Holidays in Manawatu - Wanganui
Top destinations in Manawatu - Wanganui
Whanganui
Tongariro National Park
Manawatu - Wanganui Vacation: Coronavirus Information
Most Manawatu - Wanganui hotels offer free cancellation. Consider booking refundable hotels rather than non-refundable ones. Just look for the ‘free cancellation’ message during your hotel search. Prices can vary, but right now we believe that flexibility matters.
For more information about the impact of COVID-19 on your Manawatu - Wanganui trip, please visit our Coronavirus Information page.
Top hotels in Manawatu - Wanganui
The Park Hotel Ruapehu
6 Millar Street, Tongariro National Park, National Park Village
3.9/5Very Good! (764 reviews)
"Friendly staff and very helpful Would definitely come back😊"
Reviewed on 19 Jul. 2021
Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North
110 Fitzherbert Avenue, Palmerston North
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
4.1/5Very Good! (982 reviews)
"It was quirky to us, a little bit different which we liked, clean, well set out, friendly staff and good meals."
Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2021
Chateau Tongariro Hotel
State Highway 48, Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
4.2/5Very Good! (978 reviews)
"Everything was really good, however the only down was the shower after a while was a bit off. The shower would work fine for a period of time and then start to spit. Also the hot water would stop after a while. Everything else was really good. I would recommend. Staff service was really good!"
Reviewed on 18 Jun. 2021
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Top activities in Manawatu - Wanganui
Pukaha, National Wildlife Centre- Wildlife Reserve Tour
AU$42
Per adult
Pukaha, National Wildlife Center - Behind-the-Scenes Tour
AU$117
Per adult
Pukaha, National Wildlife Centre Admission
AU$16
Per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Manawatu - Wanganui Holiday Packages
Originally a sheep farming area, this region is now a renowned destination for hiking and adventure sports. Come here to see bungee jumpers launching off New Zealand’s highest bridge.Much of the fun in Manawatu - Wanganui region is centred on the two prominent river valleys. Hike the trails around the stunning Manawatu Gorge and enjoy some spectacular views of the Tararua and Ruahine mountain ranges on either side. As you make your way through the dense forest, you will hear the distinctive calls of tuis, bellbirds and other native birds.
Thrill seekers won’t want to miss a trip on the Rangitikei River. Join a white-water rafting tour for a high-paced ride through the rugged scenery. All equipment is provided and an experienced instructor will guide you down the river’s bends and waterfalls. Expeditions set off from the village of Taihape, which is just under 90-minutes’ drive northeast of the town of Wanganui.
If you want even more excitement, make your way to nearby Mokai Gravity Canyon, home to New Zealand’s highest bridge bungee jump. Step off the bridge and fall 262 feet (80 metres) toward the river below. You can also try the zip-line tour, which reaches speeds of up to 100 miles (160 kilometres) per hour. There is also a 164-foot (50-metre) free-fall swing in the canyon. If you want to do all three, buy one of the combination tickets to receive a discount.
Enjoy a slower-paced day wandering the parks and museums of Palmerston North. View authentic Māori artwork at Te Manawa in the middle of town or unwind in the idyllic Mackenzie Rose Garden at Victoria Esplanade. The town is a convenient place to base your exploration of the region and has several hotels as well as a range of good restaurants.
The Manawatu - Wanganui region is in the lower half of New Zealand’s North Island. The town of Wanganui is an hour-long flight, or just over a 5-hour drive, south of Auckland. It’s also an hour by air from Auckland to Palmerston North, or a 6-hour drive.
Summers in the region can be dry, so if you’re looking to enjoy the rapids at their raging best you may want to consider visiting in spring or autumn. Otherwise, hiking and bungee jumping are year-round attractions.