Roadside Signpost Near Ashhurst New Zealand

I shot this roadside photo a few months back on a digital camera. This signpost is on State Highway 3 between Ashhurst and Woodville not far from the Ashhurst entrance to the Manawatu Gorge. Ashhurst (pop 3500) is a small rural township nestled under at the southern end of the Ruahine ranges and is the gateway to the fertile Pohangina Valley.

Note the windmills in the background, part of the Te Apiti Windfarm which supplies energy for about 45,000 homes from around 55 wind turbines.




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Pohutukawa Flowers in the Manawatu Gorge Early Summer

If you are travelling New Zealand by car you are likely at some time or other to drive through the scenic Manawatu Gorge. "The Gorge" as it is called by locals is windy and slow going in some places. There is no passing permitted in either direction.

The slow trip through the Manawatu Gorge means there is plenty of time to appreciate the scenery. And luckily for us keen photographers there are lots of places along the way to pull over and take in some spectacular views of the Manawatu River.

There is no doubt in my mind that the Manawatu Gorge is at its best in early summer. At this time of year you will find as I did (photo taken December 2009) the odd pohutukawa tree flowering near the roadside verge. What a magnificent specimen this pohutukawa tree is with its bright red flowers perfectly offsetting the surrounding native bush.


The Manawatu Gorge is home to lots of native birds too. I frequently see plump wood pigeons flying across the road near the Woodville entrance to the Gorge so watch out for these. The best time to catch these birds is early evening.

Amongst this wonderful scenery its hard to believe that trains have been running right through the heart of the Gorge since the late 1880s. Note the rail bridge in the background of the photoraph.

If you have time to spare there is also an excellent day hike - The Manawatu Gorge Track which passes through the Manawatu Scenic Reserve and affords great views of the Gorge.

The Manawatu Scenic Reserve is denoted by the letter "A" on the Google map. Closest towns to the Manawatu Gorge are Ashhurst and Woodville.


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About 4 times per week I drive the 6.4 kilometers through the scenic Manawatu Gorge located in the North Island of New Zealand on my way to work in Dannevirke and Pahiatua. I shot this view of the Manawatu Gorge as I was coming home the other night. I liked the quality of the light so I decided to stop and take this roadside photo. This image was taken at approximately 7 pm from close to the Ashhurst end (western end) of the gorge.


The Manawatu Gorge is renowned as a unique landform because its river - the Manawatu River flows from one side of a mountain range to the other rather than from a divide, as with most rivers. It is possible to take a jetboat ride down the river rapids or for a slower pace a kayak. Also there is a really nice hike (the Manawatu Gorge Track) which takes about four hours one way and offers spectacular views of the Manawatu Gorge.


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