Top 10 Must See/Must Do in New Zealand - Manawatu, Taranaki and Wanganui

Image Source: Tripadvisor.com

Taranaki, Manawatu and Wanganui are located in central western region of New Zealand's North Island. There is not much touristy stuff to do here, as most of the residents are locals.
Having said that, there are also things you can see or do here that are not available anywhere else. After spending 3 school years in Manawatu Palmerston North, I have accumulated many fond memories in this region.
Top 10 Must See/Must Do in New Zealand - Manawatu, Taranaki and Wanganui:
10) The most unforget-a-bull town is Bulls. The town claims that it is live-a-bull and the towns folks are hospit-a-bull. In case you are wondering, it is named after James Bulls even though their main mascot is a four-legged bull.
9) New Zealand Rugby Museum is located at Cuba Street in Palmerston North. If you are a rugby fan, and a fan of All Blacks, do make a detour here if you are going to or coming from Wellington.
8) Somehow or rather, the supermarkets here are really enjoyable to shop or window-shop in. My faves are New World, Countdown, Warehouse, Number One Shoes and Briscoes. You can include Kathmandu and Rebel Sports in too.
7) Climb Mount Taranaki (aka Egmont) if you are in Taranaki. It is said to be one of the most symmetrical volcanic cones in the world and resembled Mount Fuji.
6) Chaddy's boats take you out to Tasman Sea where you get a superb view of Mount Taranaki. Well, I don't get to take a lifeboat everyday, so it was a fun and refreshing experience.
5) The 10 km Coastal Walkway at New Plymouth is a nice scenic walk. You get the sea view at one side, and Mountain View on the other. We even tried to walk on the rocks!
4) Camwhore sessions everywhere you go - Waiouru Tanks, Taihape gumboot, Mangaweka cookie plane, Ohakune carrot, etc. Stop in any town for a quick snap whenever you feel like if you are driving!
3) Manawatu Maze 'n Maize is located at Sanson. Went there 3 times in 3 years during University orientation program. Pretty much screamed my lungs out during the first time.
2) Check out Massey University and International Pacific College campus if you are in Palmerston North. Both campuses are beautiful and unique in their way. Just don't look dodgy; otherwise campus security might chase you away.
1) Never go pass this area without seeing Te Apiti Wind Farm up close! It is the biggest wind farm in the southern hemisphere and absolutely spectacular - in every season. Be prepared, it is very windy.
If I have to pick my favourite must do/must see here, it got to be Te Apiti Wind Farm. Been to the wind farm in every season, and it is still as gorgeous. New windmills sprouted as time goes by.
The car park is only opened from 8:30am to 5pm daily. The best view is from this car park. And in the middle of the car park is a 70 m tall functioning windmill! Each blade is 35m long, and the 'whoosh' 'whoosh' effect is just 'wow'!