Escape to the idyllic central North Island
The accommodation options in Manawatu¯ Whanganui are as varied and wonderful as the activities and scenery on offer, writes Ruby Turner.
Encompassing both coastlines and stretching nearly half the length of the North Island, the Manawatu¯ Whanganui region is home to many enticing tourism drawcards.
While planning your next trip, be sure to book a night or two at one of the many boutique and locally owned accommodation options in the area.
Choose from a classic historic homestead, charming farm stay or experience the weird and wonderful, including a converted sleeper bus or a cabin with a secret flying fox.
Hiwinui Estate, Bunnythorpe
If you are visiting Palmerston North and are not keen on staying in a lifeless motel, try Hiwinui Country Estate. A 15-minute drive from the town centre brings you to this rural retreat.
Family-owned and operated for six generations, the estate is on the Stewart family’s 600-hectare working farm. Grab your friends and escape for a weekend away, enjoying the day spa facilities.
If you are just dropping in, keep an eye on the events page and join in on the hosted activities such as high tea or yoga on the lawn. The charming homestead even offers a ‘‘proposal package’’ if you think the time is right.
Rathmoy Estate, Hunterville
At the foot of spectacular white papa cliffs, alongside the Rangitı¯kei River, is the sprawling Rathmoy Estate.
The rooms are light and airy, with a perfect indoor-outdoor entertaining area.
Without having to leave the comforts of the estate, relax on the riverside deck with a glass of wine, toast marshmallows over the fire pit or set up a game of backyard cricket.
Try your luck catching a trout in the river with the rods provided, or opt in to the pheasant shooting. End your day by stargazing in the newly installed outdoor cedar hot tub. You won’t regret booking a few days at Rathmoy with extended family and friends, and you are welcome to bring your pooch.
Ridge Top Farm, Rangit¯ıkei
For the ultimate farm stay experience, book a weekend at Ridge Top Farm.
Embrace your inner child and grab a burlap sack to slide down the grassy hill. Practise your golf with long-distance driving from the tee box at the campsite.
If you are keen to get the lay of the land, take up the hosts on their offer of a ‘‘glamp’n’tramp’’ activity. For $30 an adult, you will be guided across farmland and treated to views of Ka¯ piti Island, Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu.
A delicious picnic lunch is included in this optional extra. The site sleeps 10 people in a deluxe canvas wood frame tent and a larger cabin with plush bunk beds. It is a cost-effective rural escape for the whole family.
Flat Hills, Rangit¯ıkei
For a cheap and cheerful option consider Flat Hills Tourist Park. Pitch your tent, plug in your camper, or book one of the wooden pod cabins.
This family destination offers a yearround bouncy castle (weather dependent), an old-school corrugated iron maze, and a swag of friendly farm animals.
The on-site cafe is host to your typical truck stop fare, such as toasted sandwiches, wedges and burgers.
After a day of hiking and biking, this hits the spot. People have come from miles around just to feed the alpaca and sample Flat Hills’ custard squares.
River Valley, Taihape
River Valley Lodge is the perfect place to base yourself while you embark on a weekend of quintessential Kiwi activities.
Horse riding, grade 5 rafting, biking, hikes through native bush, or even just a glass of wine in the tub.
For a holiday to remember, take advantage of their ‘‘stay and play’’ package, which includes all meals and a full day of scenic rafting, adrenalineinducing white-water rafting or a half-day adventure trek by horseback.
For something a little unconventional, book the deluxe ‘‘bus’’ accommodation option – a quirky converted bus nestled among the secluded wilderness with a large deck and stairs down to the river.
Bushy Park, Whanganui
Bushy Park Historic Homestead is a grand country estate with period style rooms and modern comforts.
Situated in a wildlife sanctuary of more than 80ha, the homestead’s foundations were laid in 1904.
The estate boasts five guest suites. Enjoy devonshire tea on the deck, or take a walk through the forest where you are likely to spot the saddleback, North Island robin, stitch birds and kereru¯ .
The treasured Tarapuruhi forest is lovingly maintained by volunteers who give about 500 hours of their time a month to ensure the forest is pest free and remains the perfect environment for the many native species of plants and animals to thrive.
Black Bivvy, Taumarunui
For those wanting to disconnect but who are not fans of roughing it, Black Bivvy is your go-to luxury, off-the-grid accommodation that ticks all the boxes.
With two queen-size bedrooms, this getaway is perfect for two couples or a small family, among 70ha of native bush.
Explore the nearby waterfall, partake in deer spotting from your covered outdoor dining table, or give the on-site 60-metre flying fox a go.
It is important to note, if you stay in peak ‘‘roar’’ season (March-April), you will be treated to the songs of the vocal wild stags.
Serenading their wannabe love match, your slumber may be disturbed by a 2am cacophony.