7 Best Things to Do in Foxton

1. Take a Day Trip to Foxton Beach

Foxton Beach is a recreational paradise, perfect for a day trip or longer stay. This sun-drenched expanse of soft sand, where the Manawatū River merges with the South Taranaki Bight, offers a versatile playground for all. In summer, it’s ideal for swimming between the flags.

The wide, deep shoreline provides a safe haven for families and thrills for surfers, kiteboarders, and stand-up paddle-boarders alike.

Beyond sun and surf, adventure lovers can try fishing or explore the 8.5 km (5.3 mi) loop of walking and cycle paths linking parks, reserves, the beach and the estuary. There’s even a 3.5 km (2.2 mi) paved trail to Foxton township.

For bird enthusiasts, the nearby Manawatū Estuary, a Ramsar-listed wetland, hosts migratory shorebirds like godwits, knots and tattlers. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Location: Foxton Beach, Horowhenua, North Island. 4 km (2.5 mi) west of Foxton township.

2. Visit the De Molen Windmill

Get the Dutch experience right here in New Zealand with the De Molen Windmill! This full-scale, working 17th-century Dutch windmill stands about 30 metres (98 ft) tall, its creaking sails and spinning mill a true sight to behold.

Take a self-guided tour to the upper levels and peek into the traditional milling gears in action. On the ground floor, you’ll find the Dutch Market full of yummy treats, grab some freshly milled whole-meal flour, Dutch cheeses, licorice or other imported goodies.

De Molen is not just charming, it’s a marvel of community effort and cultural celebration, designed using authentic plans from the Netherlands and built largely by local volunteers.

Location: 96a Main Street, Foxton.

© NZPocketGuide.com

3. Check Out the MAVtech Museum

Step back in time at MAVtech, the National Museum of Audio Visual Arts and Sciences. This charming museum, housed in the old Coronation Hall, showcases New Zealand’s technological past with a treasure trove of vintage radios, early televisions, projectors, and classic cinema equipment dating back to the early 1900s.

We admire the lovingly restored machines, often demonstrated by volunteers, which bring the golden age of Kiwi cinema and broadcasting to life.

From film reels that once played in small-town theatres to quirky domestic electronics that shaped everyday life, MAVtech offers more than just static displays.

Occasional film screenings give visitors the chance to experience movies just as they would’ve been shown decades ago. The museum is free-entry (or by donation) and open weekends from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Location: Avenue Road, Foxton, Manawatu-Whanganui, North Island.

© NZPocketGuide.com

4. See a New Zealand Flax Mill

The Foxton Flax Stripper Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s deep-rooted flax industry heritage. Once the economic backbone of Foxton from the 1880s to the 1960s, flax milling played a crucial role in shaping the community.

Here, you can witness one of the few working flax strippers in the country, demonstrating how raw flax leaves were processed into fibre for worldwide export.

Knowledgeable volunteers bring the experience to life, sharing stories about the industry’s impact on Foxton’s development and explaining the challenging work involved.

It’s a unique opportunity to learn how Māori and Europeans have utilised native New Zealand flax (harakeke) for textiles over centuries.

The museum is open daily from 1-3pm, except during June and July.

Location: Harbour Street, Foxton, Manawatu-Whanganui, North Island.

© Alma Gamil on Flickr

5. Walk the Te Awahou Boardwalk

For a gentle, scenic wander that connects nature with heritage, the Te Awahou Boardwalk is a must-do in Foxton. Stretching along the banks of the Manawatū River Loop, this 20-minute walkway showcases wetlands, native plantings and interpretive panels highlighting both Māori and European histories of the area.

As you stroll, keep an eye out for birdlife like swans, ducks and migratory species that frequent the wetlands. The path links directly with the Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom cultural centre and Foxton’s town hub, making it an easy add-on to a day of sightseeing.

Wooden platforms and benches along the way invite you to pause and take in the river views.

Check out more walks in the wider area in 30 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North.

Location: At the northern end of the River Loop Reserve. The track starts at the end of Wharf Street.

© Pseudopanax at en.wikipedia

6. Make a Splash at Off The Loop

Off The Loop is one of the best outdoor adventure experiences in the lower North Island.

The park features an inflatable aqua park, perfect for families and groups to climb, slide and bounce across obstacle courses on the water.

For a calmer experience, try stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. With picnic areas and a welcoming vibe, it’s easy to spend a whole day here, balancing thrills with relaxation by the water.

Location: 10 Stewart Street.

© ManawatuNZ.co.nz

7. Test Your Skills at Wake X

For another hit of high-octane fun, head to Wake X, a purpose-built wakeboarding park near Foxton.

This state-of-the-art facility caters to all levels, from first-timers to advanced riders chasing big air on ramps and rails. Wake X’s innovative design uses a controlled cable system instead of boats, making wakeboarding more sustainable, affordable and accessible for beginners.

You’ll get expert coaching and plenty of encouragement in a safe, supportive environment.

Even if wakeboarding isn’t your thing, the atmosphere is worth experiencing. Watching riders carve across the water with the Horowhenua countryside as a backdrop is a spectacle in itself.

Location: Near Foxton, Manawatu-Whanganui Region, North Island.

© ManawatuNZ.co.nz