It’s hard not to love a place that has incredible native forest, scenic roads to explore, cycle and walking trails and hidden glow worm caves. From the inland magic of Ruahine Forest Park to the coastal scenery at Himatangi Beach, Manawatū is a diverse and beautiful region of New Zealand. Spanning from urban Palmerston North to the small settlement of Rangiwahia, the outdoor adventures on offer here are unique to this part of New Zealand.
Be inspired to get outdoors in the North Island with these activities. Whether you’re on a self-guided journey to discover the best natural wonders in Manawatū, or you’re keen to explore through the eyes of locals with a guided experience, your days spent outdoors in and around Palmerston North will be fantastic.
1. Glow worm caves
Hidden in the midst of the Limestone Creek Reserve in northern Manawatū are glow worm caves, a mere 600 metres from the road. Walk down the track and marvel at the gully covered in dark green moss and wild ferns. Continue on to the caves where glow worms light the ceiling and walls. These glow worms can be seen during the day, but evening or after dark is best.
Feel like a true explorer when you discover these glow worm caves via a gravel road just north of Āpiti. Look out for the Limestone Creek Reserve sign and park up roadside. A self-guided tour through these glow worm caves is a must-do when in Manawatū. Be sure to take care on the sometimes slippery surfaces, prepare to get wet feet and stick to the track.
2. Mountain biking
Manawatū is a region known for its top-notch mountain biking tracks. Tracks enveloped in lush native bush with the odd opening high above vast valleys with views of rolling hills as far as the eye can see; mountain biking is a great way to see the sights. Te Ara o Mahurangi track is a must-do for intermediate level riders. Travel two km’s downhill through native forest on this track which is part of the beautiful Te Āpiti-Manawatu Gorge. For a whole day out on the trails head to Arapuke Mountain Bike Park, the lower North Island’s premier mountain bike destination. Here you’ll find a range of trails across all grades to keep you busy for hours, if not days.
3. Horse riding
If there’s a place to do a multi-day journey by horseback, Manawatū is it. From the wild Rangitikei River to the mountainous forest park separating Manawatū and Hawkes Bay, the scenery is outright spectacular. Ride along green pastures and through native bush, engaging all the senses and embracing the outdoors. The River Valley Ride is the ultimate 8-day horse riding experience that sees you traversing through the breathtaking scenery on the perfect adventure for horse lovers. This is one of those outdoor activities in Manawatū that will create long-lasting memories.
If it’s a day trek you’re after, River Valley Stables can accommodate you. These treks are best for intermediate riders, and take you through incredible pockets of hill country in Manawatū.
4. Beach day
Salty sea breeze, driftwood and sand dunes; a day at the beach takes any holiday to the next level. Himatangi Beach has that iconic west coast ruggedness with a windswept shore and driftwood scattered across the sand. It’s the perfect beach for a stroll, swimming or kayaking and picnics complete with fish and chips from the nearby dairy. Fishing is popular at Himatangi Beach too, with the local fishing club running community events through the summer months. You can even drive your four-wheel drive onto the beach to watch the waves roll in and catch the sunset. Only a 30-minute drive from Palmerston North, a beach day is the perfect escape from the city in Manawatū and is home to an award-winning holiday park for the ultimate weekend retreat.
5. Golf
Manawatū is home to New Zealand’s oldest golf course, making it the ultimate destination for golf enthusiasts. Manawatū Golf Club is the historical icon, though you’ll find several places to tee off in the area. From Marton Golf Club in the countryside to Feilding Golf Club just 20 minutes from Palmerston North, the variety makes a golf trip in Manawatū exciting and unique.
The Orlando Country Golf Course is a 9-hole course, offering golfers a chance to work on their game while still having the rest of the day to explore the region further. The Orlando Country Driving Range is one of those outdoor activities in Manawatū that suits everyone, golfer or not. You’ll even find mini golf at the Victoria Esplanade, as well as in the picturesque town of Feilding, for a light-hearted dose of the sport.
6. Road tripping
Slow down the pace and hit the scenic roads for a day of exploring the countryside and outdoors. Manawatū is a plentiful region with an abundance of native forest, rolling hills and farmland. Explore areas that you’d otherwise miss on a roadie. Head all the way to the west coast at Himatangi Beach, check out small towns like Sanson and Feilding for amazing local food spots and community events. Stock up on road trip essentials in Palmerston North before checking out The Country Road, Manawatū’s spectacular rural scenic driving routes. The Country Road is a journey between the highways that takes you to hidden spots, country pubs, swimming holes, camping spots, great day walks and so much more. Explore off-the-beaten-track and discover what the middle of the North Island is all about.
7. Wakeboarding
To go from driving through the countryside to sending it on a wakeboard on the same day is the beauty of Manawatū. Off The Loop Wake and Water Park in Foxton is a cable wakeboard park with ramps and rail slides for an unbelievable day out on the water. Plus, there’s an inflatable aqua park, stand up paddleboards and kayaks to keep everyone in your group happy. This is one of the best summer activities in Manawatū for some light-hearted, fun-filled adventure.
If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway, outdoor activities and epic trails are waiting for you in Manawatū, under two hours from Wellington and two hours from the heart of Hawkes Bay.
8. Whitewater rafting
Whitewater rafting is one of the best activities on water in New Zealand. Paddle down rapids with your fellow rafters, enjoy breathtaking scenery in majestic river valleys and maybe even sneak in a swim. Whitewater rafting in Manawatū is the ideal way to get the blood pumping and see the sights along the Rangitikei River. River Valley Rafting offers grade 2 and grade 5 rafting experiences that range from half-day to multi-day expeditions. Paddle down the spectacular Rangitikei River with experienced guides, and tackle the white water rapids that have made a name for themselves nationwide.
For a more low-key and incredibly scenic rafting experience, check out Awastone river adventures.
Keen for more water-based outdoor activities? Check out the Lido Aquatic Centre for hydroslides, a lazy river and more!
9. Native bush walk
A visit to Manawatū is not complete without exploring the walking tracks that weave through the immense native bush. Stretch the legs on Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge Track, 11.2km of trail nestled between two big mountain ranges and a mere 12 minutes from civilisation. Dense native bush and chatty birdlife make the centre of the North Island one of the best places for scenic walks. The undisturbed native bush in Rangiwahia Scenic Reserve is well worth checking out for the fitspo-loving walkers, and the Sledge Track offers some of the best walking tracks in Manawatū.
There’s no shortage of top walks to discover. Find more of the most scenic ones here.
10. Farm tour
With high altitude farmland and unique micro climates in the valley below, Manawatū has an abundance of green pastures, farm animals and friendly locals. Learn more about farm pets and living off the land with the Penhaven Farm Tour near Palmerston North. This small group 1-2 hour tour is the perfect way to meet locals and get a true sense for the Manawatū region. Learn what goes on at a robotic dairy farm where cows wander up to the robots voluntarily to be milked; no human intervention needed! The Robotic Dairy Farm is the first family-owned robotic farm in the lower North Island, offering a little something quirky to do in Manawatū.
Incorporate a farm tour with a scenic walk and boutique accommodation at the Ridge Top Farm Walk. They combine a classic Kiwi farm walk with views out to Kapiti Island, Mount Taranaki, Mount Ruapehu and the Ruahine Ranges with luxurious glamping in a stunning country setting. It’s the perfect unique experience in Manawatū.
This article was created in paid partnership with Manawatū NZ.
