Drive to the top of Whariti Peak, one of the highest vehicle accessible peaks in the North Island, for views as far as the eye can see. Photo / Supplied
Drive to the top of Whariti Peak, one of the highest vehicle accessible peaks in the North Island, for views as far as the eye can see. Photo / Supplied
A town rich in history and teeming with native birdlife charms Elisabeth Easther.
Where is it? In the Tararua District in the lower North Island, two hours from Wellington and 25km east of Palmerston North, lies the charming town of Woodville.
Origin of name: Built as the third of the Scandinavian Rd labourers' villages (after Norsewood and Dannevrike), the town was to be a "village in the woods" hence Woodville.
Population: 1401, a figure that's remained stable while other towns nearby have decreased.
Town mascot: The Woodville Tree, a statuesque sculpture made of cast iron and stained glass.
Old school: The local kids are educated in a school building that was built in 1878. That's a whole lot of learning.
Famous locals: Ruru Karaitiana (composer of Blue Smoke), Anna Leese (world-renowned soprano), Joe Schmidt (Ireland's rugby coach), Noel Harris (champion jockey). All Black Robbie McLean played for the Woodville Club. Painter Gottfried Lindauer is buried in the Old Gorge Cemetery, his tombstone the shape of an artist's palette.
Famous horse: 1964 Melbourne Cup winner Polo Prince was trained in Woodville, tragically dying in 1973 after being hit by a car.
Source of pride: Woodville has more than its fair share of things to do for a small town and has a really strong community spirit.
Busy town: More than 6000 vehicles go around the McLean and Vogel St corner every day. The confluence of SH 2 and SH 3 is busy.
Big events: The International Grand Prix Motocross, the Lion's Club Track and Tunnel Walk, the Coast to Coast and a few car rallies come through here. The Christmas parade and market are great fun as is Wood Fest and Woodville Races Cup Day.
Best reasons to stop: To browse the quirky shops, antique lovers have a ball here, plus there are 13 places to obtain refreshments or you can visit Basically Bush and buy locally caught possum products.
Eye spy: In town there's a telescope that looks out to Te Apiti Wind Farm, remarkable.
Te Apiti Windfarm near Woodville. Photo / Supplied
Best place to take the kids: The playground at Fountaine Square.
Best parks: Ferry Reserve, down the by river is lovely for picnics, with lots of space to run around, a bird sanctuary and native trees. Or try Fountaine Square, it's dog friendly, has grand trees and an historic band rotunda with a super playground.
Best walks: There are two short walks in Ferry Reserve down by the river. Or try the Coppermine Valley Track (two hours), the Klein Track (a one-to-two hour loop) or the Manawatu Gorge Walk (four-to-five hours), the giant totara is amazing.
Best view: Drive to the top of Whariti Peak, this is one of the highest vehicle accessible peaks in the North Island, there you can see from Kapiti Island all way to Mt Taranaki and if you turn around you can see all way from Hawkes Bay to Wairarapa - it'll take your breath away.
Best place to pull over: Stop on Saddle Rd at the wind farm for impressive views, and stand at the bottom of a turbine, they're massive. Or stop anywhere in the Manawatu Gorge, there are so many pretty places to pull over.
Best swim: Down at Ferry Reserve in the river, there are several places to swim for big kids and little kids.
Best museum:Woodville Pioneer Museum. Their recent war exhibits both won awards thanks to the dedicated crew who run the place, bringing the past to life. Or check out the Organ Museum, it's an incredible private collection, a huge big room just full of organs and if you ask nicely the curator will even play for you.
Prints of Gottfried Lindauer paintings feature at the Lindauer Replica Studio in Woodville. Photo / Supplied
Nice arts: The Lindauer Replica Studio is very sweet, and contains furniture and prints of Gottfried Lindauer's paintings. Or stop in at Artyfacts Arcade to admire the regularly changing exhibitions.
Top shops: The town is full of cute shops, with neat clothes emporiums including Oosh La La and For Frocks Sake. And if you're feeling peckish, go to Yummy Mummy Cheesecakes.
Meat you there:Whariti Meats is the best butchery for miles, their sausages and black puddings can't be beat. Plus they do homekill.
Did someone say deli: Pop into Culinary Vista specialty grocery store for jams, relishes and all things divine.
Cream of the coffee: There is so much choice but the stand-outs are Cafe 88 (their breakfasts are legendary), and the Nibbley Pig Cafe - the German proprietor bakes amazing pastries and cakes.
Still hungry: The Windfarm Bakery makes beautiful homemade pies, roast dinners, sausages rolls and bread. The Woodville Bakery is also a winner. You'll be so spoiled here.
By hoki: The Food Barn and The Fish Spot do supreme fish and chips. Take them to the river, the park, the trees - sigh.
Best food: Cafe 88 and The Lindauer Cafe are popular, but everywhere is good.
Wet your whistle: There were six pubs 10 years ago, today you've two to choose from - the New Central Hotel and the old Masonic Hotel.
Best mountain biking: There are amazing parks on North Range Rd up on Wariti Peak. Or how about renting an electric bike from the i-Site?
Best adventures: Jet Boating in the Manawatu Gorge will get the heart thumping. Kayaking is also fun but not as fast.
Best kept secret: There are more rainbow and brown trout per cubic metre than anywhere else in New Zealand, all in the five local rivers beginning with M.
Wildlife: The last huia was seen here in 1907. Today you'll see flocks of native birds (the kereru are enormous) and in the ranges you'll find deer, pigs and possums.
