Woodville, New Zealand

Woodville is a small town in the southern North Island of New Zealand. It is located 75 km north of Masterton and 25 km east of Palmerston North, and has a population of 1,479 (2001 census).

Local authorities

The town is located in the Tararua District of the Manawatu-Wanganui region, although it has strong ties with the Hawke's Bay region, of which it was once a part, and is sometimes also considered part of Wairarapa. It is, however, within the catchment area of the Manawatu River, and as such is considered officially part of Manawatu-Wanganui.

Geography

Woodville lies at the northern end of the Tararua Ranges, close to the gap between them and the Ruahine Ranges formed by the Manawatu River. This, the Manawatu Gorge, provides the easiest access between the east and west coasts of the southern North Island, and as such is a major transportation link.

Transport

The Palmerston North - Gisborne railway line and State Highway 3 runs through the Manawatu gorge, and the latter has its junction with State Highway 2 at Woodville. At Woodville, the Palmerston North-Gisborne railway line meets the Wairarapa railway line (via a balloon loop) which runs through the Wairarapa region to Wellington.

Culture

Woodville New Zealand was the birthplace of the Mountain Rock Music Festival, a celebration of New Zealand music growing to be the largest celebration of NZ music during the 1990's.Artist Gottfried Lindauer is buried in the old Woodville cemetery.

Power

To the west of Woodville is New Zealand's largest wind driven power station. Many wind turbines, over 40m in height, cover the Tararua and Ruahine mountain ranges. A growing tourist attraction the turbines can be seen for miles around. Woodville now uses this fact as part of it promotion.