LEVIN

Taitoko

The biggest town on this part of SH1, Levin is a great spot to ditch the car and take a walk, perhaps into the Tararua foothills, or the beach at Hōkio. Lake Horowhenua, at the town's western fringe, is full of birdlife (beware the more-than-persistent geese and ducks at the lakeshore Muaupoko Park). But the water is not suited for swimming or water sports, which is an ongoing source of sadness to local iwi who rightly consider the lake a significant taonga.

On a more positive note, this town must boast what must be New Zealand's best playground — the Levin Adventure Park. Look for it on the western side of SH1 towards the south of the main town centre. (Tip: If it's inconvenient to stop, find an excuse for children to look the other way, but the toilets are excellent and there's even a “rest area” for dogs.)