Peep-o-Day Driving Route on The Country Road

This small settlement just north of Feilding is a great place for travellers to stop off for a meal at the local pub, use the public toilets in the hall, buy an ice cream from the dairy or have a picnic at the rest area.

This park-like woodland garden located in the township of Kimbolton, which has a lush environment suited to hydrangeas, camellias and rhododendrons. This garden is a popular wedding venue and has an onsite chapel. Open all year by appointment. T: +64 6 328 9667 A: 19 Grammar Street, Kimbolton

The namesake of this driving route and the first place in the area to see the morning sun. Stunning high country scenery with deep valleys and rugged hills with pointy tops. Over 450m above sea level.

The location of the original settlement of the Rangiwahia district.

'Put the small man on the land' was the political slogan of the 1880s.  From it came the 1885 Land Act that created the Special Settlement Scheme to develop 'Waste Lands' in New Zealand.

In May 1885, the Pemberton Small Farms Association took up the Pemberton Block of 10,000 acres (4,047 ha) in this valley.  Charles L Pemberton had played a leading role in its formation and in selecting the block.  In September 1886, six Pemberton brothers were in the first party of settlers who set up camp here.  They faced isolation and a primeval forest of giant matai, maire, rimu, totara and kahikatea trees.  Their first task was to clear the bush.

In addition to developing this 100 acre (40ha) farm, Charles also established the first accommodation house and later he was the first Postmaster in Pemberton.  He left the area in 1903 and died in 1919.

By December 1888, there were 21 whare, four sawn-timber houses and an accommodation house.  In 1889, the first Post Office opened and did not close until 1924.  In 1891, the first school opened but closed in 1896 when the new Rangiwahia School opened.  In 1892, the first General Store in the district opened, near the butcher and the blacksmith and a cricket club was formed.  In 1893, the hotel opened.

In seven years Pemberton grew from a campsite to be the first district centre.
However, by 1895, the temporary village had served its purpose.  Later settlers had developed the nearby surveyed town of Rangiwahia and it was now the centre of the community.  Like so many other transitory settlements that flourished in those early days of New Zealand's development, Pemberton village eventually became yet another 'ghost town'.

Mangaweka Campground is a dog-friendly and well-equpped riverside camping ground and motorcamp with adventure activities, swimming and fishing.  Coin operated showers, a full kitchen, barbecues, fire pit and an event field. T: +64 6 382 5744

Mangaweka Gallery and Homestay is housed in an historic church in the small township of Mangaweka on SH1.

Gallery: Mangaweka "Yellow Church" Gallery is housed in a distinctive turn of the century former church building. Award winning resident, Richard Aslett's work is complimented by other New Zealand artists, with regular group and solo exhibitions, covering fine art paintings, ceramics, wood-turning and glass craft, to occasional "risque" photography shows. The Galery is opens10am-5pm, Thursday-Monday.

Accommodation: This is a turn of the century cottage, complete with stunning gardens and a rural outlook towards the river. Located in close proximity to the historical village of Mangaweka. The cottage features a log burner, full laundry and kitchen facilities, plus an entertainment system. A delicious continental breakfast is provided, and it is located right next door to Mangaweka Gallery, housed in the bright yellow church.

Bookings for accommodation are essential. T: +64 6 382 5774