Top Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
Top Hotels in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
Top 10 Things to do Adventurous in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, North Island
Discover the best top things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, New Zealand including Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Canoe Safaris, Ruapehu Adventure Rides, Mountain Air Scenic Flights Day Tour, Whanganui River Adventures, River Valley Adventures, Whanganui River Canoes, Forgotten World Adventures, Mountain Bike Station, Timber Trail NZ.
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. Canoe Safaris
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
Guided tours from 1 to 5 days in the Whanganui National Park. Suitable for all ages and all fitness levels. Family trips a speciality. Operating for 40 years. Easy paddling, short Walks, Maori and European history. Fantastic meals. Fully qualified guides and we are a licensed operator. Canoe and Kayak Hire is also available.
3. Ruapehu Adventure Rides
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 101 reviews
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.
4. Mountain Air Scenic Flights Day Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 269 reviews
Come and fly around the stunning volcanic peaks, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu! View the colourful Blue, Emerald and Tama Lakes and all of the spectacular craters on show! Learn about the cultural heritage, history, fascinating geology and biology of this region! Make your stay here even more memorable and come and take a flight with us! Let our team look after you and show you the world through our eyes! It’s a fantastic way to view the breathtaking volcanic scenery of Tongariro National Park, Dual World Heritage Area!
5. Whanganui River Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 177 reviews
Mihi nui kia a koutou katoa, Whanganui River Adventures(No Pipiriki)is the only locally owned Jetboat, Canoe and multi adventure and accommodation business based in Pipiriki.We specialise in personalised all round service promoting our local history and stories that we grew up with and what has been passed down to us by our kaumatua and kuia (ancestors, grandparents) and our whanau(families)who still reside on the awa (river)to this date. Our tours are Scenic involving scenic and historic site stops by Jetboat or Canoe/Kayak or MTB ensuring you with a safe journey to your destination from the beginning and return back. You will be greeted with a warm and cheery smile by either ourselves (Ken & Josephine) or one of our local staff before starting your tour on the Whanganui River or one of our local tracks in the area. Or you may be just calling in to our office for a friendly chat and information on our local area or just to have a hot drink and something to eat before your drive out of Pipiriki. We welcome anyone from NZders to our International Visitors from all over the world. Nau mai, Haere mai!!
6. River Valley Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 168 reviews
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.
7. Whanganui River Canoes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 109 reviews
Join Whanganui River Canoes for a three - five day canoe/kayak trip on the Whanganui River. You can choose to 'do it yourself'with a freedom hire, or have our guides cater for you and show you the best spots along the river. You can meet us the night before your trip at the Raetihi Holiday Park for comfortable, affordable accommodation, or ask us about our Holiday Home if that is more your style. We will make sure you are packed, briefed and ready to go before you start the adventure of your lifetime.
8. Forgotten World Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 793 reviews
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.
9. Mountain Bike Station
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 181 reviews
Whether it's cruising around Ohakune quaint township, exploring the forgotten Ohakune Old Coach Road trail,blasting down to the famous Bridge to Nowhere, or take your time and enjoy the Mountains to Sea Cycletrail. The Mountain Bike Station can show you the real reason why Ruapehu has become the must-do destination for mountain bikers of all skills and thrills.
Reviewed By silverferncaro - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We used Mountain Bike Station as our bike shuttle service to get us to the start of the first two parts of the mountain to sea cycle trail: the mountain rd and the old coach rd, and I am so glad we did! I chose them after my normal extensive internet/google/TA search as they had amazing reviews and this is another one to add to their collection. Firstly, all my back and forth emails were replied to by Steph and we were given all the information and options that I asked for promptly. Secondly, their service is awesome! When we rocked up on the day of our trip I was mortified to learn I had given them the wrong date! Did they say “ sorry, we can’t do anything for you.. your bad luck..or make me feel bad for such a dumb mistake.. Nope, Steph was so nice about my “senior moment” and jumped on the phone for a pow wow with her manager to try to find a solution. After only a few minutes we were rearranged and managed to be scheduled for both of our rides and all with a smile and great professionalism. I couldn’t apologise enough for mucking up both days and they were very polite about it! After what could have been a very disappointing day, we ended up having a brilliant two rides thanks to the Mountain Bike Station. If we ever decide to do the rest of the Mountain to sea trail we would definitely chose go with this team after the great service we received. They also have a bike hire service and at the back of the store there looks like a cool clip and climb adventure space. All the staff were lovely but we especially want to thank Stephanie for her “ can do” attitude and helpful , friendly professionalism. I highly recommend their service!
10. 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.
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