gorge walk | Brightchic Photography: Day Trips For The Uninspired, New Zealand

Gina and I only live a few minutes away from the Manawatu Gorge and river. The Gorge is unique in many ways and if you are a local, you sometimes forget the natural wonder, that is on your doorstep.

Whether it be daytime, evening, winter or summer the gorge has many faces, if you choose to open your eyes and look.

To add to the Manawatu Gorge’s uniqueness, it is one of the few places in the world where a river passes through a dividing range and where the road, rail and river, run parallel alongside each other.

For a few months of the year, large numbers of Tui can be seen feeding on the flax plants that line the Ashhurst end of the gorge. I have personally seen them there from Nov/Dec through to end of January.

Gina & I have walked the Tawa Loop Track, a couple of times but I have personally walked it four times. Its a 4km walk and takes about 2 hours to complete. Whereas the Gorge Walk is 10km and can take anywhere between 3-5 hours one way. You have to be reasonably fit, doc suggest easy-medium fitness level. Click on the Department of Conservation links above for more details and directions.

The views from the top of the track are amazing, even on a winters day, we could see the wind farm, gorge, river and landscape as far as the eye can see. At the top of the loop there is a statue of Whatonga with an information plaque telling the story of Whatonga. Click on the link above to find out more information

Always make sure you take plenty of water and dress accordingly. The first time Gina and I walked the Tawa Loop, was in winter, we had just gone and bought some new tramping boots so we stopped on the way home from Palmerston North to try them out. It was raining a bit and quite cool but we made good time and were back in the car park by 4.30pm after which we headed home.

Welcome To Day Trips for the Uninspired

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.

After many hours of searching & talking to people from near and far. I decided to put this blog of our day trips together. People including locals, often say to me “oh there’s nothing really to see or do, around the Manawatu” and Palmerston North.

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 I have personally visited will be listed on this blog. Every places I visit will be listed here and will have its own page. There will be links to websites, photos and of course my personal views. I will also included information as to whether the location is wheelchair friendly. 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.