Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Matahiwi Gallery
( 06-342 8112;
www.matahiwigallery.com
;
3925 Whanganui River Rd; snacks $3-5;
9am-3.30pm Thu-Sun)
in Matahiwi (call ahead to ensure it's open).
Getting There & Away
From the north, there's road access to the Whanganui River at Taumarunui, Ohinepane
and Whakahoro, though the latter is a long, remote drive on mostly unsealed roads. Roads
to Whakahoro lead off from Owhango and Raurimu, both on SH4. There isn't any further
road access to the river until Pipiriki.
From the south, the Whanganui River Rd veers off SH4 14km north of Whanganui, re-
joining it at Raetihi, 91km north of Whanganui. It takes about two hours to drive the
79km between Whanganui and Pipiriki. The full circle from Whanganui through Pipiriki
and Raetihi and back along SH4 takes four hours minimum (longer if you want to stop
and look at some things). Alternatively, take a River Rd tour from Whanganui.
Note that the River Rd is unsealed between Ranana and 4km south of Pipiriki, although
road crews are making steady progress in sealing the entire route.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Palmerston North
POP 83,800
The rich sheep- and dairy-farming Manawatu region embraces the districts of Rangitikei
to the north and Horowhenua to the south. The hub of it all, on the banks of the Manawatu
River, is Palmerston North, with its moderate high-rise attempts reaching up from the
plains. Massey University, NZ's largest, informs the town's cultural and social structures.
As a result 'Palmy' has an open-minded, rurally bookish vibe.
None of this impressed a visiting John Cleese who scoffed, 'If you ever do want to kill
yourself, but lack the courage, I think a visit to Palmerston North will do the trick.' The
city exacted revenge by naming a rubbish dump after him.
