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Day 18 : Palmerston North to Masterton

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

  Travel time Km (Miles)
Palmerston North - Masterton 1.25 hrs 101 63
Totals for Day 1.25 hrs 101 63

Palmerston North - Masterton

Palmerston North - Masterton

101 km (63 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

One of New Zealand's largest provincial cities, Palmerston North has an attractive historic heart. Many of the original stores built in the 1920s and 1930s have been restored and now function as boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Rose gardens and museums should also be on your agenda of things to see.

The Manawatu Gorge is the first outstanding piece of scenery on this route—watch for adventure opportunities such as rock-climbing and bungy jumping.

In Woodville you can browse for antiques, or follow the road to Balance and see the Tararua Windfarm. Before you reach Masterton, you'll encounter the legendary town of Eketahuna (in kiwi slang Eketahuna is the archetypal hick town). The wildlife sanctuary at Mt Bruce is an essential stop.

Every year in March, Masterton hosts the international Golden Shears competition. Sheep shearing in the Wairarapa is both a sport and an art form. The town's main park has an aviary, aquarium, deer park and a small boating lake. Or you could rediscover your childhood at the local toy museum.

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Directory Information

Palmerston North, Manawatu:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

Masterton, Wairarapa:
Accommodation, Attractions and Activities, Tours, Transport, Visitor Information

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Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.