Make the most of Palmerston North

Palmerston North

Known as ‘Palmy’ to many, this university city has a bookish air and no-end of good cafés, museums and multiple ways to maximise your downtime.

1. THE SQUARE

With its striking clock tower and manicured lawns, The Square is a peaceful, community-centric sanctuary. Within its borders there’s a pond, giant chess set, Māori carvings, scores of ducks and statues. Come Thursday, The Square hosts the lively Food Truck Street Feast.

2. MUSEUMS

The city's vibrant art scene is one of its best assets. Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History swells with interactive exhibits for all ages and right next door is the New Zealand Rugby Museum. You’ll find some of the world's rarest rugby artefacts here.

3. BIKE RIDES

Hire an electric bike from the i-SITE in The Square and skirt the banks of the Manawatū River on a 10km riverside jaunt. Alternatively, step it up a gear on the Grade 3 Turitea Loop Track.

4. BEER

Grab a cold one at Brewers Apprentice, or head to Brew Union on Broadway Ave for 21 taps all pouring the gold stuff. Just 30 minutes south of Palmerston North in Pahiatua is the iconic Tui Brewery, featuring its recognisable brick tower, brew house, tours, café and free museum.

5. GREEN SPACES

Victoria Esplanade is a 19ha oasis of relaxation minutes from the CBD. Great for bush walks, picnics and rides on its miniature scenic railway. If your nose has an affection for the scent of roses, Dugald MacKenzie Rose Gardens have been voted in the world’s top five – and smell divine.

6. WILDLIFE

Get acquainted with the native species staying at Wildbase Recovery Centre. Open since 2019, animals recover here after receiving treatment at Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital. Entry is free. VISIT FEILDING

7. FEILDING

A 20-minute drive south from Palmy, this little nugget of niceness has won New Zealand’s most beautiful town a whopping 16 times. You don’t want to miss a guided tour of the Feilding Saleyards either, one of the largest in Australasia and a weekly commotion of buying, selling, shouting and farm smells!

The Square, Palmerston North © www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz