My name is Elayne, I am a photographer, adventurer and dog trainer. Once a week my friend Gina & I, don on our tourist hats and seek out new places to visit.  Its not been easy but someone has to do it:-)

We both live in Woodville, a small town located in the Tararua District, which is part of the Manawatu-Wanganui Region.

The Manawatu-Wanganui Region covers a large area, stretching from Ruapehu right down to Horowhenua. Within the region are districts but ultimately they still all fall in under, the Manawatu-Wanganui Region.

I have personally chatted to tourists both on and offline as well as reading some of the travel sites and for many, Palmerston North is seen as a whistle stop destination, they stop at, on their way through to somewhere else.

Many are oblivious to the attractions and places they can visit, in and around the Manawatu.  Except maybe for the Manawatu Gorge Walk and the like and the Gorge walk isn’t for everyone.

So after hearing “Oh there’s nothing really to see and do around the Manawatu” from locals and tourists alike.  I decided to put this blog together, of our day trips because if you are a local or someone visiting the area on holiday, finding places to visit can be frustrating and tedious,  as we have personally found out.

On the whole I believe the Manawatu Region has a lot to offer but has been clearly overlooked as a tourist destination by many.

So down to business,  only places Gina & I have personally visited will be listed on this blog. Every places we visit, will be listed here and will have its own page. There will be links to websites, photos and of course our personal views. I will also include information as to whether the location is wheelchair friendly.

Although all the places we visit will be on this blog, I have created a Day Trips from Palmerston North Page.

I will also be including day trips to other regions on this blog as well.

These trips, are what I consider low cost, in most cases, they will only cost you time and petrol as food and drink can be taken with you, as well as, your sense of adventure.

If you would like to purchase any prints you see on this site, please contact me at brightchicphotography@gmail.com