Top Things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
Top Hotels in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
What to do and see in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, North Island: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Discover the best top things to do in Manawatu-Wanganui Region, New Zealand including Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, Dinosaur House, Middleton Model Railway, New Zealand Rugby Museum, Fantasy Cave, Centrepoint Theatre, Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science & Heritage, Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre), National Army Museum.
Restaurants in Manawatu-Wanganui Region
1. 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!????
2. Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
Award winning Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom combines a library, cafe, & community hub, galleries & and an iSite. iSite for visitors: We know all the best things to do, places to stay and ways to get there, plus we take care of the bookings. We'll point you in the right direction to make sure your trip in Horowhenua is memorable for all the right reasons. Galleries: Piriharakeke Generation Inspiration Centre is a Māori museum, arts and learning centre that provides an insight in to the lives of Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. Piriharakeke has a strong focus on the stories, treasures, language and art. Oranjehof Dutch Connection Centre - Oranjehof showcases the stories and treasures of one of Aotearoa’s largest migrant groups – the New Zealand Dutch community. In our national Dutch museum, you can get in touch with all things Dutch.
Reviewed By PieterS90 - Nelson, New Zealand
We went especially to Foxton to see the Dutch museum. It was very interesting. It was well put together from the discovery of New Zealand by Abel Tasman to the modern day. There also was a Maori section. While we were there, there was a special exhibition of Anne Frank. It was housed in the community hall with the library, isite and a coffee shop. If you are passing through Foxton it is worth a stop.
3. Dinosaur House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
The Dinosaur House is a small museum which is run by dinosaur enthusiasts Ian & Sarah Moore. The Museum contains an amazing collection of dinosaur displays and fossils. Housed in a beautiful 1922 heritage building in the centre of the historic town of Raetihi. It is a traditional museum using the beauty and majesty of more than 100 specimens to show the public the exciting and wonderful world of fossils and dinosaurs. You’ll be transported back to prehistoric times to explore our carefully curated exhibits which will expand your mind.
Reviewed By YorkshireTeabag
Really well done. Friendly hosts truly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. Some great items such as the actual costume worn by Sam Neill in Jurassic Park III. Highly recommend for all ages.
4. Middleton Model Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Inspiration827670
We saw the yellow road sign on SH2 so decided to call in. The entry is awesome with a path through a long tree covered walkway. We were greeted by a very friendly man who gave a short talk about the railway layouts and shop. This is huge so allow plenty of time. It is also the only railway layout that we have seen where one can operate some of the equipment. There are several scales on display from tiny to O Scale. The shop us well stocked and and most interesting. We really enjoyed our visit.
5. New Zealand Rugby Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
The sport that shaped a nation.How did rugby come to play such an important role in the culture and heritage of New Zealand, and why are the All Blacks so good? Our Balls, Bullets and Boots Exhibition opens on 22nd August - Rugby Remembers WW1. Explore the rich history and folklore of the nation's game, see some of the world's rarest rugby artefacts, and learn about some of our rugby greats. You can get active by testing your rugby skills in the dedicated "Have A Go" area and measure yourself against the best.
Reviewed By Jadedog - Waikanae, New Zealand
Some fantastic historical items as well as contemporary pieces. A great collection of rugby and its intertwining into nz culture. A MUST see if in the Manawatu!! An active zone (designed for kids to test themselves) provides a distraction to all members of the family. Very knowledgeable and friendly volunteers to assist and explain items.
6. Fantasy Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Temporarily Closed
7. Centrepoint Theatre
8. 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.
9. Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre (Whakapapa Visitor Centre)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 474 reviews
Located in the heart of the Tongariro National Park, Whakapapa i-SITE (Tongariro Visitor Centre) provide expert local knowledge and free, objective advice on travel throughout the Ruapehu Region and New Zealand. We provide booking services for accommodation, activities, transport and more.
Reviewed By EmGeeNz - Kaiwaka, New Zealand
Great centre. Full of amazing informative displays etc. highly recommend if you wish to learn more about the area
10. National Army Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
The National Army Museum, is an army war museum in Waiouru, New Zealand, providing access to a unique collection of military exhibits, vehicles, memorabilia and public research material. The Museum is guardian to many of our national treasures, the displays are exceptional, the experience unforgettable.The Museum's Military Archive & Research Library is one of the leading military research centres in New Zealand. The Museum Gift Shop has an assortment of quality products for any special occasion. Kidz HQ is an interactive area for the children to enjoy; with puzzles, dress up and so much more. Our Cafe offers an array of tempting morsels to satisfy your taste buds.The National Army Museum open from 9.00am - 4.30pm seven days a week (with the exception of Christmas Day when the Museum is closed). Discover New Zealand's military history, engage with real life soldiers' stories and reflect on how conflict has shaped our nation.
Reviewed By nzworkingmum - Wellington, New Zealand
A great little museum just off SH1 in Waiouru. We were staying overnight before venturing over the desert road in winter and were looking got something to fill a couple of hours. So glad we did. The café was not open and there is another part they are still developing but the main museum is great anyway. The exhibits take you from the NZ wars right through to present day campaigns (although for some reason the child's activity sheet took us round in reverse order). If you go round in chronological order you finish in a beautiful greenstone memorial.
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