Norsewood Activities You Can’t Miss
Norsewood is not your typical New Zealand town. This small town in the Tararua area of Manawatu-Whanganui prides itself on its Scandanavian heritage, more specifically from Norway. The town’s street names old many Norwegian names and there are plenty of ways to learn more about its unique history through the local museum and heritage parks. Plus, there’s more to the North Island settlement of Norsewood, with great camping and walking spots! Find out what else you can do with this list of things to do in Norsewood!
Of course, there’s more to explore than just the town itself, so explore the surrounding areas with these guides:
1. Camp and Do Bush Walks at ANZAC Park
Possibly the cheapest campgrounds in the country (except for, ya know, the free campgrounds), ANZAC Park is only NZ$2 to stay in this large grassy area surrounded by forest. There are bush walks to enjoy and plenty of space in the large grassy areas.
Location: ANZAC Park Road.
2. Visit Johanna’s World Park
The best place to check out the Norwegian heritage of Norsewood is at Johann’s World Park! Check out Norwegian architecture replicas, like the only Stave Church in the Southern Hemisphere, as well an 1873 replica of a log cottage that “Johanna” and her family lived in back in Norway. There are plenty of fun things for kids to check out too, like the Troll Cave.
Location: 1 Coronation Street.
3. Taste Some Cheese at the Rangiuru Farm
Sample cheese straight from the farm or even learn how to make your own cheese from award-winning cheesemakers at the Rangiuru Farm. Join a cheesemaking workshop, play a round of “Farmers Golf”, or simply taste some magnificent produce.
Location: Eriksen Street.
4. Feed the Eels at the Wop Wop Wetlands
A great little pitstop that will please any wildlife-lover or travellers with kids, the Wop Wop Wetlands is a fantastic little wetland area. Meet the local wildlife, such as eels and the biggest one of them all, Kuikui. Learn about the importance of wetland habitats and even feed the eels yourself by requesting at the New Zealand Natural Clothing store.
Location: Hovding Street.
5. Visit the Norsewood Pioneer Museum
See displays of relics used by Scandanavian immigrants when they first settled in New Zealand and the Norsewood area. In the adjacent garages are some heritage vehicles to discover. The Norsewood Pioneer Museum is open daily 8.30am-4.30pm.
Location: Coronation Street.
More Things to Do Near Norsewood
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.