3 minute read
Palmerston North Must Do's
The Square/Te Marae o Hine
With its striking clock tower and well-kept lawns, this communitycentric 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.
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.
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.
He Ara Kotahi
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Miniature Train Ride
Ride along the 2.2km track on this adorable passenger train, set in the glorious Victoria Esplanade. Picnic and splash in the shallow paddling pool 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 every day awaiting their release following treatment at Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital, come and see our native animals up close – and for free!
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.
Feilding
A 20-minute drive south from Palmy, this place has won New Zealand’s most beautiful town a whopping 16 times. Fly over for a bird’s eye view with a hands-on guide aviation lesson. Check out the Focal Point Cinema, Feilding’s award-winning boutique movie theatre.
Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History, Palmerston North © Manawatunz.com
