Get inspiration for your holiday in Himatangi Beach
Located in the Manawatu-Whanganui region of the North Island, Himatangi Beach is a scenic coastal community and home to one of the largest sand dune features in all of New Zealand. Boasting a long, sandy beach, calm azure waters and plenty of family-oriented attractions and accommodation, Himatangi Beach is the ideal beach destination for a family trip. You can also experience romantic activities like horse treks on the beach and sunset viewing, as well as adventures like jet boating and whitewater rafting. No matter how you want to spend your trip, find ideas and inspiration with the best things to do and the best accommodation in Himatangi Beach.
Himatangi Beach accommodation
Himatangi Beach offers a range of accommodation options for families, couples and solo travellers. You’ll find luxury cottages, quaint cabins, beachfront bungalows and many other options for your stay, so you can feel like you’re truly in a home away from home. Take a look at the best Himatangi Beach accommodation to see what you can expect.
Charming cottages
Cottages offer a cosy and romantic experience for your trip to Himatangi Beach. With natural surroundings and waterfront views, cottages by the beach put you close to the water and give you access to all the walking tracks and wildlife in the area. You’ll also be close to the attractions in Himatangi Beach for more opportunities to sightsee and dine. Best of all, cottages come in a range of options and sizes, so you can easily fit the whole family in a budget cottage or splurge on a luxurious rental for a couple’s trip.
Family cabins
With cabin rentals near the beach or nestled in the forest, you can have a private and scenic holiday experience in Himatangi Beach. You’ll find an array of cabin options for affordable stays or a pampered holiday, as well as a range of amenities to enhance your experience. Plenty of cabins offer exciting features for the kids like backyards, outdoor entertainment spaces and luxurious furnishings. You’ll also have the option of choosing a small or large cabin, so everyone will have the space and comfort they need.
Beach bungalows
Bungalows in Himatangi Beach are a great choice if you want a cosy holiday near the beach. You can find bungalows within steps of the sand for early days on the water and time to enjoy the day’s best sunshine. Bungalows are perfect for solo travellers and couples, but you can also find larger bungalows that have enough space for the whole family. Bungalows are fully self-catered, so you’ll have a full kitchen and all the amenities of home for a convenient and comfortable stay.
Things to do in Himatangi Beach
From cultural tours to wildlife encounters and outdoor adventure, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for an unforgettable trip in Himatangi Beach. The coastal community and surrounding Manawatu region offer an abundance of activities and adventures, whether you want to learn about the area or you’re looking for thrills in the landscape. Find out more about the best things to do in Himatangi Beach.
Outdoor adventure for the whole family
Himatangi Beach is a haven for outdoor fun and adventure. You can enjoy hiking in coastal forests, exploring sand dunes, whitebaiting and fishing in the ocean and streams, or hitting the waves with surfing and windsurfing. You’ll also find fun activities on the sand, such as beach volleyball, as well as plenty of family-friendly options like skating, tennis and mini golf. If you’re feeling really daring, Manawatu offers thrilling experiences on the rivers, such as kayaking, jet boating and whitewater rafting through the Manawatu Gorge.
De Molen Foxton Windmill for a unique experience
The De Molen Foxton Windmill is a must-see attraction during your visit to Himatangi Beach. The operating windmill is a scale replica of a 17th-century Dutch flour mill and offers interior tours to learn about the windmill’s operation and construction. On the ground floor, you’ll find a gift shop that offers Dutch sweet treats and locally produced flour.
Wildlife tours for nature lovers
Himatangi Beach’s surrounding Manawatu region is one of the best places for animal lovers to get up close to native wildlife. You can book guided tours with the family to see places like the Feilding Saleyards, a massive saleyard that’s integral to the island’s livestock industry, or visit Owlcatraz to see rare wildlife like New Zealand owls. At Owlcatraz, you’ll also come across deer, bulls, ostriches, donkeys, pigs and alpacas. If you want to experience the landscape on horseback, you can take country horse treks in the River Valley.
Heritage and culture with family
Manawatu has an abundance of cultural attractions and historic sites to explore with the whole family. You can visit the Feilding Steam Rail Museum and the Coach House Museum with the kids to get a glimpse into life in New Zealand in the past. You’ll also like the Te Manawa Museum, which chronicles the region’s artwork, heritage collections and natural history. Sports fans can have fun at the New Zealand Rugby Museum, which is home to some of the world’s rarest rugby memorabilia and a skill-building area where you can practice your rugby moves.