Horowhenua, just one hour north of Wellington, is steeped in history and well worth a visit. Foxton, for instance, was the first settlement of the Manawatu, and founded on its deep river port and flax industry. At the height of the flax industry, 50 mills operated within a 16km radius of Foxton and it was from Foxton in 1873 that a wooden tramway was built to the infant settlement of Palmerston North. Today Foxton is renowned for its historic murals, cobblestone paving and a wide variety of heritage attractions. The Tram Station built to the style of an old railway station is the home of the historic horse drawn tram. Drawn by two magnificent Clydesdale horses, you can enjoy a leisurely and entertaining tour around the town for a very small charge. Close by is the deafening sound of a working flax stripper exhibit at the flax stripper museum. The town is 'wired' for transport as it is the living home of New Zealand. s only trolley bus museum. People travel from throughout the world to see and ride these wonderful silent beasts and also see the associated Doll Gallery. At the other end of town is an equally impressive relic from the past. The Audio-Visual Museum. The collection housed in a real movie theatre is vast and includes such things as the total archival film footage from the New Zealand Defence Department. Shannon, too, has a real historical feel about it with many of the original cottages and houses still in use today. Nearby is the first North Island hydro dam and powerhouse, at Mangahao still operational today and with a museum well worth a visit. The list goes on. Tatum Park at Manakau has the original homestead of Major Charles Tatum. Built in 1912, it was donated to the Scout Movement in the 40. s and visitors are welcome in the grounds and conference centre. Tokomaru on State Highway 57 to Palmerston North has an amazing private collection of steam engines and locomotives of all sizes and shapes. Full steam working days operate on many weekends of the year. At Waitarere Beach the rusting hulk of the square rigged sailing ship Hydrabad lies buried in the sand after it ran aground in 1878. From a nature point of view two of many features deserve a mention. The first is Lake Papaitonga, just south of Levin, in Buller Road. It was here that the son and daughter the great Maori Chief Te Rauparaha were killed and was thereafter the scene of much Maori fighting between the tribes. Today you can view the lake and its man-made Maori defensive island by taking a short 10 minute walk through beautiful bush and wetlands. The history of Maori in the area is a fascinating story in its own right and at Lake Horowhenua the largest of the coastal dune lakes, an enormous environmental programme, the largest in the country is underway. Over 60,000 native trees are being planted around the lake shore, returning the area to its original state. Further north the second natural feature is the estuary of the Manawatu River at Foxton Beach. The estuary is the habitat for around 40 different species of bird, some famous on the world scene. The sign boards at the estuary will help you identify the species and their feeding and migrating habits. The total historical significance of Horowhenua is brought together in the form of the Haunui Heritage Trail and copies of the brochure can be obtained from any accredited Visitor Information Centre.