9 Hidden Gems Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region That You Shouldn't Miss

January 10, 2022 Veronika Gaddis

Discover the best top things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, New Zealand including River Valley Adventures, Ruapehu Adventure Rides, Forgotten World Adventures, Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics, Bason Botanic Gardens, Tawhai Falls, Taranaki Falls, Dannevirke Domain, The Herb Farm and Cafe.
Restaurants in Manawatu-Wanganui Region

1. River Valley Adventures

Excellent
90%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 168 reviews

River Valley Adventures

River Valley is an adventure company that operates from River Valley Lodge, an Adventure Lodge situated 32 kilometers east of the central North Island town of Taihape. What is River Valley all about? River Valley is all about rafts and horses. In fact 3 generations (since 1982)of guides have brought adventures based around river rafting and horse back riding to the general public. Rafting ranges in duration from half day Grade 5 trips on the Rangitikei River - often called one of the world's top half day Grade 5 trips - to gentle floats in the midst of spectacular scenery on our Scenic rafting trips. Horse Trekking. The core of the River Valley Stables riding experience is the natural horse training techniques used to train our horses. This produces horses that are responsive and happy. All riding takes place over the beautiful hill country of this area - the northern Rangitikei.

2. Ruapehu Adventure Rides

Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 101 reviews

Ruapehu Adventure Rides

We guide quad bike and side-by-side buggy tours through the heart of the Tongariro National Park in the Ruapehu District. Come and experience New Zealand native bush, farmland, where you can cross natural streams, and enjoy stunning views of Tongariro National Park, and our volcanoes. All gear will be provided. All our guides are NZQA qualified.

3. Forgotten World Adventures

Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 793 reviews

Forgotten World Adventures

Forgotten World Adventures is the leading adventure provider into a rural area of the North Island of New Zealand known as the Forgotten World. Fully guided tours in unique Rail Carts operate along 140km of a disused railway line. We can combine this railway experience with a helicopter flight over the Whanganui National Park to the Bridge to Nowhere and an exhilarating jet boat ride up the Whanganui River. On each part of your journey, you will learn of the history and stories of the Forgotten World from our knowledgable local guides.

4. Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics

8 Bates Street, Whanganui 4500 New Zealand +64 6-348 5555 http://www.quartzmuseum.org.nz
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 108 reviews

Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics

Reviewed By Fearless19625917923

I just visited Quartz Museum today after being recommended by friends. I could have spent much longer soaking up the amazing collection of ceramics made by both international and New Zealand potters from past to present day. This place is a real credit to Rick Rudd, his knowledge and dedication to create a museum to showcase such works. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would thoroughly recommend a visit!????

5. Bason Botanic Gardens

552 Rapanui Road, Whanganui 4574 New Zealand +64 6-349 0001 http://www.basonbotanicgardens.org.nz
Excellent
69%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 177 reviews

Bason Botanic Gardens

Reviewed By valandrobw - Carterton, New Zealand

This is an amazing place to visit. There is so much to see with lots of picnic areas and beautiful planting of all kinds of trees and ferns etc., hothouse with incredible orchids etc.,

6. Tawhai Falls

State Highway 48, Tongariro National Park New Zealand +64 7-892 3729 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/376395b17b7b4ba5bc5e52ba0ea08167.aspx
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 126 reviews

Tawhai Falls

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By travelwhere - Modesto, United States

This was a very rewarding short walk. There are some well made steps. There are 2 places to view the lovely waterfall. The guy at the information place said that a scene from Lord of the Rings was shot here. My research shows that it was called Gollum pools. I highly recommend doing this walk.

7. Taranaki Falls

Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park New Zealand +64 7-892 3729 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/c10e3e79bed84e329e140a53f90dabe2.aspx
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 195 reviews

Taranaki Falls

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.

8. Dannevirke Domain

Dannevirke 4930 New Zealand
Excellent
46%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 13 reviews

Dannevirke Domain

Reviewed By kiwisi1 - Hamilton, New Zealand

Always go, and always will. This domain has a lot to offer, an Avery, a Lake, small river down the bottom. Heaps of birds to feed and deer to look at.

9. The Herb Farm and Cafe

86 Grove Road, Ashhurst 4470 New Zealand +64 6-326 8633 [email protected] http://www.herbfarm.co.nz
Excellent
58%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 93 reviews

The Herb Farm and Cafe

the herb farm is a sensory experience to remember. Our 100% natural skincare and healthcare products are made on-site and stocked in our beautiful retail shop. Relax in our tranquil cafe offering fresh herb inspired food made with local and free range produce, visit our 2 acres of themed gardens or relax in our beauty retreat for a pampering treatment.

Reviewed By JenJ46 - New Zealand, null

We find the cafe at the Herb Farm a lovely place to stop for drinks and food. It's nice to see the range of cold drinks and ice blocks and coconut ice-cream on offer. The outdoor area is super and the garden walks a lot of fun for families.

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