Manawatū-Whanganui

A region in the south-central North Island that takes in the Tongariro volcanoes and the Whanganui River, good for hiking, paddling and skiing.

Manawatū-Whanganui covers a wide area of the south-central North Island. In the north, Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage Site with volcanoes such as Ruapehu; the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is hugely popular, and in winter you can ski on Mount Ruapehu. The Whanganui River winds through Whanganui National Park, where multi-day canoe trips are possible. In the south, Palmerston North is the regional center and a university city. Summer and autumn suit hiking and paddling, and winter suits skiing. Gateways include Palmerston North Airport, and you can also drive along State Highway 1.

Destinations

• Whanganui
• Tongariro National Park

Itineraries

• Classic North Island: Auckland to Wellington – Head south from Auckland to Wellington, connecting the glowworm caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, geothermal wonders, and alpi…
• Western Volcanoes & Forgotten World Highway – Travel from a surf town through SH43 to Taranaki, then follow the Whanganui River south to Wellington
• Northern Explorer Train & Volcano Route – A car-free journey from Auckland by scenic train to hike Tongariro, then south to Wellington
• New Zealand North to South: Auckland to Queenstown – Head south from Auckland through geothermal areas and Wellington, cross the strait, and explore the lakes and fjords to…