Rongotea Ride

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Head out for a ride on some of the Manawatu Regions flatter terrain. Ideal as a training ride, but due to distance, moderate fitness is required. See local farmland and discover some of the smaller towns hidden throughout the region. For the keener cyclist, continue out to Himatangi Beach and take in the sea views.

Getting there:

Starting from The Square go West on Main Street which becomes Pioneer Highway. Follow this out through Longburn and then turn right onto Karere Road. Turn left onto Lockwood Road then take your first left onto Hoihere Road. Take a right onto Main Drain Road and then a left onto Taikorea Road and follow this until through until you get to Kaimatarau Road, where you will turn left. Follow Kaimatarau Road through onto Rosina Road. Take your first right onto Tangimoana Road. Take the next right onto Campion Road and go straight through the intersection onto Rongotea Road. Take Rongotea Road straight through to Rongotea Township, where you can stay on the main road. Also on the main street are public toilets for your convenience. Follow the main road right through Rongotea and continue along Rongotea Road, through Kopane and down to Kairanga. You will follow Rongotea Road through Kairanga down to Pioneer Highway (State Highway 56) where you can turn left and then follow Pioneer Highway to The Square in Palmerston North City.

Things to see and do:

Cycling along this ride, make sure to check out the Waireka Honey Centre, for some of the best ice cream on offer in the region. The scenery gives you a taste of Manawatu agriculture with pasture rich farmland and some lovely small towns. Through Rongotea, if you get the right time of year, the cherry blossoms are a delight to see. Stock up on supplies at the Four Square, where they make their own bread daily. For a sit down meal or a cold drink, visit the Rongotea Tavern and chat with the locals.