Welcome to Woodville, New Zealand
There are many Woodvilles in the world but not quite like Woodville, New Zealand! This rural town lets you experience the classic New Zealand countryside with horse treks, bush walks, mountain bike trails, as well as a few funny sights too. Woodville is a town between Palmerston North and Masterton. For great ways to spend your time in Woodville, check out the things to do in Woodville listed below!
While Woodville is full of its own attractions, make sure to check out the surrounding towns and settlements to make the most of the Manawatu-Whanganui region!
1. Walk the Manawatu Gorge Track
Woodville is one of the entrances to the stunning Manawatu Gorge! For an awesome adventure in Manawatu Gorge, take the 11.2km (7 miles) Manawatu Gorge Track. This 4-hour one-way hike incorporating an amazing array of trees from species of ferns and vines to tall podocarp trees and tropical-looking nikau palms. The track is not a loop so you will either need to return the same way or organise transport at the other end of the track.
Location: State Highway 3. Access is from Ballance Gorge Road at the Ballance Gorge Bridge. Alternatively, start from the Ashurst end of Manawatu Gorge in the car park right next to the entrance of the gorge.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz2. Take On the Te Ara o Mahurangi Mountain Bike Track
For some epic downhill thrills in the Manawatu Gorge, grab a bike and do the Te Ara o Mahurangi Track. This Grade 4 downhill ride is 2km (1.2 miles) runs through native bush. It’s best to avoid riding after heavy rain due to the track getting muddy and slippery.
Location: Start from the Bridge Cafe and ride 1.6km (0.9 miles) up Hall Block Road. Alternatively, start at the turning bay on Hall Block Road where vehicles can drop off riders.
© Pexels3. Relax at the Ferry Reserve
Enjoy a picnic, swim in the river or kayak at the Ferry Reserve. The Ferry Reserve is at the entrance to the Manawatu Gorge with picture-perfect views of the Manawatu River and steep forested-gorge walls. You can also freedom camp in the reserve overnight!
Location: State Highway 3.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz4. Check Out the Woodville Sign
Woodville is definitely a town with a sense of humour. A fun example of this is the “Woodville” sign pointing to all the other “Woodvilles” in the world!
Location: Town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Go Horse Trekking
From gentle trail rides that are perfect for beginners to multi-day adventures, horse trekking in Woodville is a great way to experience the surrounding countryside. For a truly unique experience in New Zealand, try the Clydesdale horse-drawn wagon rides with Timeless Horse Treks. For more horse treks, check out 11 Awesome Horse Treks in New Zealand.
Location: Balance Gorge Road.
© Pixabay6. Grab a Coffee
For a small town, Woodville has a hell-of-a-lot of cafes! That’s why Woodville is a great stop on long road trips through the North Island. Stop by Cafe 88, Yummy Mummy’s Cheesecakes, Bridge Cafe or Wind Farm Cafe.
Location: Town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Do a Brewery Tour
Tui is one of New Zealand’s top beer brands and it’s HQ is right next to Woodville in the little town of Mangatainoka. Visit the Tui Museum, do some free tastings and even book a brewery tour where you’ll get your very own Tui glass to keep (and fill up, of course).
Location: State Highway 2, Mangatainoka.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore Things to Do Near Woodville
- 26 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North
- Tararua – Guide for Backpackers
- 6 Amazing Things to Do in Apiti
That’s it for the best things to do in Woodville. For more activities on your travels, check out the 51 Best Things to Do in the North Island.
