Encompassing both coastlines and stretching nearly half the length of the North Island, the wider Manawatū-Whanganui region is home to many enticing tourism drawcards.

While planning your next trip, be sure to book a night or two at one of the many boutique and locally owned accommodation options in the area.

Choose from your classic historic homestead or charming farm stay. Or experience the weird and wonderful, including a converted sleeper bus or a cabin with a secret flying fox.

If you’re visiting Palmerston North and are not keen on staying in a lifeless motel, check out Hiwinui Country Estate. A quick 15-minute drive from the town centre brings you to this rural retreat.

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Family owned and operated for six generations, the estate is on the Stewart family’s 600-hectare working farm. Grab your friends and escape for a weekend away, enjoying their day spa facilities.

If you’re just dropping by for a visit, keep an eye on their events page and join in on their hosted activities such as high tea or yoga on the lawn. The charming homestead even offers a ‘proposal package' if you think the time is right.

Nestled at the foot of spectacular white papa cliffs, alongside the Rangitīkei River, is the sprawling Rathmoy Estate. The rooms are light and airy, with a perfect indoor-outdoor entertaining area.

Without having to leave the comforts of the estate, you can relax on the riverside deck with a glass of wine, toast marshmallows over the fire pit or set up a game of backyard cricket.

Try your luck catching a trout in the river with the rods provided, or opt in to the pheasant shooting add-on. End your day by stargazing in the newly installed outdoor cedar hot tub. You won’t regret booking a few days here with extended family and friends, and what’s more, you’re welcome to bring your pooch along for the ride.

For the ultimate farm stay experience, book a weekend at Ridge Top Farm. Embrace your inner child and grab one of their burlap sacks to slide down the grassy hill. Practise your golf swing with some long distance driving from the tee box at the campsite.

If you’re keen to get the lay of the land, take up the hosts on their offer of a ‘glamp n tramp’ activity. For $30 per adult you’ll be guided across farmland and treated to views of Kāpiti Island, Mt Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu.

A delicious picnic lunch is included in this optional extra. The site sleeps a total of 10 people in a deluxe canvas wood frame tent and a larger cabin with plush bunk beds. Ridge Top Farm is a cost-effective rural escape for the whole family.

For a cheap and cheerful option consider Flat Hills Tourist Park. Pitch your tent, plug in your camper, or book one of their wooden pod cabins. This family destination offers a year round bouncy castle (weather dependent), an old-school corrugated iron maze and a swag of friendly farm animals.

The on-site café is host to your typical truck stop fare; think toasted sandwiches, wedges, burgers etc. After a day of hiking and biking, this really hits the spot. People have been known to come from miles around just to feed the alpaca and sample Flat Hills’ extravagant custard squares.

River Valley Lodge is the perfect place to base yourself while you embark on a weekend of quintessential Kiwi activities. Horse riding, grade 5 rafting, biking, hikes through native bush or even just a glass of wine in the tub.

For a holiday to remember, take advantage of their ‘Stay and Play’ package which includes all meals and either a full day of scenic rafting, adrenaline-inducing white-water rafting or a half-day adventure trek by horseback.

For something a little unconventional, book the deluxe ‘bus’ accommodation option. A quirky converted bus nestled among the secluded wilderness with a large deck and stairs leading down to the river.

Bushy Park Historic Homestead is a grand country estate with period style rooms and modern day comforts. Situated in a wildlife sanctuary of over 80 hectares, the homestead’s foundations were laid in 1904.

The estate boasts five guest suites. Enjoy devonshire tea on the deck, or take a walk through the forest where you’re likely to spot the rare saddleback, North Island robin, stitch birds and kererū.

The treasured Tarapuruhi Forest is lovingly maintained by volunteers who give around 500 hours of their time per month. Their work ensures the forest is pest free and remains the perfect environment for the many native species of plants and animals to thrive.

For those wanting to disconnect but are not fans of roughing it, Black Bivvy is your go-to luxe, off-the-grid accommodation and it ticks all the boxes. With two queen-size bedrooms, this rural getaway is perfect for two couples or a small family, and is situated among 70 hectares of native bush.

Explore the nearby waterfall, partake in deer spotting from your covered outdoor dining table, or even give the onsite 60m flying fox a go. It’s important to note, if you stay in peak ‘roar’ season (March-April) you’ll be treated to the songs of the very vocal wild stags. Serenading their wannabe love match, your slumber may be disturbed by a 2am cacophony.

Hiwinui Country Estate from $225 per night. See: hiwinui.co.nz

Rathmoy Estate from $595 per night for two people. Additional people $70 per adult. See: rathmoy.co.nz

Ridge Top Farm from $270 per night for two people. Additional people $40 per night. Closed May to October. See: canopycamping.co.nz/ridge-top-farm

Flat Hills Tourist Park camping from $35 per night, cabins from $99 per night. See: flathills.co.nz

River Valley Lodge deluxe rooms from $200 per night, shared rooms from $48 per person, ‘Stay and Play’ from $370 per person. See: rivervalley.co.nz

Bushy Park Homestead bed and breakfast from $170 per night. See: bushypark.nz/homestead

Black Bivvy from $320 per night for two people. Additional people $75 per adult, $50 per child per night. See: canopycamping.co.nz/black-bivvy

Staying safe: New Zealand is currently under Covid-19 restrictions. Follow the instructions at covid19.govt.nz.