Top Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
Top Hotels in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
10 Things to do Good for Big Groups 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, Levin Adventure Park, Timber Trail NZ, Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics, Mellonsfolly Ranch, Whanganui River, Centrepoint Theatre, Mt Ruapehu, Bridge to Nowhere, Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science & Heritage.
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. Timber Trail NZ
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 204 reviews
The Timber Trail with it’s accessibility to stunning forest, steeped in history and packed with flowing trails, has cemented itself as one of NZ’s favourite offroad adventure cycle trails. In the heart of the Pureora Forest, and easily accessed from Taumaranui, Ongarue, Te Kuiti or via Benneydael as gateways. Generally ridden over two days , the trail features stunning podocarp forest, spectacular gorges traversed by incredible suspension bridges (35 bridges to be crossed en route) and historic tramways. Discover ancient Maori stories and history, learn about the pioneering foresters and those those more modern pioneers that fought to keep this forest for all of us (and the flora and fauna) somewhere to enjoy for the future. Travelling from Pureora in the east to Ongarue in the west, most cyclists choose to stay mid trail in one of the comfortable lodges, or camp at the Department of Conservation campsite. Shuttle services and pacakges are available - see website.
Reviewed By Jamjarz - Auckland, New Zealand
This is a great ride and challenging enough to provide the satisfaction of completing the 83Zkm trail. The trail is in great condition and even with torrential rain we experienced on day 2, it held up well.
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. Mellonsfolly Ranch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
At the Old West Town you step back in time and experience the charm of the Old West. We offer a total Western experience from our western activities and lip smackin cowboy cuisine, to our luxurious premium rooms, elegantly furnished in Victorian style or our Plains Indian/Rustic standard rooms. Visiting us is by arrangement only.
Reviewed By IzzyCf
We had such an amazing time! We were very well looked after and the guys working there are lovely! The town itself is beautiful and so authentic, there is also an abundance of wild life in the area, including deer, moreporks, and so much more. The food was wonderful and there were always plenty of snacks. It is such a fantastic place to stay! Thank you to everyone who works there, it was great!
6. 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.
7. Centrepoint Theatre
8. Mt Ruapehu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 465 reviews
Mt Ruapehu Whakapapa & Turoa has a world of unforgettable experiences to offer to alpine-lovers all year round. Home to two of New Zealand’s largest ski areas, New Zealand’s highest cafe & restaurant and amazing volcanic walks when the snow recedes; Whakapapa and Turoa offers an unparalleled experience of the dual world heritage status Tongariro National Park. Whakapapa has something for every skier and rider, with a premier beginners area, more than 30 groomed trails to fall in love with, plus a huge variety of off-piste terrain from wide-open runs to bowls, bumps, chutes and drops. Turoa offers a massive 722m of vertical descent from the top of Australasia’s highest chairlift – the Highnoon Express. Wide-open trails, pristine groomed runs, natural bowls and chutes will keep even the most experienced snow sports enthusiasts grinning from ear to ear. Alpine Meadow is an ideal beginner’s area with its 120m long carpet lift to move you smoothly around.
Reviewed By hikingprincess2018 - County Dublin, Ireland
Just finished the video of our Mt Ruapehu Crater Climb. It was a spectacular day out. The other-worldly treasures are hidden away until you get to the rim and then it's all on. Luckily there were no rumbles or lahars (this volcano has erupted 60 times since 1945!). Pele must have been watching over us. The views on a clear day, from atop an active volcano, at 2,672m / 8,766 ft. are superb. It reminded me of how eloquently The Smithsonianmag.com described entering Haleakalā ‘crater’ like an exercise in sensory deprivation. This holds equally here as you gaze into the summit plateau replete with mini glaciers and again when you reach the hidden crater lake with its eerie lifeless hue. It's similtaneously fascinating and foreboding - evidence of the beauty, power and violence of nature surrounds you and is mesmeric. This is not a place to linger too long as you might do near a scenic lake. The frisson at Mt Ruapehu's crater is palpable:) Mt Ruapehu Crater Climb is not a formatted Great Walk like The Tongariro Crossing or The Northern Circuit. DOC class this as an Alpine climb. This should not be attempted if you are not experienced and fit. Established navigational skills are essential here. The volcanic terrain is amorphous. There are few distinguishing landmarks, save for the chairlifts and t-bars, but they disappear rather quickly. There are numerous ridges to lead you astray and you could find yourself heading in the wrong direction at the end of the day. A guided tour is an excellent way to do this hike if you are unsure. This is a magnificent day out. Please let me know If you have done this hike and were as much in awe as we were. We had not looked at any images so it made the reveal greater. I had expected the usual crater arrangement lol! Happy and safe hiking, always:)
9. Bridge to Nowhere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By 921AliA
We caught the boat after tramping the Matemateonga track, which took us up to the bridge, per whanganui river adventures. This was well worth it, with such beautiful scenery. Ken gave us excellent history about the place, and a cup of tea as well! Go on a sunny day if possible, dress warmly for the boat, and wear good walking shoes.
10. 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.
