Rangitikei, Horowhenua, Manawatu & Tararua Regional Information

The Kapiti Coast is the ideal place to relax and recharge the batteries. A slice of prime New Zealand coastline, its 46km beach stretches alongside the tumultuous Tasman Sea and is a great place for blowing out the cobwebs during a Good Old Kiwi Holiday.

Just north of Paraparaumu is Lindale Farm, a hands-on rural experience where the kids can meet friendly farm animals and touch and feed lambs and calves during season. Remember the camera because a snap of the kids bottle-feeding an adorable lamb is a must for any holiday photo album.

There is a fantastic opportunity to view endangered birds including the little spotted kiwi at Kapiti Island, just off the Kapiti Coast. This island has restrictions on visitor numbers, so make sure you obtain a permit to visit from the Department of Conservation well in advance. There is also the opportunity to see kiwi and other endangered wildlife on the mainland at Nga Manu Nature Reserve near Waikanae.

Palmerston North is the heart of the Manawatu region and offers plenty of fun family activities. We all know that rugby plays a big part of our national psyche, so a visit to the New Zealand Rugby Museum will be a popular way to inject some Kiwi sporting culture into your holiday.

"If it weren't for your gumboots, where would you be?" A good place to ponder the answer to this is Taihape, the Gumboot Throwing Capital of New Zealand. Get amongst the action at the town's gumboot throwing lane (open selected days), and teach the kids a good old Kiwi folk song while you're at it.

The nearby Rangitikei River is well known for rafting and a host of other adventure activities, so finish your Good Old Kiwi Holiday on a high by taking the family for a wild white-water ride.

Nestled between the Manawatu River and Wellington is the recreational playground of the Kapiti Coast, a complete contrast to the bustling city life of Wellington yet only a short drive away. Take some time out to really relax during your Good Old Kiwi Holiday - this laid-back stretch of coastline is the place to do it.

Explore character townships from Paekakariki to Otaki and beyond to Foxton, where outdoor adventures await you along the way. If you take the time to explore the region you'll stumble upon relaxing country retreats, award-winning gardens and superb golf courses, antique and craft stores, as well as great food and friendly people. Thrill seekers are well served: activities include aerobatic flying, kayaking, mountain biking and scenic helicopter flights.

Kapiti is known for its specialist food shops including cheese, ice cream, honey and confectionery, and its market gardens that produce many varieties of fresh fruit and vegetables. There are many opportunities for trying all of the coasts top-notch produce, so make sure you bring your appetite along for the ride.

Attractions

• The "De Molen" Dutch Windmill in Foxton is a replica 17th century windmill that grinds stone to make flour on site. Tours are available to visitors.
• The magnificent Waitarere Beach is popular with anglers as snapper, gurnard, flounder and groper are all found in abundance here.
• Indulge in a spot of outlet shopping in amongst all the outdoor activities - Levin has a thriving outlet shopping scene.
• The Lindale Visitor Centre near Waikanae is a hands-on rural experience where the kids can meet friendly farm animals and touch and feed lambs and calves during season.
• See kiwi, tuatara, eels, moreporks and other native birds along with over 700 different plant species at the 13ha Nga Manu Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The Southwards Car Museum houses over 400 cars, including a 1950 Cadillac that once belonged to gangster Mickey Cohen and Marlene Dietrich's 1934 Cadillac Town Cabriolet.
• The Tararua Forest Park tempts trampers and hunters, although weather conditions do need to be checked before heading out.
• An internationally renowned bird, wildlife, forest and marine sanctuary located off the Kapiti Coast, Kapiti Island is home to endangered native bird species including kiwi.
• The Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club is a links course said to rival the best golf courses in the world. This challenging yet beautiful course has hosted the New Zealand Open 12 times.
• Akatarawa Forest Park, near Paekakariki, is a popular area for quad/trail bikers and for hunting and fishing, but a permit must be obtained from the Greater Wellington Regional Council's Upper Hutt office.
• Visit the Wellington Tramway Museum at Paekakariki and take a ride on an old Wellington tram from Queen Elizabeth Park to Whareroa Beach and back before exploring the historical display in the tram barn.

A thriving cultural and educational centre, Palmerston North adds a touch of city sophistication to a rural Manawatu holiday. At the heart of this city is The Square, a picturesque park in the middle of a vibrant shopping and business district. Dotted with theatres, cinemas and a superb selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, Palmerston North has a diverse art scene and is well known for its collection of inner city public sculptures.

Whether you're a fan of the oval ball or not, the New Zealand Rugby Museum is a must-see while you are here. Walk through the complete history of New Zealand's favourite game, or try it yourself in the hands-on area, complete with scrum machine. In the same building is Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History, host of both international touring shows and homegrown exhibits.

Palmerston North is a great city to get your walking shoes on in. Walks in and around Palmerston North include Victoria Esplanade - this park is a 19ha oasis of inspiration and relaxation minutes from the city centre and a great place for bushwalks and picnics, and Centennial Lagoon Walk - a flat, open walkway that follows the Hokowhitu Lagoon from beginning to end.

Also try the Manawatu Gorge Track, a 10km track climbing from either end before levelling out high above the mighty gorge. Finally, the Bridle Track is another great walk where you can experience the ever-changing views of the Manawatu River and its surrounds.

Attractions

• Part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail, the Manawatu Cycleway runs between Palmerston North and Mangaweka.
• Set out in 30 displays, the emergence of New Zealand as a major rugby power is set out in a fascinating collection of memorabilia, photos and artefacts at the New Zealand Rugby Museum.
• Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History is a highly acclaimed centre that hosts both international touring shows and homegrown exhibits.
• The Victoria Esplanade is a picturesque inner-city park with something for everyone, including the stunning Dugald Mckenzie rose garden, bird aviaries, nature trails, walking tracks and a duck pond, plus a paddling pool, playground and miniature railway for the kids.