Manawatu magic
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Looking for something to do and see around Manawatu over the holiday season?
If so, EMMA GOODWIN has looked around for some places to go that don't cost a fortune. It's a wonderful opportunity for the family to enjoy the locality.
Venture only 20 minutes from Palmerston North and you will discover the beautiful natural landscape of the Manawatu Gorge.
Long before the formation of the dividing ranges about 1.5 million years ago, the Manawatu River flowed along its path to the west. As the land rose around the river, it continued to cut its way through the mountains, creating a steep-sided gorge.
At that time, the area would have existed as a series of islands, when the gorge was part of a sea strait.
The Manawatu Gorge is the only place in New Zealand where a river begins its journey on the opposite side of the main divide to where it joins the sea.
Known as Te Apiti, the gorge was travelled by Maori, who would haul their canoes upstream through the rapids.
By 1872, the "road" existed. The railway line was completed in 1891, with the first train through carrying 1500 passengers in 18 double carriages.
Today, the road is a busy transport link between Hawke's Bay and the Manawatu and Wellington areas.
The name Te Apiti, meaning the narrow passage, was bestowed on the Manawatu Gorge by Rangitaane, the tangata whenua, because it was recognised as one of the main routes connecting the eastern and western parts of their 700-year-old territory.
In Rangitaane history, the gorge was carved out by Okatia, a spirit who possessed a giant totara tree on the Puketoi Ranges. Currently the gorge is being given a makeover by Horizons Regional Council, the Department of Conservation, the Palmerston North city and Tararua district councils, Transit NZ, Ontrack, Rangitaane iwi and local landowners who are restoring the native forest.
"We are controlling pest animals such as possums and stoats and plants like old man's beard that are threatening the native habitats in the Gorge," says Horizons environmental management officer and gorge project driver Neil Mickleson.
The Gorge Scenic Reserve contains an interesting mix of forest species. Tawa and podocarp species dominate, while nikau palms give the forest a tropical feel.
Flowers of the once common northern rata can be seen in December. This tree is being reintroduced to the reserve by local conservation groups and schools.
"People used to travel miles to see these flowers and it will be great when they can do that again," says Mr Mickleson.
The reserve is also home to the giant maidenhair fern, Adiantum formosum, which is found nowhere else in New Zealand.
Legged and feathered creatures also inhabit this unique environment, such as the large rare beetle (Megadromus turgidiceps) and birds including tui, miromiro (tomtit), kahu (harrier hawk) and riroriro (grey warbler). Kaka have also been seen flying over the bush.
But it's not just the bush that is being regenerated. The gorge track is being upgraded to make a superior walking experience, and the gorge car park (at the Ashhurst end) is getting a makeover to turn it into a great place to stop for a picnic.
There are many reasons to visit and appreciate the Manawatu Gorge. Apart from the Gorge Track, there is also the Totara Loop walking track, birdwatching, kayaking, great photographic opportunities and a chance to get close to a beautiful natural environment that is second to none.
If you fancy a swim, close to Palmerston North is Horseshoe Bend, in Tokomaru.
One of the most accessible swimming holes from Palmerston North, Horseshoe Bend is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Just off SH57 to the left in Tokomaru, it's well signposted and is ideal for families.
Surrounded by native bush, it has a picnic area, rocks to climb over, swimming holes and less deep water for the not-so-brave and plenty of room for a game of cricket or touch.
There are toilets, which always come in handy, and a great cafe, so if you're sick of turkey sandwiches by now – and who isn't? – there's a lifeline with good coffee at the top of the hill.
Swimming spots are plentiful in the area. It pays to look at Horizons website on horizons.govt.nz to see where they are and how safe the water is to swim in.
- © Fairfax NZ News
