Wanganui to Wellington
Most of the land along the way to the capital belongs to cattle and sheep stations.
If you want to cross the Tararua Ranges, which divide the southern part of the North Island into two pieces, you can do so along the Manawatu Gorge.
www.naturecoast.co.nz
www.kapiticoast.nz
Ohakea
Ohakea Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Museum
The RNZAF Base was established during WW II and the museum tells about people and planes during that time. You can also train your skills at a flight simulator and other hands-on displays.
Bulls
Check out signs like 'bank-a-bull' for the finance institute or 'relieve-a-bull' for the toilets!
Palmerston North
The countries second largest university as well as several other colleges are established here. That's why the city is also known as 'Knowledge City'. Almost half of the cities population either works or studies at one of the institutes.
the SquareSomewhat like the cities heart - a large green area in the middle of the town surrounded by shops.
Square Edge Creative CentreA collection of craftshops selling art of the lively local art community.
MuseumsTe Manawa
396 Main Street
This excellent museum consists mainly of three parts. The science centre stands for the mind, the Manawatu Museum for the life and the Manawatu Art Gallery for the arts.
87 Cuba Street
The must to be museum for a real All Black fan or friend of this kind of sport.
Foxton
De Molen - windmill
MAV tech
Museum of Audio Visual Arts
Otaki
At Otaki you'll enter the Kapiti Coast which extends all the way down to Paekakariki.
Rangitaea Maori ChurchOne of the grandest Maori churches, dates back to 1850.
It was burned down in 1995 and is now a reconstruction of the original wooden building.
Te Horo
Hyde Park Museum
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Paraparaumu
The largest town along Kapiti Coast, just 50 km before you reach the capital. It's a resort town with a wide sandy beach and very popular for the people of Wellington during weekends.
Southwards Car Museum
The largest collection of cars in the southern hemisphere.
Kapiti Island
Kapiti Island has a long and impartant Maori history. For the European settlers it was a big whaling station. Today access is very limited and you need a permit from the DoC in Wellington. There are several walking tracks on the island.
Paekakariki
Engine Shed
Old railway steam engines are on display but it's open only on Saturdays.
