Embark on a wild adventure
This region of New Zealand's North Island is sandwiched between Hamilton to the North, New Plymouth to the west, Napier to the east and Wellington to the south. It's a region characterised by beautiful natural scenery, starting with Tongariro National Park, which is the birthplace of the Whanganui River, New Zealand's longest navigable waterway, that flows from the mountains to the Tasman Sea.
In Whanganui National Park you can tramp through wild forest or undertake the Whanganui Journey - a Great Walk that's actually a five-day canoe trip along the river itself. For something a little off the beaten path fill up with petrol and drive the Forgotten World Highway between Stratford and Taumarunui. This driving route takes you past the quirky township of Whangamomona and plenty of other eclectic and significant sites along this heritage trail.
Ruahine Forest Park also offers a wealth of outdoor recreation activities, while sporting fans won't want to miss the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North. Let one of our expert travel consultants tailor a bespoke package for you that takes in the very best of what the Manawatu-Wanganui region has to offer.
