New Plymouth to Wanganui

Heading south on SH3 to Egmont Village, then on through the small farming villages of Tariki, Waipuku, Midhurst, to the larger township of Stratford.

From Stratford, continue on SH3 through Ngaere to Eltham, and on through Te Roti, Normanby into the busiest town in South Taranaki, Hawera.

From Hawera leave southeast on SH3 through Whareroa, Mokoia, Manutahi, Kakaramea to Patea; a quaint seaside township with a camping ground and beautiful beach. You can also play a round of golf.

From Patea, continue southeast on SH3 through Waverley and Moumahaki, Waitotara, Nukumaru, Maxwell and Kai Iwi. All along the way there are many side roads to the right which lead directly to the coast, camping grounds and forest reserves.

From Kai Iwi, it is a short drive into Wanganui.

Wanganui to Palmerston North

This is a short trip through some of New Zealand's richest farming regions.

Leaving town on SH3, you cross the broad Whanganui River through Marybank, Kaitoke to Whangaehu.

After crossing the Whangaehu River continue southeast through Turakina. From there it's a good straight drive past farmlands to Bulls. Bulls is one of those wonderfully quirky townships where they've made the most of their odd name with humorous signs everywhere around town.

After leaving Bulls on SH3 southeast, you'll pass through Sanson. Stay on SH3 to Kauwhata and Newbury before rolling into Central Palmerston North.

It is recommended that you have detailed road maps before departing on your trip