Location
This area is based around State Highway 1
where it descends from the volcanic plateau to Wellington, west of the
main ranges.
General
Although there are extensive coastal
plains, the countryside becomes increasing hilly towards the north. Sheep
farming and cattle raising are important activities, along with cropping
on the lowlands.
In the Rangitikei River Valley and surrounding hill country, bed and
breakfasts and farmstays are a specialty, with many old homesteads having
magnificent gardens. The largest of the villages and towns along the road
to Mt Ruapehu and the central plateau is Taihape. It is renowned as the
"gumboot capital", where every year a festival is held to celebrate this
essential item of rural Kiwi footwear. The river supports an excellent
trout fishery and there's also bungy jumping, white water and scenic
rafting.
To the south is the Manawatu region with its broad coastal plains, on
which lies the university city of Palmerston North, one of the country's
larger provincial cities. The central business district of Palmerston
North is centred on a large leafy square where many of the original stores
built in the 1920s and 1930s have been restored and are now charming
boutiques, cafes and great restaurants. It is a good base for exploring
the many large private gardens in the surrounding countryside.
Don't Miss
- Tokomaru Steam Museum, Palmerston North
- Manawatu/Rangitikei garden tours
- Central city cafes and restaurants Palmerston North
- City Art Gallery
- Public gardens, Palmerston North
- Country garden tours
Main Centre
- Palmerston North - a major university city with many country gardens
to visit in the countryside
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