48 Hours Horowhenua

Nestled between Manakau and Ōhau, and a stone’s throw from Levin, Tatum Park is the perfect spot to base yourself for your Horowhenua getaway, and this isn’t your ordinary hotel. A boutique retreat based in a historic homestead, the rooms here ooze luxury and are designed for a romantic stay for two. Soft timber tones, wide windows, and elegant furnishings set the tone for a weekend that’s both grounding and indulgent. Not to mention it’s dog-friendly, so your best furry friend can also come along!

Just a few minutes down the road, Manakau Market makes for the perfect first outing. A well-known pitstop in this neck of the woods, it is a great spot for stocking up on fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as tucking into some seriously good eats. Work your way through the substantial options on offer: pizzas, wings, and burgers that have carved a real reputation for themselves, and pair with a delicious smoothie. Finish it all off with a Dark Horse coffee or a cone of real fruit ice cream.

You’ve had a decent feed, and now it’s time to head for the Lake Papaitonga Scenic Reserve. This peaceful 135-hectare dune lake is surrounded by lush coastal forest and wetlands, and is rich in birdlife and cultural history. Follow the easy walking track through native bush to tranquil lake views, and make use of the picnic spots along the way. A truly serene escape where nature, history, and calm coexist beautifully.

An afternoon visit to Ōhau Wines is a must for anyone who appreciates a good drop with a great story. Born from an ambitious idea to grow grapes on former farmland, this award-winning winery has become a proud symbol of innovation in Horowhenua. Step into their cosy tasting room and sample the region’s signature sauvignon blanc and pinot gris, both known for their bright, fresh flavours. The team here are passionate and down-to-earth, happy to share the story of how they proved world-class wine could come from somewhere completely unexpected.

If your visit falls on a Wednesday, save your appetite for Pop Up Eats, a lively evening market that turns Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō into a street food wonderland. Local vendors dish up an ever-changing mix of flavours, from Las Fridas’ colourful tacos and Zaaffran’s Moroccan-inspired fare to Dutchy’s comfort classics, and Hodoo’s flavour-packed Korean bites. It’s a community event through and through, with music, conversation, and the kind of food that makes you wish every night was a Wednesday.

Start your second day with a satisfying breakfast at Taper Eatery, which boasts a seasonal menu celebrating fresh, local produce with plenty of attitude. Expect crisp salads and smashed avo in the warmer months, and comforting picks like loaded fries and chicken and waffles when it’s cold out. Signature favourites include the smash pattie burger, chicken tacos, and a build-your-own breakfast, with most dishes available gluten-free.

Follow your nose to The Baked Dane, a bakery that brings a slice of Scandinavia to Horowhenua. Danish expat Lisa Brink’s cosy little store offers a lineup of artisan sourdough loaves, crackers, and sweet, Nordic-inspired treats. The standout is the signature Dessert Knækbrød, a crunchy, seed-studded cracker topped with caramel, dark chocolate, and sea salt. From Tuesday to Saturday, you’ll find a rotating selection of 100% sourdough breads baked fresh.

Stretching from Queen Street to the Waiopehu Scenic Reserve, this well-maintained 1.8km pathway is a popular local route for walking, running, or cycling, with the option to extend onto the Kohitere Trig walk for a bigger challenge. Seats and picnic spots along the way invite you to pause and enjoy the scenery. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of native bush and a meandering stream, with the accessible tracks suitable for all ages and abilities. A perfect spot to stretch your legs and break up the day.

Time for a quick stop at the charismatic Foxton. Here you can indulge in a taste of European heritage at De Molen, the town’s striking Dutch windmill. This working flour mill is as beautiful as it is fascinating, and you can browse the shop stocked with stone-ground flour, milled right on site, and imported Dutch goods. Stop by Cafe de Molen just next door for lunch and a serving of classic Dutch fare, try the pancakes or a broodje with a side of fries and mayo. It’s a little corner of the Netherlands, right in the heart of Horowhenua.

Finish your weekend on a high note with dinner at Cambridge Lane, a go-to spot in Levin for hearty, feel-good food made with flair. Once a humble pizzeria, it’s now a full-blown dining destination offering four menus: woodfired pizza, burgers, Mexican, and desserts, all crafted fresh and full of flavour. The open kitchen adds to the buzz, with chefs firing up pizzas in glowing ovens, toasting brioche burger buns just right, and rolling burritos that burst with bold, balanced fillings. Locals rave about favourites like the Big Mad Mac Dad pizza, while desserts feature nostalgic Kiwi sweets and waffles topped with New Zealand ice cream. The ideal way to draw your Horowhenua trip to a close.