Fun things to do in Manawatu/Wanganui

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This drive is on Highway 4, not a highway for speed, but one which had lovely views most of the way. It you continue on from Raetihi, you will arrive at Taupo.
The drive takes you on a windy road around the sides of Mountains with views of the Mangawhero Gorge where the Mangawhero river flows.
Theres a little over 50kms of this windy section of road.
We enjoyed the drive, and found a lovely lookout, with views over the Wanganui River near Wanganui end of the H4.

Raukawa Falls were a wide waterfall, thundering because of all the recent rain! Probably about 15metres high and 50metres wide. Stopped at the sign posted lookout on the (SH4) between Raetihi and Wanganui. Located here is a viewing platform allowing you to look below at the impressive waterfall in the distance.

Still heading towards Taupo, and we came across another small town, this one was
'TAIHAPE'
Not much here, but it is famous for being 'Gumboot Capital of New Zealand’.
Annually, the ‘Gumboot Throwing Contest’ is held, in which participants endeavour to toss a gumboot the greatest distance across a paddock.
Taihape is also known as ‘The place of the big bird’, referring to the 5 metre tall giant moa which was the main source of protein for New Zealand’s earliest inhabitants and was hunted to extinction.
The only thing to see is the large Gumboot!

North of Taihape is the Waiouru Military Base, which includes the Army Memorial Museum. The history of the New Zealand Army in times of war and peacekeeping operations is told with very realistic displays and audio-visuals.

This is only a small town on the way to Taihape and the snow fields of Tongariro National Park.

The Gorge on the Rangitikei River makes for outstanding views. You can do white water rafting, and jetboating.

In town is a DC 3 Plane where you can enjoy coffee/tea & biscuits after you have bought them from the attached garage.

Travelling along Highway 1 heading to Taupo, we came across the small town of Hunterville.

Hunterville is famous for its statue of the Huntaway, a unique Herding dog, in that it uses its voice to drive the sheep.
It is used to herd Sheep & Cattle, and they are heavily relied on by their Farmer owners. The Dog is hardworking, intelligent, agile & responsive.
One man with a good team of dogs can do the work of several men without dogs!
In town, is a Statue of this hardworking Dog, we stopped and had a read, and found out all about this Dog!

On the first Saturday after Labour Day they hold The Shepherds Shemozzle - a race with man and dog. The team will travel up hill and down dale and through the town obstacle course for a grand prize of $2000.00. Shepherds travel from all over New Zealand to compete for the top prize.