Manawatu

Palmerston NorthManawatu is a region that allows you the outstanding opportunity to experience New Zealand at its best - cosmopolitan yet proud of its rural roots. Situated in the lower half of the North Island it encompasses the city of Palmerston North, the town of Feilding, Ashhurst and many other rural villages.

A total population of over 100,500, the majority of these people (73,000) reside in Palmerston North. Over half the remaining 27,510 live in Feilding.

While embracing the sophistication of the "big-city", Palmerston North, the region retains the charm of its laid-back rural lifestyle. Feilding, Manawatu's second largest town is 11 times winner of "New Zealand's most Beautiful Town" award.

Sheltered from weather extremes, the Manawatu district has only moderate seasonal variations with summer temperatures typically 16-23 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures typically 12-15 degrees Celsius.

Windfarm at TararuaThis is perfect weather for you to enjoy the fantastic range of walking tracks, city spots, parks and reserves. A wonderful place to experience all sides of New Zealand life.

Rural Manawatu offers adventure pursuits and tranquil tramps right on the city's doorstep.
 
Explore the landscape of the Manawatu and make some special discoveries:
  
Take a day hike through the Ruahine Forest Park - one of a number of small mountain ranges that form the spine of the North Island. The range offers some inspiring forest and alpine walks for those wanting somewhere away from the standard tourist trips.
 
Town ClockVisit the Tararua Windfarm - by clydesdale wagon, horse trek, quad bike, 4WD (four-wheel drive) or guided hike. 
 
Take a ride in an aircraft simulator at the Ohakea Airforce Museum. 
 
Have fun white water rafting, kayaking and jet boating on the Rangitikei River 
 
Wander around private gardens and historical homesteads - visit Titoki Point, Rathmoy and The Ridges. 
 
At the Herb Farm, Ashhurst, you can buy a range of herbal healing products and wander through themed gardens. 
 
Meet native New Zealand owls (morepork) at Owlcatraz in Shannon. 
  

Property Sales Statistics (Manawatu/Wanganui)

Median Residential Dwelling Price Comparison from Previous Years
 
Year Median Price
as at Dec		 Total Properties
Sold		 Value of Total
Properties Sold
2010 $220,000 2,541 $635,285,459
2009 $230,000 3,448 $855,807,005
2008 $223,500 2,871 $714,593,199
2007 $244,000 4,620 $1,169,324,533
2006 $215,000 5,295 $1,177,742,695
2005 $184,500 5,441 $1,036,613,763
2004 $150,000 5,661 $883,222,691
2003 $134,250 6,070 $784,591,741
2002 $102,000 4,440 $544,208,969
2001 $110,500 3,884 $461,711,987
2000 $109,500 3,395 $393,187,350
1999 $108,000 4,113 $468,310,723
1998 $95,000 3,450 $372,117,890
1997 $93,000 3,765 $412,996,735
1996 $103,000 3,794 $425,953,719
1995 $104,750 3,542 $402,617,757
1994 $108,500 4,184 $467,295,753

NB - Dwellings include houses, townhouses, units, apartments, home and income, conversions and residential investment blocks. Information provided by REINZ (Real Estate Institute of New Zealand).

The suburbs covered in these figures include: Palmerston North City, Feilding, Levin, Pahiatua, Manawatu Country, Waverley, Wanganui City, Raetihi, Ohakune, Taihape, Rangitikei and Wanganui Country.