Saddle Road: A Scenic Drive in Manawatū
Saddle Road in the Manawatū region is a captivating route that connects Ashhurst on the western side of the Ruahine Range to Woodville on the eastern side. This drive is particularly appealing after exploring the Manawatū Gorge. The road is a unique experience as it winds through the Ruahine Forest Park and provides a close-up view of the Te Āpiti Wind Farm.
Rolling Farmland and Wind Farms
The road ascends 250 metres above the surrounding plains, with a scenic drive through picturesque, green farmland. As you navigate the winding route, you'll pass through the Te Āpiti Wind Farm, where towering turbines dot the landscape. Near the summit, a viewpoint within the wind farm provides a fantastic opportunity to pause and take in the views.
Te Āpiti Wind Farm
Perched along the ridgeline of the Ruahine Ranges in Manawatū, Te Āpiti Wind Farm was commissioned in 2004. It was the first wind farm in the country to feed electricity directly into the national grid, marking a major step toward wind-driven sustainable power generation. Operated by Mercury Energy, the farm consists of 55 turbines that harness the strong, consistent westerly winds that funnel through the Manawatū Gorge, known as Te Āpiti.
The turbines are spread across farmland and open hilltops, creating a dramatic landscape that’s become a symbol of New Zealand’s clean energy. The road takes you into the centre of the farm, with a large car park. From there, you can view the turbines up close, with interpretive signs explaining how the wind farm works and its role in reducing carbon emissions.
How to Get There
To reach Saddle Road from Palmerston North, take State Highway 3 northeast to Ashhurst. Turnoff north onto Cambridge Avenue. Turn east onto Mulgrave Street, then north onto Salisbury Road, which becomes Saddle Road after several blocks. Follow Saddle Road to the wind farm and across the Ruahine Range to Woodville. From there, you can go north or south on State Highway 2, or return to Palmerston on State Highway 3. The one-way drive takes 35 minutes and is 31 km. From Wellington, it is a 2-hour, 154 km drive to Ashhurst and the start of Saddle Road.
Other places to visit in the region include Victoria Esplanade in Palmerston North and Gorge Road south of Woodville.
