Rangiwahia Activities You Can’t Miss
Rangi-where? Rangiwahia is a small rural town in the heart of the Manawatu-Whanganui region of the North Island. Many miss this hidden gem when travelling down State Highway 1 to/from Wellington, but the area has some of the best countryside and rural experiences of New Zealand! We’ll list some of the highlights in this article on brilliant things to do in Rangiwahia!
Rangiwahia is situated on the Manawatu Scenic Route between Apiti and Mangaweka. For more things to check out in the area, take a look at:
1. Go for a Walk in the Rangiwahia Bush Reserve
Enjoy a 1-1h30min loop walk in the Rangiwahia Bush Reserve, famous for its abundance of birdlife. This 50ha (124 acres) of reserve is the original forest, left untouched by the early settlers of the Rangiwahia area. It gives you a real feeling of stepping back in time to what New Zealand used to be like before human settlement.
Location: Reserve Road (note that this is a gravel road).
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Swim at the Ruahine Dress Circle
This gorgeous and secluded swimming hole and picnic area surrounding by native forest and mighty cliffs is a must for road-tripping in summer! Check out the quaint waterfalls and enjoy being in the great outdoors in this sweet little spot.
Location: Lagoon Road (note that this is a gravel road).
© Henry Burrows on Wikipedia3. Visit REACT!
Located in an old dairy factory, the Rangiwahia Environment Arts Centre (REACT) is an arts centre for naturally-resourced and recycled art. From sculptures outside of the art centre waving you in to the giant puppets in the old butter factory, REACT is full of fun and crazy things to check out!
Location: 2489 Rangiwahia Road.
© Public Domain Files4. Drive or Cycle the Te Parapara Road
Many of the roads surrounding Rangiwahia offer amazing views, but a highlight has to be the Te Parapara Road. The views are sure to take your breath away!
Location: Northern end of the Rangiwahia town.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Walk Around the Ian McKean Pinetum
Follow the walking tracks around this 8ha (20-acre) conifer plantation with some steep climbs to some excellent views. There are plenty of picnic areas and benches so bring some snacks!
Location: 200m (218 yards) down Renfew Road.
© Pexels6. Hike to the Rangiwahia Hut
Take the 2-hour one-way track takes you above the bushline of the Ruahine Ranges for remarkable views across the countryside. The climb is a steady uphill with rewarding views and the Rangiwahia Hut at the top. For more walks in the wider Palmerston North/Manawatu area, check out 26 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North.
Location: Renfrew Road.
© Michal Klajban on Wikipedia7. Relax in the Mangahuia Wetlands
This picturesque spot is planted with all sorts of interesting trees, shrubs and flowers around a lake. The area also attracts a lot of wildlife so bring a camera and a picnic and relax in this amazing wetland area.
Location: Main South Road.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nzMore Things to Do Near Rangiwahia
- 12 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Manawatu
- 10 Super Things to Do in Palmerston North
- 7 Fun Things to Do in Feilding
That’s it for the best things to do in Rangiwahia. For more activities on your travels, check out the 51 Best Things to Do in the North Island.
