Local Attractions
Did you know that our cottage is very central to so many places, exactly half way between Wellington and Taupo
25 minutes to Marton, 30 minutes to Feilding, 45 minutes to Whanganui and Palmerston North, just over an hour to Ohakune, Mt Ruapehu and the ski fields and 2.5 hours to Wellington, 2.5 hours to Taupo.
Here are some of the attractions closer to home
Vinegar Hill
We are just 800m from the iconic Vinegar Hill. Lovely spot to fish, chill and play in the water. Click here and scroll down for more information about this location.
White Cliffs Boulders
25 minutes away from us. Details here. Can walk the trail from as little as $5 pp, with the option also of 4x4 transportation. Contact details for this can be found on their website. This trail is actually over privately owned land, but they allow the public to go there.
Rafting and Kayaking in Mangaweka
20 minutes from us is Mangaweka and the business Awa Stone who do adventures on the river. Here is their info. There are other things to do in Mangaweka too, walk through the Ngahere, access the river and visit some of the historic sites and galleries.
Shopping Hunterville
The shops are often changing in Hunterville, but at the moment you can find the following. Click the names to get more information. UniqueVille Secondhand store and hair salon, Hunterville Village Bookshop, Goldie's Junk and Disorderly vintage goods, Honest Wolf wool goods, Hunterville Music Shop, Knoff Honey.
Visit the Hunterville Settlers Museum
Almost every small town in New Zealand has one and Hunterville is no different. The Hunterville & Districts Settlers Museum is a treasure trove of years gone by with early settlers’ farming equipment, vehicles and much more. The museum is set in an old courthouse built in 1895. The museum is open Fridays 2pm-4pm and entry is around NZ$2.
Knife making in Hunterville
Contact details can be found here. Alba Knives in based in the township of Hunterville. Bookings are essential.
Horse Trekking at Stormy Point
You need to bring your own horse, which can stay here and I think possibly you can keep it at Stormy Point Farm too. Check out their Facebook page for further details.
Golf at Rangatira
This is a beautiful 18-hole course only 5 minutes from my house. One of the most picturesque golf courses in the lower North Island and is also one of the cheapest! The Rangatira Golf Club is set on three levels right beside the stunning Rangitikei River. Walking around the 18-hole course is easy, plus there is even an electric cable car to get from one level to the other. Check out their website for more info.
Soak in the Views From the Stormy Point Lookout
The 10 minute drive down State Highway 54 from our cottage is well worth it to see the breathtaking viewpoint. Stormy Point is one of the best-preserved series of river terraces in the world. Beyond that, the 360-views of the Rangitikei Valley, Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu in the distance is another astonishing sight!
Walk the Bruce Park Loop Track
The Bruce Park Loop Track is about 15 minutes drive from the cottage and an easy track making a figure of eight so you can cut the walk short or complete the whole loop (20-30 minutes). Walk through a large archway memorial dedicated to the conservationist, Robert Cunningham Bruce, into the forest. For more walks in the area, take a look at 26 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North.
Rangiwahia Hut Track (2-3 Hours Return)
For epic views across the hilltops of the Ruahine Forest Park, take this popular hiking track to the Rangiwahia Hut which sits above the treeline. You’ll hike through bush-clad hills to the hut then across the exposed tussock landscape. Location: 50 minutes from the cottage. Renfrew Road end, Rangiwahia. 2 ways to get there, one with an easier road to drive than the other.
Friday Markets in Feilding
Every Friday, rain, hail or shine, from 8.30am to 1pm, in the Town Centre. Further info here.
Cross Hills Gardens and Nursery
Gardens Open Every Day September – May 10.30am to 5pm (Peak Spring Season October & November). Adults $15.00. Children under 16 Free. Cafe Open 8th October 2022 – 19th November 2022; Cafe open on Thursday’s, Friday’s, Saturday’s and Sunday’s. Here is more info.
Places to eat close to Hunterville
Station Hotel - Hunterville
Relish Rangitikei Cafe - Hunterville
Argyle Hotel - Hunterville
Hunters Cafe - Hunterville
Ohingaiti Truck Stop - Ohingaiti
Flat Hills Cafe - Ohingaiti
Dukes Roadhouse - Mangaweka
Awastone - Mangaweka
Mooma Cafe - Marton
You may also be interested in checking out these sites for further ideas of things to do, we are right on the boundary where the Manawatu changes to the Rangitikei, and close to the Ruapehu District so you have sooo many options! ! Manawatu Attractions, Feilding Attractions, Rangitikei Attractions and Ruapehu District Attractions.
Things to do within one and a half hours drive!
Visit the dinosaur house in Raetihi
Visit the giant veges in Ohakune
Snow/Ski fun up Mt Ruapehu
Tongariro Crossing
Army Museum in Waiouru
Throw a gumboot in Taihape
I have also created GUIDEBOOKS with this information if you'd like to check those out too.