Road trip: Experience the beauty of Manawatū, Whanganui and Taranaki
Best known for rugged coastlines, moss-ringed rivers, snow-capped peaks, and rolling hills. Now, the three regions have something different to offer.
The Coastal Arts Trail, an easy self-drive art trail of galleries, museums, and open studios along the central North Island’s West Coast.
MANAWATŪ
Filled with murals, sculptures, art galleries and museums. Make sure to check out these stops along the arts trail:
• Painter and printmaker Joe McMenamin (Feilding)
• Palmerston North favourites like Zimmerman’s Gallery, Square Edge, and Vonnie Sterritt The Studio.
• If you’re a fan of ceramics, Suzanne McAllen pottery (Ashhurst).
Stretch your legs and take to the tracks, the He Ara Kotahi is a breath-taking riverside pathway winding alongside the Manawatū River in Palmerston North, or for more of a challenge add Te Apiti - Manawatū Gorge Track to your journey.
Ready for some kai? Art lovers will appreciate the decor at Munch and Libre. Indulge in Manawatū’s fine dining scene at Fat Farmer and The Strong Room, or enjoy a freshly batched brew and wood fire pizza at Brew Union. If you happen to be in Feilding on a Friday, visit the award-winning Feilding Farmers’ Markets.
Manawatū is home to some of the country’s most beautiful accommodation options. Wake up to views of beautiful rolling countryside at Ridge Top Farm Glamping or Makoura Lodge, help feed the animals at Rangitikei Farmstay, or take a star-lit hot tub at Rathmoy Estate.
WHANGANUI
New Zealand’s UNESCO City of Design is a place to relax, get into nature and find a creative oasis. Here are a handful of the region’s many popular galleries and studios:
• Sarjeant Gallery – Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui (re-opening in 2024 – in the meantime, check out Sarjeant on the Quay)
• New Zealand Glassworks - Te Whare Tūhua o Te Ao the national centre for art glass
• Brown + Co, Space Studio & Gallery, and Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics
Hungry? Looking for coffee, bagels and chilled vibes? Then check out Little Curious Bagels, Whanganui’s newest café. For a dinner that’s a bit more high-end, Maria Lane and High Kut Bistro. As for the best burgers in town? The Citadel, or The Cobb.
Whanganui is known for its shopping scene.
Make sure to visit La Station Design Store, which is housed in the historic fire station, or pop into Mothwerk and Storied. You must check out the awardwinning boutique Paige’s Book Gallery. Some say it’s the best little bookshop in the world! If pre-loved is more your style, don’t miss Article Cafe. And on a Saturday, the Whanganui River Markets (located on the historic site of early Māori trading) is a must-do.
Make sure to stop at breath-taking spots like Durie Hill lookout, Kai Iwi or Castlecliff beaches, or tackle a track on the Mountains to Sea Cycle trail. When you’re tuckered out and ready for bed, Smith House and the Signal Box are great boutique accommodation options.
TARANAKI
Officially NZ’s sunniest region, a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, foodies and arts - and culture-lovers. Don’t miss these stops along the Coastal Arts Trail:
• The world-renowned Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/ Len Lye Centre
• The award-winning Fenton St Arts Collective
• Koru on Devon Gallery, The White Sail Gallery, Gallery Pātea and Waverley Glass Art Studio. Along Surf Highway 45, unearth hidden gems with ‘Trip-to’, a free game-based web-app that offers a selection of activities and curated road trips around the Taranaki coastline - You’ll never be stuck for something to do.
Keen to stretch your legs? Taranaki Maunga offers an adventure for all walks of life, including the easy and accessible Potaema Track or ‘Goblin Forest’ (Kapuni Loop Track). For some urban exercise, walk, cycle or e-scooter the 13km of New Plymouth Coastal Walkway.
For a spot of culture, board Chaddy’s Charters for their Wildlife Island Tour, or head to the Tawhiti Museum in Hāwera to see stunning life-size models of Taranaki history in a series of engaging displays.
Get a taste of Taranaki with the upmarket Upside Down Eatery, as well as Lemonwood Eatery or The Ōkato. Get authentic Italian at Toret Cucina Italiana in Ōakura, experience the boutique gin distillery Juno Gin, enjoy high tea with a view at Teahouse on the Lake, or get your plant-based kai from Wild Pear Kitchen.
Rest your head easy wherever you stay in Taranaki. From beachfront views at
Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park, luxury epitomised at the
Platinum Lodge, mountain views at Ngati Ruanui
Stratford Mountain House, to contemporary elegance at
Nice Hotel.