Cycle through Manawatu¯
Spectacularly flat, with great, green cycle trails, two wheels is a great way to see this beautiful and underrated region, writes Brook Sabin.
The Manawatu¯ ’s dramatic hinterland is home to some of the best off-the-beaten-path cycling New Zealand has to offer. Start on the Manawatu¯ Cycleway, where you will pass country pubs, water holes, ruggedly beautiful scenery and quaint cafes.
The road less travelled
The Manawatu¯ Cycleway is generally done over two days, offering a laid-back pace with intensely beautiful scenery.
Start in the small township of Mangaweka, before passing impressive mudstone cliffs. You then weave your way through farmland framed by the Ruahine Range, and on to Mangoira Gorge before reaching A¯ piti Tavern for lunch.
From there, you wind down picturesque Pohangina Valley. Don’t miss a stop at the County Fayre tearooms, which is the hub of the village.
It opens at the weekends, and serves food that will make you feel like you have been transported back in time – like devonshire tea and homemade scones, all for $5.
The tearoom also sells the valley’s legendary Cartwheel Creamery cheese, which has won plenty of awards. It sells products such as Opiki Ma¯, a camembert-style cheese made from goat’s milk. Buy a few treats for cheese and crackers that night – thoroughly deserved after a full day on the bike.
Stay the night in the valley, with multiple places to sleep, from campgrounds to bed and breakfasts.
Then head to Ashhurst, which is home to The Herb Farm. The sprawling property is like a garden of eden for herbs, with a busy cafe serving delicious fresh food. The final leg is a 15km trip to Palmerston North. But a warning, most of this route is on the road, with 80% of it on quieter back-country roads. However, experience and confidence riding on roads is a must. It is officially classed as a grade 3 (intermediate) ride, which means it is ‘‘best suited to reasonably fit riders with some cycle touring experience’’.
Other options
If you’re after the thrill of mountainbiking, Arapuke Forest Mountain Bike Park has 30km of tracks from Grade 2 (easy) to Grade 6 (extreme). If you’re new to mountainbiking, take the Ice Breaker – which is an excellent option for families and leaves from the top car park.
If you’re after an even more leisurely ride, the Manawatu¯ River Pathway is a gentle 10km trail connecting back to the city via He Ara Kotahi Bridge.
Where to soothe those muscles?
After a few days on the bike, treat yourself to a spa escape, just 15-minutes from Palmerston North.
Hiwinui Country Estate is a plush bed and breakfast with a popular spa wing attached, offering well-priced massages.
Rooms also get access to an outdoor fireside spa, the perfect place to soak with a glass of wine.
This story was produced as a part of an editorial partnership with Tourism New Zealand.
Staying safe:
New Zealand is under Covid-19 restrictions. Follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.