Palmerston North

Manawatū-Whanganui is a region in the lower North Island of New Zealand, stretching from the central volcanic plateau to the Tasman Sea coast. Its two main centres, Palmerston North and Whanganui, anchor a mix of productive farmland, forested ranges, river valleys and smaller towns such as Feilding, Levin and Ohakune.

The region is shaped by water and geology. The Whanganui River is New Zealand's longest navigable river and runs through deep, forested country, while the Manawatū River flows through the broad Manawatū plains and cuts the dramatic Manawatū Gorge between the Ruahine and Tararua ranges.

Palmerston North is the region's largest city, known for Massey University, the public gardens and bush walks of Victoria Esplanade, and the civic centre around The Square. Whanganui offers a strong arts and heritage scene, with the Sarjeant Gallery, Whanganui Regional Museum and the Durie Hill Memorial Tower and elevator overlooking the river.

The region is a major food, agriculture and logistics hub, with research, education and food-processing businesses supporting the wider North Island economy. Visitors can explore farmers' markets, riverside cafés, craft breweries and a steady calendar of cultural and sporting events.

For leisure travellers, Manawatū-Whanganui offers walking and cycling trails, river experiences, heritage towns and access to Mount Ruapehu's ski fields near Ohakune. For business visitors, Palmerston North and Whanganui provide conference facilities, university connections and transport links across the central North Island.