Norsewood

From Hastings continue south on SH2, through the sheep farming areas of Waipawa and Waipukurau, to Norsewood. This tiny place (population 330), was founded by Scandinavian settlers who arrived here in 1872. The few reminders of those early pioneering days are to be found in Upper Norsewood in the Norsewood Pioneer Museum. Also close by, in a glassed boat-house, is the fishing boat Bindalsfareing, a gift from the Norwegian government. Handy to the museum is a pleasant tearoom where you can enjoy a Devonshire tea on the porch. Woollen garments can be bought directly from the Norsewear factory in Lower Norsewood, opposite is an interesting crafts shop.

Further south SH2 passes through Dannevirke, another old Scandinavian settlement, and eventually reaches Woodville. From here the visitor can choose between two routes to Wellington: either go west though the scenic Manawatu Gorge and then via Palmerston North and Levin to join SH1, or continue on SH2 through the little visited Wairarapa region.