The Manawatu region is 1.5 hours drive from Wellington heading north to Taupo, Wanganui, Auckland or Napier/Hastings. The region is known for its farming and the rugged Ruahine Mountain range that seperates the region from the Hawkes Bay.

The main city in the region is Pamerston North being the commercial centre and important junction for the main North Island and Hawkes Bay rail lines. Palmerston North is the major city for the Manawatu region with regional towns of Levin and Fielding.