In September and October 2011 New Zealand will host the world’s third-largest sporting event – the Rugby World Cup. Approximately 70,000 international visitors are expected to attend, meaning that it is essential to book well in advance for accommodation and transport during this period. The event will include a nationwide festival showcasing New Zealand’s entertainment, arts, cuisine and lifestyle, so even if your clients are not sports fanatics, it will be an exciting time to visit. 
New Zealand Trade Manual has been designed with travel industry professionals in mind. 
The southwest of the North Island combines remote wilderness, fascinating history and tranquil rural landscapes with vibrant metropolitan life in the university city of Palmerston North.
Wanganui and Manawatu are intriguing visitor destinations offering a glimpse of authentic New Zealand city and country life. Wanganui, on the west coast, is the perfect place for a tranquil escape, whether visitors immerse themselves in art, culture, history or the spirit of the Whanganui River. Wanganui has a strong Maori and European history reflected in its heritage buildings and marae. The town abounds with historic buildings, beautiful parks and gardens. There is a strong artistic community and many galleries and studios are filled with local artwork.
The Whanganui River offers physical contrasts as striking as those found anywhere in New Zealand. Visitors can absorb themselves in the beauty of the landscape and the spiritual atmosphere of the Whanganui River. The concept of time seems to diminish in the Whanganui River Valley; the mysticism, scenery and limited human presence take visitors to a level of relaxation and peaceful rapport with nature.
Exciting outdoor activities and wilderness experiences also abound in the Manawatu region, east of Wanganui. Here the landscape is dominated by rolling hills and dotted with villages that offer a slice of authentic New Zealand farming life. Palmerston North, thriving centre of Manawatu, is a great base for exploring the surrounding region. A university town, it is well-equipped with restaurants, cafés, bars and shopping, as well as being widely known for the beautiful gardens that thrive in its temperate climate.
Regional Highlights
Unforgettable Sights
Whanganui River New Zealand’s longest navigable waterway is wild and bush-clad. Himatangi Sand Dune Field These 6,000-year-old dunes stretch up to 18 km inland. Manawatu Gorge One of only a few places in the world where a river flows east to west through a main divide. Kai Iwi Beach Sunset (Wanganui) Watch the sunset from a black-sand beach.
Adrenaline rush
Jet boating (Wanganui) Jet boat on the Whanganui River and visit the Bridge to Nowhere. Mokai Gravity Canyon (Taihape) One of New Zealand’s most extreme adventure destinations. www.gravitycanyon.co.nz River Valley, White-Water Rafting (Taihape) Grade 5 rafting trip with rapids such as Fulcrum and Max’s Drop. www.rivervalley.co.nz
Relax & Indulge
Waimarie Cruise (Wanganui) Board this 100-year-old paddle steamer for a river cruise. www.riverboats.co.nz Bason Botanic Gardens (Wanganui) Listed as a Garden of Regional Significance. www.basonbotanicgardens.org.nz Cross Hills Gardens (Kimbolton) One of the world’s finest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas. www.crosshills.co.nz
Luxury
Arles B&B (Wanganui) Gracious Edwardian homestead overlooking the Whanganui River. www.arles.co.nz Hiwinui Country Estate (Palmerston North) Boutique lodging offering informal elegance. www.hiwinui.co.nz Travelstyle (Palmerston North) Travel in a chauffeur-driven Rolls Royce. www.travelstyle.co.nz Helipro – Hill Country Heli-fishing (Palmerston North) Fly into Tararua Forest Park. www.helipro.co.nz
Culture
Whanganui Regional Museum (Wanganui) Extensive collections of natural and human regional history. www.wanganui-museum.org.nz Waka Tours (Raetihi) Canoeing, tramping and cultural experience on the Whanganui River. www.wakatours.com Feilding Saleyards Tour (Feilding) Experience the atmosphere of a real stock auction. www.feilding.co.nz/SaleYardTours.htm New Zealand Rugby Museum (Palmerston North) Comprehensive collection of rugby memorabilia. www.rugbymuseum.co.nz Te Manawa (Palmerston North) Museum, art gallery and science centre. www.temanawa.co.nz Sarjeant Gallery (Wanganui) One of New Zealand’s finest art galleries. www.sarjeant.org.nz
Natural New Zealand
Whanganui Journey (Wanganui) Canoe the upper Whanganui River on a five-day journey. Whanganui National Park (Wanganui) Home to rare native wildlife and offering a range of walks. Bushy Park (Wanganui) Protected habitat for endangered wildlife. www.bushypark.co.nz
On a Budget
Rivertraders Market (Wanganui) Saturday market on a site where Maori traded with early Europeans. Victoria Esplanade (Palmerston North) 360 acres of beautiful parklands.
The Iconic Experience
Bridge to Nowhere (Wanganui) Take a jet boat tour to this unforgettable landmark and enjoy a soul-soothing rainforest walk.
Dining & Shopping
Exclusive Dining
Dejeuner Restaurant (Palmerston North) Award-winning restaurant combining a relaxed atmosphere with superb cuisine. www.dejeuner.co.nz
Casual Dining
Stellar Restaurant & Bar (Wanganui) Top-class meals and lively bar for all visitors. www.stellarwanganui.co.nz
Café
Sage Café (Feilding) Extensive daytime cabinet and blackboard menu; à la carte evening menu. www.sagecafe.mbiz.co.nz
Stylish Bar
Noir Lounge Bar (Palmerston North) Indulge in the opulent surrounds with a cocktail by the fire, phone +64 6 355 5895.
Cosy Pub
Rosie O’Grady’s (Wanganui) Cosy Irish pub in the heart of Wanganui. www.thegrandhotel.co.nz
Culinary Experience
Feilding Farmers’ Market (Feilding) Every Friday, artisan food producers sell their locally grown produce. www.feilding.co.nz/market
Suggested Itineraries
2 days in Wanganui
Start Wanganui I Finish Wanganui
Begin by exploring the western area of Wanganui, visiting Bason Botanical Gardens, Mowhanau and Ototoko beaches, and Bushy Park Homestead & Forest. Stop for lunch at Kai Iwi Village. Back in Wanganui City, take a paddle-steamer cruise on the PS Waimarie. Afterwards, stroll around Wanganui, viewing central city sights. On Day 2, take a specialist tour of the historic and culturally enriched Whanganui River Road. At Pipiriki, join a Bridge to Nowhere jet boat and walk tour. Finish the day at one of Wanganui’s restaurants.
4 Days in Manawatu
Start Palmerston North
Finish Palmerston North
Begin by visiting Himatangi Beach and De Molen Windmill at Foxton. Head across to Shannon and visit Owlcatraz and the Tokomaru Steam Engine Museum. On Day 2, head to Pahiatua, where there is a look-out with extensive views of Manawatu and Mt Ruapehu in the distance. Make a stop at Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka. On Day 3, head to Ashhurst Domain and wetlands with a detour up to Te Apiti Windfarm. Try Pohangina Valley Estate for wine tasting. On Day 4, take a Feilding Saleyards Tour followed by a visit the Feilding Farmers’ Market (Fridays only).
Road Trip
Whanganui River Road Historic and spectacularly scenic road through a rugged landscape.
Transport
Airports
Wanganui Domestic Airport offers daily flights to Auckland and weekly flights to Wellington as well as charter flights. Palmerston North offers daily flights to major domestic airports.
Roads
Wanganui is two hours, 45 minutes’ drive from Wellington and eight hours’ drive from Auckland. Palmerston North is one hour, 10 minutes from Wanganui, two hours, 10 minutes from Wellington and seven hours, 40 minutes from Auckland.
Rail
Palmerston North and Marton, near Wanganui, are situated on the main trunk line between Auckland and Wellington.
Further Information
Discover Wanganui
Trade Contact Greg Lincoln
Phone +64 6 349 0001
Email greg.lincoln@wanganui.govt.nz
www.wanganui.com
Destination Manawatu
Trade Contact Julia Sanson
Phone +64 6 350 1811
Email julia@manawatunz.co.nz
www.manawatunz.co.nz
