The Iron Gates Experience is a part of the Manawatu Scenic Route, which weaves it's way from Mangaweka in the north, and down to Ashhurst in the South.

manawatu The country road

The Country Road is a collection of scenic driving routes throughout Manawatu, offering a glimpse into true New Zealand back country through valleys, gorges and steep hill-country farm land.
Skip the main highways to avoid the traffic and explore by car, motorhome, or bike.
The three routes are Manawatu Scenic Route- the white koru on the brown background identifies the route -, Peep-O-Day Route & Stormy Point Route. Meander along our country roads and villages and make your way to Ashhurst, Palmerston North, Feilding and more. There really is no better way to experience the Manawatu.
The Country Road is rich in culture and experience.

Koru identifies Manawatu Scenic Route

Click on map for further details.
Map - courtesy of ManawatuNZ.co.nz

nz herald article about the country road specifically The Manawatu Scenic Route

For a copy of The Country Road map and guide, visit or contact the Palmerston North City i-SITE
on info@manawatunz.co.nz or any i-SITE in New Zealand.
Copies are also available from the Feilding & Districts Information Centre and the Palmerston North Airport.
For more information and top tips to see and do while visiting Manawatu, visit ManawatuNZ.co.nz.

Manawatu Scenic Route
This route is an official New Zealand Scenic Route, so you'll find route markers along the way to guide you. Stretching from Mangaweka in the north, down through Pohangina Valley, to Ashhurst, this route takes you on an incredible journey through an evolving landscape and offers you an insight into real kiwi backcountry where the journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination.
The Iron Gates Experience is included in this route.

The Stormy Point Route
Stormy Point Route is aptly named after the Stormy Point lookout, where the views are phenomenal, stretching as far as Mt. Egmont and Mt. Ruapehu, and the West Coast.
You’ll also see one of the best-preserved sequences of river terraces in the world.
This route takes you high above diverse, lush farmland, through winding country lanes and past gardens. Keep an eye out for roadside stalls and quirky boutique stores.

Peep-o-Day Route
Travel Peep-o-Day Route and watch the landscape evolve as you travel past ranges, dramatic limestone cliffs, lush farmland, historical buildings and monuments.
Starting from Cheltenham in the South and Ohingaiti in the North, this route takes you through the high altitude village of Kimbolton, which is a gardener’s delight – home to several world-class gardens. Travel past historical monuments, rural villages, magical viewing points, and through the stunning yet often unseen landscape of rural Manawatu.

more about the country road