2 minute read
Palmerston North Must-Do's
The Square/Te Marae o Hine
With its striking clock tower and well-kept lawns, this community centric sanctuary envelops a pond,a giant chess set, Māori carvings and statues.
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Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History
Fun and engaging museum that swells with interactive exhibits for all ages.Within this complex is the New Zealand Rugby Museum.
Manawatū Gorge Scenic Reserve
With swimming spots, horse trekking and various day walks, the most popular being the three to five-hour(one way) Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge, which offers fantastic views.
Manawatū River Bike Ride
Hire an electric bike from the i-SITE in The Square and skirt the banks of the Manawatū River on a 10km riverside jaunt.
He Ara Kotahi
He Ara Kotahi pathway © Manawatunz.com
Palmerston North’s newest riverside pathway with He Ara Kotahi Bridge. At night, the bridge is illuminated, creating the illusion that it’s floating above the water.
Victoria Esplanade
A 19ha oasis just minutes from the CBD. Great for bush walks, picnics and rides on the miniature scenic railway. A shallow paddling pool is open over summer.
Sledge Track
A lesser-known scenic walk 20 minutes from the centre of Palmerston North, it’s laced with waterfalls, swimming holes, a 22m swing bridge and intriguing Argyle Rocks.
Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery
With new patients everyday awaiting their release following treatment at Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital, come and see our native animals up close – andf or free!
Feilding
A 20-minute drive south from Palmy, this place has won New Zealand’s most beautiful town a whopping 16 times. Take a guided tour of the Feilding Salesyard too –one of Australasia’s largest.
Lido Aquatic Centre
During warmer months, pack snacks and head over for the day. With diving boards and water slides, it’s a big hit with kids, while adults enjoy the spa pool, sauna and steam rooms. With basic pool entry starting from $4.20,it’s cheap-as.
New Zealand Rugby Museum
Sitting within Te Manawa Museum, discover some of the world’s rarest rugby artefacts, take a tour and test your rugby skills. Could you don the black jersey?
Food Truck Thursdays
What was once the Food Truck Street Feast has been rebranded as the Block Party Street Festival, held in The Square from 5-8pm on the last Thursday of every month.
Anzac Park
The clifftop park, known as Te Motu-o-Poutoa, provides spectacular city views especially at sunset. Plenty of places to walk and cycle with an observatory and fabulous stargazing when the skies are clear. Gates close at 8pm in summer and 6pm in winter.
Dugald MacKenzie Rose Gardens
Sniff out this fabulous rose garden, voted in the world’s top five. Located within Victoria Esplanade, it’s a stunning picnic spot or backdrop for your Insta feed.
The Herb Farm
Renowned for their skincare products, pick up a few goodies in-store and then walk the herb gardens before dining at the wholesome café. Twenty minutes from Palmerston North.
Arapuke Forest Mountain Bike Park
Over 30km of trails offering mostly Grade 3 and 4 tracks with a few Grade 5 thrown in for good measure. A shuttle service operates in the park but will little phone service, download a park map before heading in.
Cuba Street, Palmerston North © Manawatunz.com
