Bulls

A quirky small town famous for its playful bull-themed signs and excellent local craft beer scene. It's a charming rural community that has reinvented itself as a destination for craft beverages and local character.

Things to do

• Bull Sign Photo Trail — Walk through town photographing the iconic hand-painted bull signs and sculptures that decorate local businesses and streets, a quirky tradition that defines Bulls' identity.
• Craft Beer Brewery Tours — Visit local craft breweries like Good George or regional producers who have made Bulls a destination for hop-forward and experimental beers.
• Taonui River Walk — Take a scenic short walk along the Taonui River through native bush and farmland on the edge of town for rural Manawatū views.
• Rural Heritage Museum — Explore Bulls' farming history and rural heritage through exhibits of local memorabilia, machinery, and community stories in the town museum.
• Local Farm Gate Food Stops — Visit farm gates and small producers selling fresh cheese, honey, and seasonal produce on the outskirts of town during harvest seasons.
• Bulls Statue and Town Center — Stand with the famous bronze bull statue in the town square and take in the main street's quirky character and local shops.

Food to try

• Local Craft Beer Tasting Flights — Sample curated selections of experimental and traditional craft beers from Bulls-based and regional breweries at local taprooms and bottle shops.
• Manawatū Beef and Lamb — Enjoy premium locally-raised beef and lamb at pubs and cafés, often slow-cooked or grilled and showcasing the region's pastoral heritage.
• Farmstead Cheese and Dairy Products — Try artisanal cheeses and butter from small-scale Manawatū dairy producers sold fresh at local shops or farm gates.
• Rural Café Sourdough and Pies — Pick up freshly baked meat pies and sourdough bread from local bakeries that cater to the farming community and passing travelers.
• Seasonal Fruit and Vegetable Produce — Browse roadside stalls and farmers' markets for fresh berries, stone fruit, and root vegetables grown in the surrounding fertile Manawatū plains.

Local customs & good to know

• Embrace the Bull Theme — Don't be shy about the ubiquitous bull imagery—locals take pride in the playful branding and expect visitors to enjoy the quirky humor.
• Visit During Quieter Weekdays — Bulls is a working rural town, so visit mid-week when locals are more relaxed and craft breweries have a more authentic community feel rather than tourist crowds.
• Support Local Producers — The community values visitors who buy directly from craft breweries, local shops, and farm gates rather than passing through without engaging with small businesses.
• Allow Time for Wandering — There's no rush in Bulls—the experience is about leisurely exploring quirky signs, chatting with shopkeepers, and soaking in small-town rural life rather than ticking boxes.