Foxton a perfect holiday destination

Foxton Beach wharf at the Manawatu river mouth.

Finding a fantastic holiday destination that offers something for everyone might be closer than you think if you take a look at the up-and-coming towns of Foxton and Foxton Beach.

Fast shaping up to become one of the best holiday spots in the lower North Island, the easy charm, relaxed Kiwiana vibe and surprising range of attractions and activities on offer in the "the fox town of New Zealand" make it appealing to people from all walks of life.

Blessed with an array of beautiful geographic features, such as its stretch of golden sand, thriving estuary wetland and stunning views, the area is one of Horowhenua's major drawcards.

Cute beach baches can still be found among the modern residences of people who have made the beach settlement their permanent or summer home, while the township's main street is being tastefully upgraded to reflect its growing needs as a destination.

Some interesting and quirky shopping is on offer, from a vintage opshop stocking treasures to a huge store packed with Indonesian trinkets.

There is also the Flax Gift Gallery housing creations by local artists.

Foxton Beach Summer Markets are also not to be missed for a fun family day out. You can find handcrafted gifts, bargains at the car boot sale, fresh produce and preserves.

It runs from 10am-2pm on Saturday February 10, Saturday March 10 and Saturday April 14.

Renowned for adventure sports, the beach is already a mecca for kitesurfing enthusiasts, with local business Wind Warriors the only registered provider in the lower North Island.

Off The Loop, Foxton's new wakeboarding park.

It is also home to Off The Loop - the largest cable wakeboarding park in the country, and will soon boast a brand new asphalt pump track at Holben Reserve.

If slightly gentler pursuits are your preference, there is a network of walking tracks in the area, easily accessible from Holben/Te Wharangi Reserve, which is a great place to park the car and head into nature.

From here you can walk to some of the best bird watching spots in the region, where you can see wading and migratory birds and access the extensive walking tracks.

The reserve also has ponds, a children's playground, a bike skills area, basketball hoop, tennis courts, a skating area and is a popular family picnic spot in summer, where you'll often see people enjoying an ice cream while their kids run around.

The estuary at Foxton Beach is a bird waters paradise where Royal Spoonbills, Bitterns and other beautiful birds can be spotted.

FOXTON Beach is patrolled by lifeguards between 11am and 6pm until the end of January.

DE Molen in Foxton's town centre, built as a full-scale replica of a traditional 17th century Dutch flourmill.

FOXTON'S community hub, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom/