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Manawatu is a region in the North Island of New Zealand. "The Manawatu", as it is usually called, is located in the southwest of the island, close to the river which shares its name.
Located
north of Wellington, the district stretches from slightly north of the settlement
of Himatangi in the south to just south of Mangaweka in the north, and from
the Rangitikei River to the summit of the Tararua Ranges. The southern boundary
follows the Manawatu River.
The region is a large plain which is rich in sheep and dairy farming. Palmerston North is the biggest town and is home to more than 70 major educational and research institutions, including New Zealand's fastest expanding university.
The
region itself contains some rivers that provide great trout fishing. There
is also great tramping country in the Tararua Mountains to the east and there
are secluded beaches suitable for swimming on the west coast.
The
Manawatu Gorge (in Maori Te Apiti, meaning 'The Narrow Passage') runs between
the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges of the North Island of New Zealand, linking
the Manawatu and Hawke's Bay regions. It lies to the northeast of Palmerston
North - its western end is near the small town of Ashhurst, its eastern end
is close to the town of Woodville. The gorge is significant because, unlike
most gorges, the Manawatu River runs directly through the surrounding ranges
from one side to the other. This was caused by the ranges moving upwards at
the same time as the gorge was eroded by the river, instead of the more usual
erosion of an already existing range.
The
road through the Manawatu Gorge was completed in 1872, and acts as the primary
link between the two sides of the lower North Island. It is sometimes closed
by slips, especially in inclement weather. A rail connection was also established
on the opposite wall of the gorge; it was completed in 1891. A
tramping track, the Manawatu Gorge Track, runs parallel to the gorge through
native bush.
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