100 words: 

Manawatū rewards those who get off the beaten track to uncover its hidden gems. Sure, we offer epic trails to shred, food to die for and enough shopping to get your heart pumping, but the special thing about Manawatū is your unique journey of discovery along the way. 

Lift the lid on our urban centre, Palmy, and discover prominent art galleries and colourful street art. Visit the charming town of Feilding and venture along The Country Road to savour our scenery and convivial country charm. Experience a nature lover’s paradise, with ancient native bush walks or seek your next adrenaline fix in the adventure playground that is our backyard. 

200 words: 

Manawatū rewards those who follow their nose and get off the beaten track to uncover its hidden gems. Sure, we offer epic trails to shred, food to die for, world-class coffee, and enough shopping to get your heart pumping, but the special thing about Manawatū is your unique journey of discovery along the way. 

Lift the lid on our urban centre, Palmy city and you’ll see that we’re home to prominent art galleries, cultural collections and colourful street art that lines the city walls. Visit the charming town of Feilding which has won the award for New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Town no less than 16 times. Venture deeper into Manawatū along The Country Road driving routes to savour our scenery, secluded stays and the convivial country charm along the way. Experience a nature lover’s paradise, with walks, tramps and renowned gardens all with a backdrop of beautiful bird song and scenic sights. Or seek your next adrenaline fix in the adventure playground that is our backyard from mountain bike trails, river rafting to wind powered land sailing in blokarts.  

Let your heart stand still when you journey through Manawatū – a legendary land of Aoteroa, full of spirit and joy, with a creative bent. 

500 words: 

Manawatū rewards those who follow their nose and get off the beaten track to uncover its hidden gems. OK sure, we offer epic trails to shred, food to die for, world-class coffee, and enough shopping to get your heart pumping, but the special thing about Manawatū is your unique journey of discovery along the way. 

Lift the lid on our urban centre, Palmy city and you’ll see that we’re home to prominent art galleries, cultural collections and colourful street art that lines the city walls. Forge your own path through our creative city with the arts and sculpture trail, enjoy the internationally recognised theatre scene and dine out at award-winning restaurants and craft breweries. Palmerston North is a home to an array of theatres presenting a variety of local, national and international performances. The city has many public sculptures, pop-up installations, and art exhibitions in galleries – a perfect accompaniment to the eclectic offering of cafes and eateries. 

The charming town of Feilding, 15 minutes east of the city, has won the award for New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Town no less than 16 times. Visit the award-winning Friday farmers’ market, tour the saleyards and enjoy boutique shopping and locally sourced food with exceptional service. 

Seek your next adrenaline fix in the adventure playground that is our backyard. Discover a mountain bike mecca, stick to four wheels with a 4WD safari, let the wind take you for a ride on a blokart or take to the hills with a scenic horse trek. Raft the Rangitīkei River and take in the soaring white papa cliffs or wakeboard at a purpose-built park. 

A nature lover’s paradise, with walks, tramps and renowned gardens all with a backdrop of beautiful bird song and scenic sights. Explore the magnificent geographical marvel formed over thousands of years by the Manawatū River, Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge is a must see on your New Zealand journey. 

Venture deeper into Manawatū along The Country Road driving routes to savour our scenery and secluded stayovers at any of the unique retreats along the way. Discover surprising excursions along these less-travelled country roads, hidden places and tucked away treasures around every corner - from convivial country cafes and pubs and heritage sites to galleries and gardens, scenic reserves, day walks, swimming holes, glow worm caves, picnic areas, camping spots and more. Meet the locals along the way and savour stunning scenery from the road. 

Experience Manawatū - the region which takes its name from the mighty river than runs through it. The great Manawatū River was named by an explorer named Hau who had travelled down the coast from Taranaki, chasing after his runaway wife and her lover. He looked upon the Manawatū River with great apprehension and his heart stood still when he took in its size and beauty. And so it was named Manawatū River, Manawatū meaning ‘Heart Standing Still'.  

Let your heart stand still when you journey through Manawatū – a legendary land of Aotearoa, full of spirit and joy, with a creative bent.