From Wellington to Patea, west of the ranges, incorporating Whanganui and Manawatu, north to the Mangaweka/Matahiwi line, this area is generally cool and dry along its coastal lowlands and wetter through the steep inland areas. In the dry area around Marton heat runs at between 3000 and 3500 degree days per year on average, and the number of bright sunshine hours is relatively low across the region.

The land forms run from dunes and swamps, to down and terrace land, to steep forests. The Marton/Palmerston North area features intensive pastoral farming, and both Wellington and Whanganui serve as important fishing ports for the coast.

Contemporary, distinctive regional foods include: wild samba, fallow and red deer, wild pig, lamb, beef, potatoes, and raspberries, blue cheese, goat and sheep cheeses.