Real Outcomes Tailored for You

MANAWATU-WANGANUI is a fantastic location for team building activities, workshops, and retreats due to its mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty. The region offers several activities such as canoeing, hiking, and visiting local museums that promote teamwork, communication, and trust. Participants can also engage in cultural activities such as visiting local marae, attending cultural festivals, and learning about the region’s rich history. The region’s stunning landscapes, combined with its friendly locals and relaxed atmosphere, creates a perfect setting to bond with colleagues and unwind from the stresses

SEASONAL EVENTS IN MANAWATU-WANGANUI

Summer (December – February):

  • Vintage Weekend Whanganui: Held in January, this vibrant festival features vintage markets, classic car parades, live music, and more.
  • Gravel and Tar Classic: An international cycling race in January that challenges riders on gravel and tar roads.
  • Kiwiburn: New Zealand’s version of Burning Man, fostering art, self-expression, and community, held in late January.

Autumn (March – May):

  • Artists Open Studios Whanganui: Over two weekends in March, artists open their studios to the public, showcasing diverse creative works.
  • Central Districts Field Days: A large agricultural event in Feilding, celebrating rural innovation, farming, and lifestyle products.

Winter (June – August):

  • Puanga Festival: Celebrating the Māori New Year in June, this festival includes cultural performances, storytelling, and workshops.
  • Manawatu Jazz Festival: Taking place over Queen’s Birthday weekend in June, this event showcases jazz performances from local and international artists.

Spring (September – November):

  • Whanganui Literary Festival: A biennial festival held in September, featuring author talks, workshops, and book launches.
  • Manawatu Walking Festival: Typically in October, this event offers guided scenic walks promoting fitness and community connection.
  • Whanganui Heritage Month: Celebrated in October, it features events and activities that highlight the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

These events showcase the unique cultural, artistic, and natural beauty of Manawatu-Whanganui throughout the year, providing diverse experiences for locals and visitors alike.

WHY IS MANAWATU-WANGANUI A GOOD LOCATION FOR TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES, WORKSHOPS AND RETREATS?

Manawatu-Wanganui, located in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, is an outstanding destination for team-building activities, workshops, and retreats. Its combination of natural beauty, cultural depth, and diverse venues creates an ideal environment for fostering collaboration, creativity, and team bonding.

Central and Accessible

The region’s central location makes it easily accessible from major cities like Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland. With excellent road networks and domestic flights into Palmerston North, teams from across the country can conveniently converge in this picturesque area.

Diverse and Inspiring Landscapes

Manawatu-Wanganui is known for its stunning landscapes, including the lush Ruahine and Tararua Ranges, the iconic Whanganui River, and the volcanic Tongariro National Park. These backdrops provide a serene and inspiring environment, perfect for retreats and workshops that demand focus and rejuvenation. Outdoor team-building activities like rafting, hiking, and cycling take advantage of the region’s natural assets, encouraging teamwork and trust.

Rich Cultural Experiences

The region’s rich Māori and European history adds depth to team-building events. Teams can connect with local iwi (tribes), learn about the historical significance of the Whanganui River, or incorporate cultural elements like haka workshops into their program, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Venues for Every Need

From sophisticated conference centers in Palmerston North to serene eco-lodges and rustic riverside retreats, the region offers venues tailored to different group sizes and goals. Many venues are equipped with modern facilities for workshops and breakout sessions, ensuring productivity in a comfortable setting.

Activities for All Seasons

Manawatu-Wanganui’s year-round activities—such as river kayaking, escape rooms, and creative workshops—make it an appealing location, regardless of the season.

Manawatu-Wanganui’s unique combination of accessibility, natural beauty, cultural richness, and activity diversity ensures that every team-building event or retreat is productive, memorable, and rewarding.



Enquire Now

Enquire Now
Free consultation

As Seen On

Our Happy Clients

About Us

We transcend corporate barriers to create a feeling of belonging and appreciation.

Our tailored programs are unique, because we’re experts in Outdoor Education, Travel, Photography and all things fun!

Curious? For a quick, easy quote…

Testimonials

    Array
  • UDU changed our lives! They took a bunch of lawyers under their wing and a long way out of our comfort zone, on a tailor-made weekend experience that included canoeing, trekking, climbing, swimming…

    - Michael - Sydney

  • Our team building weekend away with the UDU crew in North Sydney was an absolute fun fest. We were shown a very spectacular side of Sydney, and were thoroughly entertained by our gracious and very…

    - Nat - Melbourne

  • We just spent a wonderful weekend for our yearly team building retreat with Andy and “Dad” and I couldn’t recommend UDU more highly! From team building sessions, games, hiking, dolphin swimming…

    - Penny - Singapore

  • We had the most amazing time with UDU in the Royal National Park, thank you to Andy, Lex, Dee, Dave, Ken, ‘Dad’ and Ann. Everything was so well organised and such good fun. The food was delicious…

     

    - Laila - Ireland

  • UDU delivered in spades and worked closely with us to put together a secret programme together that would tick all the boxes. There were some fun team building exercises woven into the first day…

    - Mia - Sydney

  • Loved everything about this retreat. Andy and the rest of the guides where very lovely and knew a lot about the national park. They show you some pretty cool places and get you involved in some cool activities…

    - Jayne - Sydney

  • Andy was awesome! The food was tasty, the crew were fun and the whole experience was fantastic. I will do this again the next time I am in Sydney. Wonderful time!

     

    - Sophia - California

  • Incredible experience!!!I really enjoyed Garry’s insightful commentary, his historical and scientific anecdotes were very fascinating, on top of that he was funny! Mal the (cute) photographer was so patient with us…

    - Alice - Sydney

  • A great way to unwind, soak up the sun and the splendour of nature and explore the luscious beauty of the Australian bush. If you’re a city slicker, leave the concrete jungle for the real one, just for one day…

     

    - Fiona - Sydney

  • Fantastic experience. I would recommend this trip to everyone. Andy, Gary, Jon and Scott were wonderful. I loved sleeping on the beach and waking up to an awesome sunrise. The night photography was so much fun…

    - Steph - Brisbane

  • A really magical experience. Nothing like it, totally unique. It was very well organised and lots of fun. Loved it !!

    - Lisa - Sydney

  • Such a top night! Every entertaining evening. .the photos turned out AWEEEESOME!. 😀 go the light wars!!…

    - Deesh - Sydney

  • Brand new and exciting experience with plenty of moonlite adventures. All delivered with a frendliness and passion second to none. There was the good old fashioned story telling, plenty of good food, and…

     

    - Warren - Sydney