An Adventurer's Guide to Palmerston North

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New Zealand is unquestionably immersed in some of the most breathtaking countryside the world has to offer. From paddocks and meadows of luscious grass that at times seem never ending, to concealed gorges with death defying drops but equally staggering visuals, it is true we are lucky. Amid these areas behold marvelous activity spots as hidden gems scattered throughout the rural and sometimes overlooked outer-city towns.

Located among said gorges and lush countryside tucked neatly within the Manawatu-Wanganui region can be found Palmerston North, New Zealand's eighth biggest city. The journey from JAFA-land is close to a seven hour road trip. However, with Jetstar's newly expanded regional route with direct flights from Auckland, a fun-filled, adventure weekend is just a short plane ride away. Palmerston North itself hosts a variety of travel pastimes, but so does its surrounding region, where there are nestled adventure spots, awaiting your arrival, participation and enthusiasm.

Here we give a shout out to our favourite enthralling leisure interests you can head to from the often forgotten city, Palmerston North.

Tui Brewery

Courtesy of some effective marketing in the form of a few well-placed females years back now, most of us are already familiar with what the Tui Tower - held within the Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka - looks like. A short thirty-five minute drive from our home base in Palmerston North, the infamous Tui Brewery established in 1889 remains an icon.

Although these days the brewing factory itself isn't producing as much beer as in recent times, punters are still able to take a tour and get a feel for the production line and gain a deep understanding about the process involved in the art of beer brewing. As well as the tour, the bar offers a full and exclusive beer range for Tui enthusiasts and the quality of the flavorsome food is much more SPQR than pub scrub. We hear the paua is delicious.

Gravity Canyon

At just over an hour away from Palmerston North and located a mere twenty minutes from the Taihape Township can be found the thrill seekers paradise that is Gravity Canyon.  With four main attractions this is actually not only a real highlight of just the local area but the entirety of the North Island. Home to not only New Zealand's highest bridge bungy but also our highest tandem bungy, at a steep 80 metres. Once you are out on the ledge there's only one way off it.

You'll get to ride on the water-powered chair lift back up to the bridge which also features as a main attraction for anyone wanting a lower dose of adrenalin. If you prefer to drop while seated, the giant swing is a 50-metre free fall down, otherwise you can take a lie down over Rangitikei River on the original zip-line flying fox cruising at 160kp/h over a 1.1 kilometre stretch.

River Valley Rafting                                                                             

Founded off the bat of a good old Kiwiana dream and a love for family, River Valley provide high energy fun with rafting trips based along the Rangitikei River. Don't be too intimidated by the idea of being pushed around amongst a river bed of rocks at an incredible speed. It will all be okay. This is something you have to try at least once.

In 1982, River Valley was established with a pure commitment to celebrate adventure and discovery. With different rapid grades it's about easing into a boat most comfortable and having fun. With serene surroundings of dense bushland and green hills, the River Valley Lodge also offers horse trekking, guided walks and a spa complex meaning you can customize the adventure along the way.

Owlcatraz

The team at Owlcatraz genuinely go out of their way to ensure every single guest enjoys and takes away a full Owlcatraz experience when paying a visit to the Native Bird and Wildlife Park located in Shannon. Within the park you can find a range of different aspects of interactive fun for the whole family, including taking a trip into the purpose built owl house to check out residents 'Owl Capone', 'Owle MacPherson' and friends.

Just a short wander down the stone filled path the farm walk is home to some friendly farm characters, such as Oha Kune the pig, Jonah Low Moo, Owlibaba Alpaca and the two ostriches Storm and Windy. The Wairuru Caves cannot be missed, a leaded tour will take you through the mystical glowworm filled cave and it is quite spectacular as well tranquil. Hoo could say no?

When in Palmerston North, we stayed at Hotel Coachman.