Activities
Things to do, not just a place to see, as well as some of the highlights here, do make sure you check out this link for things to do/places to go in the Rangitikei
visitrangitikei . nz/our-backyard/explore
and
manawatunz . co . nz/stories/must-do-activities-in-manawatu/
Here!!!!! Play with our ponies (suitable all ages) or go for a pony ride for the little ones! We also have other furry friends to meet too!
Versatile Equines and Farmyard Friends
30 Sandon Block RoadHere!!!!! Play with our ponies (suitable all ages) or go for a pony ride for the little ones! We also have other furry friends to meet too!
Awastone - Mangaweka
143 Ruahine RoadRafting/kayaking, only about 15 mins from the cottage!
Such an amazing course, on 3 terraces and has a lift to take you back to the top! Have a few clubs here, can organise a proper set if you want to go all out!
Rangatira Golf Course
Such an amazing course, on 3 terraces and has a lift to take you back to the top! Have a few clubs here, can organise a proper set if you want to go all out!
Beautiful river below cliffs. Huge space to chill/run dogs. Can be very busy in peak season, but almost no one there in the off season. Place to swim for competent swimmers. Kids can paddle, but parents be vigilant. People also fish and kayak here. Only 800m from the cottage!
Vinegar Hill Camp Ground
184 Cheltenham-Hunterville RoadBeautiful river below cliffs. Huge space to chill/run dogs. Can be very busy in peak season, but almost no one there in the off season. Place to swim for competent swimmers. Kids can paddle, but parents be vigilant. People also fish and kayak here. Only 800m from the cottage!
Lots of things for kids to do - feed animals, maze, playground and bouncy castle!
Flat Hills Cafe And Tourist Park
5733 State Highway 1Lots of things for kids to do - feed animals, maze, playground and bouncy castle!
Mangaweka
Open 10-5pm most days & by appointment.
Mangaweka ‘Yellow Church’ Gallery, SH1
Merchiston is one of the few grand homes of the turn of the century still standing on the farm it was built to serve. The building is in the same condition as it was when the last workman left on the 25th of November 1908. Through four generations Merchiston has been in the care of the family with John and Edith (McKelvie) building it, Lloyd and Betty (Stevens) developing the furnishings and gardens, June Hammond and her husband Lloyd Rowe re-planning the gardens, made major plantings of shrubs and bulbs and landscaping the old lake and bridge. Today Richard, Lloyd, Helen and their partners continue to develop Merchiston with a fifth generation in tow.
21st century Merchiston is a vibrant and varied place, engaged with the local community and has hosted many events over its long history.
It is an architectural jewel in the heart of the Rangitikei, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes, but it is also a living and working place, earning its keep in the modern world. Merchiston is approached by a long drive lined with macrocarpas and pines planted for shelter and the many deciduous trees such as oaks, ashes, ginkgo’s, chestnuts and linden trees are all under planted with hellebores, bluebells and 1000s of daffodils which make an attractive picture in the spring.
Merchiston Homestead
Merchiston is one of the few grand homes of the turn of the century still standing on the farm it was built to serve. The building is in the same condition as it was when the last workman left on the 25th of November 1908. Through four generations Merchiston has been in the care of the family with John and Edith (McKelvie) building it, Lloyd and Betty (Stevens) developing the furnishings and gardens, June Hammond and her husband Lloyd Rowe re-planning the gardens, made major plantings of shrubs and bulbs and landscaping the old lake and bridge. Today Richard, Lloyd, Helen and their partners continue to develop Merchiston with a fifth generation in tow.
21st century Merchiston is a vibrant and varied place, engaged with the local community and has hosted many events over its long history.
It is an architectural jewel in the heart of the Rangitikei, one of New Zealand’s most beautiful landscapes, but it is also a living and working place, earning its keep in the modern world. Merchiston is approached by a long drive lined with macrocarpas and pines planted for shelter and the many deciduous trees such as oaks, ashes, ginkgo’s, chestnuts and linden trees are all under planted with hellebores, bluebells and 1000s of daffodils which make an attractive picture in the spring.
Beauty therapy and for only $10 Sarah travels to the cottage!!
129 Rangatira Road, Hunterville 4786, New Zealand
Beauty therapy and for only $10 Sarah travels to the cottage!!
Sightseeing
Stormy Point Lookout
Cheltenham-Hunterville RoadYou cannot come this far and not go!! 10 minutes from the cottage.
Great short loop for families with younger kids and only about 10 mins from the cottage.
Bruce Park Loop Track
Bruce Park Loop TrackGreat short loop for families with younger kids and only about 10 mins from the cottage.
Magical place, across private land so always check in to see if its open, small donation required! Great place to take a picnic down to! 30 mins drive from the cottage.
Whitecliffs Boulders
535 Peka RdMagical place, across private land so always check in to see if its open, small donation required! Great place to take a picnic down to! 30 mins drive from the cottage.
Hunterville & Districts Settlers Museum
10 Milne StreetOpen 2pms on Friday and possibly by appointment:)
Rangiwahia Hut
About 45 mins drive, some gravel roads, but very much worth it!!!
Stunning gardens, open at specific times so check that first. Fee to get in. 30 mins drive from here.
Cross Hills Gardens
339 Rangiwahia RdStunning gardens, open at specific times so check that first. Fee to get in. 30 mins drive from here.
Food scene
Yummy cafe style food. They have different opening hours depending on the season so check in before going.
Awastone - Mangaweka
143 Ruahine RoadYummy cafe style food. They have different opening hours depending on the season so check in before going.
Delicious selection of cabinet food and a small menu too. Normally only open weekdays, but can be weekends over summer. Check opening hours before going. They also do amazing catering!
Relish Rangitikei Restaurant
8 Milne StDelicious selection of cabinet food and a small menu too. Normally only open weekdays, but can be weekends over summer. Check opening hours before going. They also do amazing catering!
Station Hotel
24 High StreetGood hearty pub meals. Pays to book in, especially on busy weekends!
Great food and some other things for sale in store - produce, sauces, pottery and dried flower arrangements.
The Dukes Roadhouse
2 Koraenui StreetGreat food and some other things for sale in store - produce, sauces, pottery and dried flower arrangements.
Yummy chicken burgers! Not open every day of the week, so pays to check first. Just 8 mins from the cottage.
Argyle Hotel
1 Bruce StreetYummy chicken burgers! Not open every day of the week, so pays to check first. Just 8 mins from the cottage.
Like ya old school 4 square, also do coffee, rolled ice creams and lotto!! Great pie warmer and sammies too!
Four Square Hunterville Taylors
4 Milne StLike ya old school 4 square, also do coffee, rolled ice creams and lotto!! Great pie warmer and sammies too!
Hunters Cafe & Motel
2 High StreetCabinet food and takeaways, sometimes do Indian takeaway too!
Open 7 days, often closed by 4pm. Busy at bus times. Great place for kids!
Flat Hills Cafe And Tourist Park
5733 State Highway 1Open 7 days, often closed by 4pm. Busy at bus times. Great place for kids!
Ohingaiti Truck Stop & Accommodation
2 Onslow Street East