Top Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
Top Hotels in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
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What to do and see in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, North Island: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, New Zealand including Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Levin Adventure Park, Tama Lakes, Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics, Whanganui River, Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science & Heritage, Kowhai Park, Victoria Esplanade Gardens, Bason Botanic Gardens, Virginia Lake.
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. Levin Adventure Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By EmptyJars
Always worth a stop - a fantastic range of colourful play equipment for all ages from toddler to young adult. It even has workout equipment for adults. The toilet is clean and well-maintained. Hard to drag the kids away!
3. 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!
4. Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
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. Whanganui River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
Reviewed By RocheMaree - Hawera, New Zealand
So many ways to experience this beautiful river. The lower reaches are tidal and the river looks beautiful on a full tide. On a low tide watch the wading birds on the mudflats, so beautiful at sunset. See it from above in its full glory as it snakes through the city from the top of Durie Hill. Walk or cycle the paved riverbank. Take a leisurely trip on the Waimarie paddle steamer. Feeling energetic? Take a half day up to a 5 day kayak/canoe trip into the upper reaches. We drove the winding River Road through original small settlements dotted along the bank up to Pipiriki and then took a Whanganui River Adventures jetboat on a four hour trip further up the river to hike to the Bridge to Nowhere. It was amazing learning the history of the river and the area from our tour guide along the way. This river certainly has some tales to tell.
6. 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.
7. Kowhai Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 225 reviews
Reviewed By Grannybee1 - Whanganui, New Zealand
Play equipment for all ages in a safe, park like setting, including water play areas. Have taken our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to this lovely area. Also has train rides, pirate ship, flying fox, and skate and bike area.
8. 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.
9. Bason Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
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.,
10. 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 .
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