If you have a little extra time and you’re happy to travel 25 miles, check out Palmerston North. This happening destination has lots of things to see and do. See the best sights starting with The Square, New Zealand Rugby Museum and Arena Manawatu. The locals are also likely to point you in the direction of Whanganui, 40 miles away. If you can only see one attraction here, make sure it’s Virginia Lake. (But we’d also highly recommend Whanganui Museum and South Beach.)