The Whanganui River is one of the largest in the country and the Whanganui River TOP 10 sits right on its edge. There are many ways to enjoy the water in Whanganui, get up close and personal with the Awa and hire a kayak from the Park! Soak up the culture of Whanganui and spend a couple of hours cruising on your choice of Riverboat. Show your TOP 10 Membership when you book at the Paddle Steamer Waimarie and get a discount!
While it’s only open in the Summer, Splash Planet is a must-do for any family visiting the Hawkes Bay. Just a short walk away from Hastings TOP 10, spend the day at Splash Planet and test how brave you are by zooming down some of the coolest water slides in Aotearoa! If that’s not enough water for one day, head on back to Hastings TOP 10 and take a dip in their onsite swimming pool or their private spa pool!
Wellington TOP 10 sits on the edge of the Wellington Harbour. Catch a bus or drive round to Days Bay in Eastbourne where you will find the East by West Ferry - the first fully electric, high-speed passenger ferry in the southern hemisphere. Catch the ferry across to Queen's wharf and enjoy some of the many restaurants and make a day of visiting the city. If the city isn’t your thing then hiring a kayak from the Days Bay boat shed or jumping off the wharf is a great way to spend a sunny Wellington day!
As the name suggests, Napier Beach TOP 10 is a prime beachfront location! Whilst it’s probably a bit chilly for a swim most of the year around (unless you’re brave) it is the perfect place to take a long stroll, maybe with an ice cream in your hands! Te Awanga beach is a pebble beach that is popular for swimming, surfing and fishing – both surfcasting and by boat! It’s south of Napier Beach TOP 10 but it makes for the perfect day trip.
While you stay at Martinborough TOP 10, Palliser Bay is a great day trip. Not only does it have the North Island’s largest fur seal colony, but you’ll also find the Ngawi Fishing Village, the Cape Palliser Lighthouse and the Putangirua Pinnacles – Lord of the Rings fans will know this as Dimholt Road! The wild coastline of the Wairarapa is perfect for surfing with some of the biggest waves and breaks found at White Rock, Tora and Palliser. For a more sedate drip, Castlepoint and Riversdale both have family-friendly beaches making for an adventure the whole family will enjoy.
Now that you’re armed with some of the TOP recommendations for the Lower North Island, where do you start? Pick a TOP 10 and go from there, we will be there to help you out along the way!