Manawatu is located in the lower North Island and is an important farming and academic town. Challenging, relaxing, exciting, invigorating and rejuvenating, the Manawatu region is an important hub for the lower North Island. With Massey University drawing students to the area, this vibrant farming and student town has loads to offer.

The spirit of the Manawatu runs through the duel rivers of the sacred Manawatu and the Wanganui river, coursing with life they stand as a symbol of rejuvenation and prosperity. Here at Gopher we love the wairua - or spirit of the people of the Manawatu. Unified not by density, but by a culture of hard work and honest values: we want to show why, how, where, and when you can access all the best that the Manawatu has to offer. From the Ruahine and Tararua mountain ranges that line the way through to the Manawatu Gorge, and spectacular Pohangina Valley. We aim to scale the heights in search of what makes the Manawatu such a culturally fertile region, as well as highlighting local industry and events relevant to both passers by and the locals alike. Locals for whom the Manawatu is not only one of the most important pastoral areas in New Zealand, but more importantly a place they call home.