Keep your distance from other people

Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread.
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Photo by Jeff Hitchcock


About Manawatu-Whanganui, NZ

The unique Manawatu-Whanganui region is located in New Zealand’s North Island’s lower half. This region is an important area for history, art, culture, and ecology. About a seventh of this region is under conservation in parks or reserves.

Manawatu-Whanganui has majestic mountains, such as Mount Ruapehu and Mount Tongariro, which sit near the centre of the region. Manawatu-Whanganui also has abundant forests, like Tongariro National Park, which is New Zealand’s oldest national park. In this region, you’ll also find volcanic lakes and breathtaking waterfalls.

You will find beautiful sandy coastal beaches on Manawatu-Whanganui’s west coast along the Tasman Sea, however, rivers truly rule this region. The Whanganui and Manawatu are the two major rivers in this region. The Whanganui River is in the region’s northwest, and it is New Zealand’s longest navigable river (once called the Rhine of New Zealand). The Manawatu River cuts across the region, from the hilly east to the western Manawatu Plains.


Swimming Water Quality in Manawatu-Whanganui

Horizons Regional Council monitors the water in Manawatu-Whanganui in 80 swimming spots. These swimming spots include 11 coastal beaches, 3 lakes, and 66 rivers, which are monitored from November 15 to April 15 on a weekly basis.


Water Sports and Activities in Manawatu-Whanganui

Swimming, fishing, canoeing, and whitewater rafting are popular activities in Manawatu-Whanganui’s rivers, such as the Rangitikei River. Lakes, like Lake Wiritoa, welcome those who enjoy fishing, sailing, and waterskiing. On the coast, favourite activities are swimming, surfing, jet boating, fishing, and camping.


Weather in Manawatu-Whanganui

Manawatu-Whanganui’s climate is warm and temperate with few extremes. The region is sunniest on the west coast. The warmest months in this region, December through February, see temperatures of 23-24 °C (73-75 °F). The water is warmest during these months as well, reaching 15 °C (59 °F).

This region’s varied terrain offers a wide variety of things to do, from lounging on a beach to hiking a mountain, to whitewater rafting down a rushing river gorge.