
Reviewed By Jadedog - Waikanae, New Zealand
Some fantastic historical items as well as contemporary pieces. A great collection of rugby and its intertwining into nz culture. A MUST see if in the Manawatu!! An active zone (designed for kids to test themselves) provides a distraction to all members of the family. Very knowledgeable and friendly volunteers to assist and explain items.
4. Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science & Heritage
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
At the cultural heart of our city, Te Manawa draws art, science and heritage together to reflect our past, illuminate the present and inspire a creative and sustainable future for our growing region and its people. Our public want deeper and more energetic access to their museums. They want to see and hear their stories told, in their own voices. They are right to demand inclusion, representation and participation. These make for personal experiences that touch them emotionally, inspire them creatively and give life and mana to their collective heritage – making for an exciting place to live. The main goal of Te Manawa Museums Trust is to provide the people of Manawatū and beyond with interactive experiences in art, science and heritage. For us, it is all about connection. People should feel passionate and excited about, and attached to Te Manawa, the collections we care for, and the experiences we shape with them.
Reviewed By Companion651122 - Palmerston North, New Zealand
Excellent Museum for adults and children. The kids play area for under 7s is fantastic for the young ones to explore things. The social history gallery is great to look into the display cases to see things that have gone by. The staff are very friendly and accommodating.
5. Victoria Esplanade Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 491 reviews
Reviewed By rev2000 - Sydney, Australia
Victoria Esplanade Garden is a place where you can never say enough. It has so much to offer. A beautiful Rose Garden, Nature trail bush walks, Manawatu River walk, small aviary, Coffee shop and above all a Mini Railway where you enjoy a 2200 meter track through the bushes and forests.
6. Virginia Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 414 reviews
Reviewed By 20carolj - Palmerston North, New Zealand
This is the jewel in the crown for Wanganui.Unwind and meander along the different tracks around the lake taking in a different vista with every turn. There are two main tracks , one along the edge of lake and another upper track running parallel .Its an easy 45 min walk with bridges and water fowl, all wheelchair accessible. Along the way you pass gazebos, a band rotunda and bronze statues. One statue is Tainui depicting a woman and another of Peter Pan with NZ creatures surrounding him. The fountain is coin operated by the seat with the large mural of a swan. There are toilets on site and other amenities. A beautiful place to stroll/run and take the children .
7. Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 474 reviews
Located in the heart of the Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa i-SITE (Tongariro Visitor Centre) provide expert local knowledge and free, objective advice on travel throughout the Ruapehu Region and New Zealand. We provide booking services for accommodation, activities, transport and more.
Reviewed By EmGeeNz - Kaiwaka, New Zealand
Great centre. Full of amazing informative displays etc. highly recommend if you wish to learn more about the area
8. Waitonga Falls Track
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 85 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By KC1818118 - New Zealand, null
Breathtaking views. Easy walk. just Bring a little picnic and enjoy beautiful scenery! Highly recommend anyone.
9. Taranaki Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By jshigi - Bellevue, United States
2-3 hour hike - Toilet halfway through the hike by the top of the waterfall which was clutch. Beautiful waterfall! Really enjoyed walking through this forest too. Make sure to check the weather, this hike was longer than expected and it started raining towards the end of the hike. Some people got caught in the rain storm when they were just starting the hike.
10. Esplanade Scenic Railway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 113 reviews
