Levin is an agricultural community in the Manawatū-Wanganui region near the southern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, where the Tasman Sea and majestic Tararua mountain range provide the backdrop for an array of outdoor activities. Several sandy stretches, including the popular Hōkio Beach, dot Levin’s coastline. Waitārere Beach is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and fishing for snapper, grouper, and flounder. Kayakers will especially enjoy paddling along Waikawa Beach’s estuary.

In the town center, you’ll find an array of antique stores and thrift shops, cafes and eateries, and a cinema with a coffee and wine bar. There’s also a wealth of hiking trails through the surrounding forests catering to varying skill levels.

From Wellington International Airport (WLG), it’s a 1.5-hour drive to Levin. If you’re flying into the smaller Palmerston North Airport (PMR), the drive to Levin is around 45 minutes. The Capital Connection train operated by KiwiRail runs on weekdays between Palmerston North and Wellington, with a stop in Levin. Daily buses, operated by InterCity, serve Levin from locations around the North Island. Taxi options are also available, though renting a car provides the most convenient way to reach Levin rentals and accommodations and to explore the neighboring communities.

Levin experiences a mild climate with balmy temperatures throughout the year. Remember that seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite to those of North America. Temperatures typically dip between May and September, so you may want to pack an extra layer or two if you’re planning to visit during the winter months. Scattered showers and rainfall are common throughout the year, regardless of the season, so it’s best to always pack rain gear.

The Levin Christmas Market in November features live music and a variety of stalls offering homemade goods, crafts, and food. In February, Levin hosts its annual Medieval Market, featuring 200 medieval-themed craft and food stalls and folk in costume and chainmail, staging battle re-enactments. Just a 10-minute drive from town, every third Saturday of the month, you’ll find the Ōhau Market, a gathering spot for local farmers, artists, and musicians. The market features locally grown produce, baked goods, pickles and preserves, and handmade crafts and gifts.

Lake Waiwiri

Just on the edge of Levin, sits Lake Waiwiri, also known as Lake Papaitonga. This dune lake is surrounded by lush lowland forests that serve as a habitat for native wildlife, including wetland birds and waterfowl. You can wander along the walking paths while taking in the melodies of birdsong and admiring the landscape. The 10-minute forest track includes a boardwalk leading to a viewing platform overlooking Lake Waiwiri. The 20-minute loop track meanders along the southern edge of the lake.

Foxton Beach

Foxton Beach boasts vast stretches of sand for beachcombing and sunbathing, a world-renowned wildlife reservation on the Manawatu River estuary, and swells optimal for stand-up paddleboarding and kite surfing. The Holben/TeWharangi Reserve, situated within Foxton Beach, is home to a thrilling pump track featuring mounds that offer challenges for bikers, skateboarders, and scooter riders.

Levin Rose Garden

The sweet fragrance of roses fills the air surrounding the historic Levin Courthouse. The lush rose gardens cocoon the property, with blooms adorning the area in subtle pastel-colored hues. The garden offers a beautiful spot for a picnic.