This is quite an easy walk, ideal for families wanting a day trip or an overnight stay. It starts off coming down through steep farmland and enters the bush via a fantastically curved bridge. This walk has some steady climbs, but nothing steep or too challenging. The track is very well marked with DOC markers along the way. The final part of the walk is a bit more challenging than the beginning with more of an uphill climb, and then you reach a fork which directs you either to Heritage Hut or Ōroua Flats. If you take the Heritage Hut turn, it’s another 5 minutes.  Once there you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the ranges and bush.  

This roadside tribute to Ohakune’s biggest crop was erected in 1984 and quickly became one of NZ’s most hugged ‘Big Things’. Carrots were first grown in the area during the 1920s by Chinese settlers, who cleared the land by hand and explosives. Ohakune now grows two-thirds of the North Island’s total crop. 

At 7.5 metres tall, this is a very large model of the tasty orange vegetable, and has been installed in the same spot since 1984. The Biggest Vegetable in New Zealand was built for a TV commercial for ANZ Bank, and then donated to the town. The area is famed for its farms and carrot production.

Waitahinga trails are found 12 km past Bushy Park, inland from Kai Iwi on land owned by the Wanganui Council. These trails pass through bush with a large diversity of species and some impressively big rimu and rata trees including the "hug tree" and the "nail tree".

The Waitahinga Trails are shaded by native forest canopy and feature picnic areas and lookouts along the way. On a clear day, there are great views of Taranaki and Mt Ruapehu. The emerald Waitahinga Dam, built in 1904, is a worthwhile destination.

A nice stroll through farmland Westmere Walkway is a 5.5 kilometer loop trail located near Whanganui, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.

Located to the north of Whanganui, the track is steep in sections and requires a moderate level of fitness. This walkway crosses private land and visitors are asked to stick to the marked route, respect all signposted conditions of access and follow the New Zealand Outdoor Access Code.

Westmere Walkway, which has recently been gazetted, traverses rolling countryside and provides magnificent views over the Whanganui City and the Whanganui River. 

Rotokawau Virginia Lake provides an historic lakeside setting where you can picnic or take a 25-minute woodland walk around the lake to see the statue of Tainui, a band rotunda, twin bridges, rose and wisteria pergolas and various wildfowl species such as white swans.

The name ‘Rotokawau’ refers to the native black shag (kawau), and you might glimpse these birds as they come to the lake to feed. Rotokawau Virginia Lake is listed as one of Whanganui’s premier parks.

The lake is home to the spectacular Higginbottom Fountain, installed in 1971, which is a copper and steel floating structure in the form of a lily. A 40-minute lighting display occurs every evening, coinciding with when the streetlights are switched on. The display can be activated at any other time by placing a gold coin into the slot. The fountain has 15 illuminated jets in amber, blue, green and red.

Adjacent to the lake is the Winter Garden, an Art Deco-era conservatory with colourful themed gardens.

Refreshments are available at the Funky Duck Café, next to the Winter Garden.

Beyond the café you’ll find a free flight aviary – open from 9.00am to 5.00pm every day – that allows visitors close up viewing of the birds. A fenced children’s playground and the Punchbowl amphitheatre and stage, used for community events such as Carols by Candlelight, are nearby.

Picnic tables, barbecues, drinking fountains and toilets are on-site.

A roadside waterfall, Raukawa Falls is located on the Mangawhero River and seen from the official lookout platform along the SH4. Despite a recent landslide of the waterfall channel made the falls narrower and less spectacular, it's still a great spot to stop and relax.

This is the Whanganui River seen from Aramoana, the hilltop summit 14 kilometres from Whanganui city where the river road first offers an extended view of the river. Sometimes called Gentle Annie, it may also have been the place where a downstream traveller first saw the sea – hence the name Aramoana (pathway to the sea).