The Manawatu/Horowhenua region in the lower North Island has a rich agricultural base, with pastoral farming dominating the north and an increasing amount of horticulture towards the south. With a mild climate, fertile soils and reliable rainfall, the Manawatu/Horowhenua region is one of the most productive in New Zealand for dairy products, meat, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
State Highway 57 between Palmerston North and Levin is an attractive route for travellers making their way to and from Wellington, passing through the heart of the Horowhenua’s productive hinterland and offering good views of the northern Tararua Range – a stunning sight on a clear day. With the Tararuas forming a backdrop to the east, most of the Horowhenua countryside is easy terrain, ranging from low terraces inland through to river plains and sand country out towards the coast.
Late spring is one of the best times for photographing the local farmland in this region, a time when lush spring grass growth has replaced the cool greyness of winter, but before the parched browns of high summer begin to take over. This scene was photographed from beside State Highway 57, not far from the small village of Tokomaru.
