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“Mangaweka?” “What are you gonna do there?”
We’ve put together a list of why Mangaweka deserves to be on the map!
Scenic Bush Walks
Mangaweka is located at the base of the Ruahine Forest Park and just 1.5hours from Tongariro National Park, both meccas for hikers, hunters & scenic explorers. There's also some great short walks right in Mangaweka!
Awastone offers shuttles & transfers so you can leave the shuttle driver at home and focus on what’s really important, getting out in nature!
Check out our favourite hikes in the area.
Family Friendly Rafting & River Adventures
Awastone is the gateway to the Rangitīkei River. We run family friendly rafting & kayaking adventures and scenic drifts. There’s truly something for everyone.
The Grade II section of the Rangitīkei is a great section to learn to kayak, with friendly rapids that gradually increase in difficulty. Our kayak instructors are equipped with all of the techniques to take you from beginner river runner to seasoned grade II pro!
If you’re a bit more of an adrenaline junky, we work with other operators in the area to step it up a notch.
Quiet Cafes
Awastones Licensed Riverside Café might be the areas best kept secret (though the secret might be getting out). Enjoy a coffee and bite to eat under the gorgeous Papa Cliffs and watch the river pass you by. In the summer months we host our Summer Sunday Sessions, live music fills the area with local musicians and artists.
The Dukes Roadhouse is located right in Mangaweka off State Highway 1 with public toilets & an EV Charging Station.
Historic Landmarks & Art Galleries
Art Galleries
Look for the brightly painted 'Yellow Church' building on your right heading north (and left heading south!). Park outside and stroll up to the double blue doors of the former Presbyterian Church, that since 2006 has been the studio of Resident Artist Richard Aslett and from 2007 the home of the two yearly 'Fakes & Forgeries' exhibitions.
Broadway Ave
The main street is preserved in its original state due to SH1 being re-located in the early 1980s. This originally tore the heart out of the township as the main street was thought to become “redundant”. Not in the slightest. Artists & locals have turned the old main road into a flourishing art piece, take a walk down broadway, you won’t regret it!
New Zealand's Best Camping (We Think)
Okay, we may be biased on this one. But what’s not to love about camping in Mangaweka?
Unplug and get back to basics at the Mangaweka Campground, which sits on a bend of the Rangitikei River. It’s kept with basic facilities and a playground to keep the kids entertained.
If you’re a bit more of a “glamper” Awastone takes camping a step further with premium powered and non-powered campsites with full facilities and free wifi.
Farmstays off the beaten track
Mangawekas farmstays provide the opportunity to participate in a genuine local farming experience. Escape the hustle and bustle of cities and classic tourist destinations, retreat to these farmstays and enjoy farm tours, hearty paddock to plate meals and hangout with the many animals.
Accommodation at a farmstay in Mangaweka is a fun and highly recommended experience, great for couples, single travelers and families.
Manawatu Cycleway
Following the official Manawatu Scenic Route between Mangaweka and Palmerston North, this is a scenic and often surprising journey full of natural wonders, local history and country hospitality.
We recommended riders take two days to enjoy this trip through rural Manawatu. There’s certainly plenty of great scenery to savour, including soaring cliffs near Mangaweka, the dramatic backdrop of the Ruahine Ranges, and lush farmland along the Pohangina Valley terraces.
There’s so many interesting places to dally along the way, from country cafes and pubs, galleries, gardens, scenic reserves, swimming holes, glowworm caves, picnic areas and camping spots.
Awastone offers shuttles & transfers, we’ll drop you off and see you at Awastone at the finish for some yummy kai, and maybe a hot tub?!
