Things to Do in Manawatu

• Te Manawa Museum, Gallery and Science Centre
  Part of Palmerston North's Te Manawa Complex, the centre features hands-on science displays and exhibitions of the region's history. The complex also houses the Manawatu Art Gallery, which specialises in arts and crafts.
• The New Zealand Rugby Museum
  This Palmerston North museum contains the country's largest collection of rugby memorabilia.
• Manawatu Gorge
  Dissected by the Manawatu River, this massive ravine divides the Ruahine and Tararua ranges. Activities in the area include rafting, safaris, abseiling, horse trekking and fishing.
• Tokomaru Steam Engine Museum
  New Zealand's most comprehensive collection of steam engines.
• Whanganui National Park
  This 74,231ha park offers numerous hiking and river activities, including canoeing, rafting and jetboating on the Whanganui River - the longest navigable waterway in the country.
• Whanganui River
  Discover the beauty of the river, and its stunning bush scenery, with a trip on a launch, jetboat, steam boat, kayak or canoe. Tour options include authentic Marae and farm stays.
• Whanganui Riverboat Centre Museum
  Home to New Zealand’s last historic paddle-steamer, and the only operational tunnel-drive vessel, MV Wairua. River tours are available aboard the Waimarie and the MV Wakapai.
• Whanganui River Road
  The River Road takes in several historic sites including Matawhiri's Old Flourmill, the church and convent at Jerusalem, Pipiriki and the Bridge to Nowhere. The convent was once the home of renowned New Zealand poet James K Baxter.
• Durie Hill Elevator & Memorial Tower
  The only earthbound elevator in New Zealand and one of only two in the world. The tower offers views over Wanganui.