Sunset at the Rangitīkei River. © Logan Voss.

Loved by the locals: Rangitīkei


View the map

TAP FOR MORE INFO:

1. Swim at the old Mangaweka Power Scheme 

On a hot summer’s day, one of the best places to swim is in the cool beneath the dam at the old Mangaweka Power Scheme.

Crossing the Rangitīkei over the historic bridge at Mangaweka, head upriver a little way and the swimming holes in the Mangawharariki River are a short walk from the road. There are a number of places to jump into the water, making it a great place to enjoy an afternoon.   

2. Shop, shop, shop... 

Shopping in Bulls is good fun. Not only is there a good selection of great places to eat, but there are also antique shops, boutique clothing and gift shops, bookshops, and even an army surplus store.

If you’re a bargain hunter, you’ll love it here.

If you are just a curious person like me and aren’t looking for anything in particular, I'm sure you'll enjoy browsing the shops filled with so many interesting bits, bobs, and interesting antiques that speak of the region’s past. 

3. Camp or picnic at Vinegar Hill Domain

This is a great place to camp or go for a picnic. Just off State Highway 1 on the road to Feilding, the domain sits beside the Rangitīkei River and is a local favourite. I love the entrance to the domain, which winds through a stand of thick bush, filled with redwood and tōtara.

The reserve itself is large and it’s easy to find a spot for the night away from everyone else. As a day visitor, this is a great place to picnic, swim, fish, and canoe.

4. Mingle with the locals at the market

The annual Marton Market Day is a great family day out. Each November, the market day features over 200 stalls containing quality arts and crafts, amazing food and produce and great entertainment. It’s a really fun atmosphere and a great expression of Marton’s community spirit.

Mother Earth beauty. #martonnz #nofilter #rangitikei #newzealand

A post shared by @aaronjamesstark on Aug 4, 2016 at 2:44am PDT

5. Toss a caber at Turakina Highland Games

The Turakina Highland Games have been running for over 150 years and are the oldest Highland Games in the country. Run each year on the last Saturday of January, the Highland Games are always fun to watch, even if you’re like me and don’t have much of a Scottish heritage.

Between the running races, pole throwing (called the caber toss), the hammer throw, sheaf toss, dancing competitions, band and solo contests, tug of war and haggis sampling, there is a lot to keep you entertained. A great family activity.

Turakina Highland Games #solopipingcompetition #bagpipes #summerfinallyhere #turakina #turakinahighlandgames

A post shared by Susana da silva (Buckton) (@happpypysuz) on Jan 27, 2017 at 2:34pm PST

Explore more...

while you're here

Find out more

Road trips

Rangitīkei: life off the beaten track

The Rangitīkei River and surrounding countryside are truly exceptional. The landscape here is often rugged and always spectacular. Read the story . . . 

Find out more

Road trips

Five picks for a weekend in Manawatū

From urban street art in Palmerston North to scenic bush walks in Manawatū Gorge, country cafés, garden rambles, herbs and local cheese, here are five things to do in the Manawatū. Read the story . . . 

Find out more

Get outdoors

Tararua: a glimpse of prehistoric New Zealand

Home to mighty ancient forests, protected by the work of dedicated conservationists, the Tararua District is teeming with life.  Read the story . . . 

AA Members save on selected accommodation with
AA Traveller

AA Members
Book now
Non Members
Book now