Worth pulling over for

You’ve probably driven through

Every day, around 16,000 vehicles roll through Rangitīkei.

Some are heading north. Some are heading south. Some are racing the clock, counting down the kilometres until they reach wherever they're going.

Chances are, you've been one of them.

Maybe you've stopped for fuel... stretched your legs... waved at a Bull in Bulls, the Gumboot in Taihape or the Huntaway in Hunterville before jumping back in the car and getting on your way.

Worthpulling over taihape
Worthpulling over hunterville
Worthpulling over bulls

But have you ever actually, really, stopped?

Pack a picnic and find a spot beside the awa. Grab a coffee from La Bull or Coffee on the Moove in Bulls before hitting the road again, or pull into Crystal Bar Tearooms for a ol' school cafe and Brown Sugar Café Taihape where there's no shortage of good coffee and sweet treats waiting.

If you're heading towards Whanganui around lunchtime, Marton is worth the detour, with 4 Doors Down and 3 High Street serving up the kind of food that makes you wonder why you ever settled for service station sandwiches.

If your road trip isn't complete without a proper bakery pie, you're in the right place. Bulls Bakery has long been a favourite.

Worthpulling over mangaweka river
Worthpulling over mangaweka

Travelling with your four-legged co-pilot?

Taihape, Marton, Turakina and Bulls have off-lead dog parks. Robin Street, Taihape is just up the road from the public toilets, giving everyone a chance to stretch their legs.

Worth pulling over for:

Coffee

  • MOOMA, SH1 Marton
  • La Bull, Bulls
  • Coffee on the Moove, Bulls
  • Coffee HQ, Taihape

Lunch

  • 4 Doors Down, Marton
  • 3 High Street, Marton
  • The Dukes Roadhouse, Mangaweka
  • Flat Hills Cafe, Mangaweka

Bakery Pies

  • Bulls Bakery
  • Ma and Pa's Bakery, Marton

Travelling with Dogs? - Dog Exercise Areas

  • Bulls Domain - Dog Exercise Area
  • Turakina Domain - Dog Exercise Area
  • Taihape Memorial Park - Dog Exercise Area
  • Robin Street, Taihape - Dog Exercise Area
  • Sir James Wilson Park, Marton - Dog Exercise Area

And if you're collecting memories as much as kilometres, there are plenty of opportunities to pull over. Find a lookout over the Rangitīkei River.

  • Mangaweka Camp and Picnic Area
  • South of Mangaweka - Rest stop at the top of the hill

Rangitīkei is real, raw Aotearoa. It's about discovering that the best part of your journey might be the bit you never planned.

Next time you're driving through, don't just pass by. Stop.