Taranaki & Whanganui - New Zealand's North Island - page 496

Manawatu Gorge & Around
About 15km northeast of Palmerston North, SH2 dips into Manawatu Gorge. Maori
named the gorge Te Apiti (the Narrow Passage), believing the big reddish rock near the
centre of the gorge was its guardian spirit. The rock's colour is said to change intensity
when a prominent Rangitane tribe member dies or sheds blood. It takes around four hours
to walk through the gorge from either end, or you can see it via jetboat ( Click here ) .
On the southwestern edge of the gorge, about 40 minutes' drive from Palmerston North,
is the Tararua Wind Farm ( www.trustpower.co.nz ) , allegedly the largest wind farm in the southern
hemisphere. From Hall Block Rd there are awesome views of the turbines. Spinning sim-
ilarly, north of the gorge is Te Apiti Wind Farm ( www.meridianenergy.co.nz ) . There are great views
from Saddle Rd - ask the Palmerston North i-SITE (

06-350 1922, 0800 626 292;

) for directions to both www.manawatunz.co.nz ; The Square; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm Sat & Sun;

farms.
Alternatively, flee the city with a visit to Timeless Horse Treks ( 06-376 6157;
www.timelesshorsetreks.co.nz ; Gorge Rd, Ballance; 1-/2-hr rides from $45/75) . Gentle trail rides take in the
Manawatu River and surrounding hills, or saddle up for an overnight summertime trek
($225). Palmerston North pick-up/drop-off available.