Manawatu Rivers and Mountains

The Manawatu, Oroua and Pohangina rivers are popular for fishing and also used for swimming and picnicking during the summer months.

The Manawatu River runs through the southern part of the city of Palmerston North, creating picturesque views for residents. Peaceful lanes alongside the river route are yours to discover.

The east is home to the rolling Ruahine and Tararua Ranges – a row of low mountains covered in dense native forest. Here, the region’s rain is filtered in the hills and trickles down into the rivers. Recreational hunters and trampers frequent the ranges all year round, enjoying the beautiful native reserves and walking tracks. 

The hills are also used to harvest energy from the wind, with several rows of wind turbines sited on windy peaks to generate a renewable source of electricity.

Further north, taller mountain peaks of the Tongariro World Heritage Area are visible on clear days – and only two hours’ drive away for winter skiing.