Hunterville Activities You Can’t Miss
The small rural town on State Highway 1, halfway between Wellington and Taupo, is well worth stopping by on any North Island road trip! Experience rural New Zealand at its best with stunning viewpoints that will have you snapping more photos than you know what to do with, to pleasant walking tracks providing a great excuse to get out of your car and stretch your legs. Better yet, if you’re travelling in a self-contained campervan, then you can make use of the picturesque free campsites in the area. Take a look at the things to do in Hunterville listed below!
While you’re in the area, take the time to explore the surrounding towns in the Whanganui-Manawatu region:
1. Walk the Bruce Park Loop Track
The Bruce Park Loop Track is an easy track making a figure of eight so you can cut the walk short or complete the whole loop (20 minutes – 1 hour). Walk through a large archway memorial dedicated to the conservationist, Robert Cunningham Bruce, into the forest. For more walks in the area, take a look at 26 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North.
Location: Silverhope Bush Road.
© Rudolph89 on Wikipedia2. Soak in the Views From the Stormy Point Lookout
The detour from Hunterville down State Highway 54 is well worth the short drive to this breathtaking viewpoint. Stormy Point is one of the best-preserved series of river terraces in the world. Beyond that, the 360-views of the Rangitikei Valley, Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu in the distance is another astonishing sight!
Location: 19km (12 miles) from Hunterville. State Highway 54 just northwest of Waituna West.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz3. Relax at the Simpsons Scenic Reserve
Either make this relaxing grassy area your picnic spot while on the road, or you can even pull over and freedom camp at the reserve providing that you have a self-contained campervan.
Location: Murimotu Road.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz4. Visit the Hunterville Settlers Museum
Almost every small town in New Zealand has one and Hunterville is no different. The Hunterville & Districts Settlers Museum is a treasure trove of years gone by with early settlers’ farming equipment, vehicles and much more. The museum is set in an old courthouse built in 1895. The museum is open Fridays 2pm-4pm and entry is around NZ$2.
Location: Milne Street (State Highway 1).
© Ian Welch on Flickr5. Play Golf at the Rangatira Golf Club
One of the most picturesque golf courses in the lower North Island is also one of the cheapest! The Rangatira Golf Club is set on three levels right beside the stunning Rangitikei River. Walking around the 18-hole course is easy, although golf carts are affordable to hire, plus there is even an electric cable car to get from one level to the other. For more excellent golf courses, see our 21 Best Golf Courses in New Zealand.
Location: State Highway 1. North of Vinegar Hill.
© PexelsMore Things to Do Near Hunterville
- The Complete Guide to Palmerston North
- 10 Palmerston North Must-Dos
- 12 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Manawatu
That’s it for the best things to do in Hunterville. For more activities on your travels, check out the 51 Best Things to Do in the North Island.
