Palmy Proud

Looking for a cool outing to do in Palmerston North? There’s a whole lot to choose from! Check out these selections from Palmy Proud. For more information visit www.pncc.govt.nz/palmyproud

NATURE

He Ara Kotahi

There aren’t many walkways in New Zealand where you traverse dairy farms, forest, pa sites, a military camp, streams and a river in less than nine kilometers. But that’s exactly what you’ll experience on He Ara Kotahi. The name means a pathway that brings people together, and that’s what it does. A 7.1km track connects Palmy directly to Linton Military Camp. A 1,8km route connects the city to Massey University and FoodHQ.

Te Arapiki a Tane (the Stairway of Tane)

If you’re wanting a bootylicious behind or beautiful river views, then these steps are perfect for you. Two sets of steps take you from Te Motu o Poutoa and Vaucluse Heights to the Manawatu awa. Try them once for the view then come back again when you’re working on your fitness. Te Arapiki a Tane is also home to He Kupu Rangatira – The Proverb Pathway, a site-specific arts project that celebrates our bicultural foundations and our multiculturally diverse city through recreational activity.

Arapuke Forest Park

Arapuke Forest Park is fast becoming one of the best places in Aotearoa to ride your mountain bike. During the past five years, Manawatu Mountain Bike Club members have developed more than 30km of cross-country and downhill tracks in a growing network of Grade 2 to Grade 6 mountain-bike trails and forestry roads.

River pathway – Ruamahunga Crescent entry

Get an early start on the day and enjoy our awa. If you really enjoy a sunrise, sit beneath the trees near the Ruamahunga Crescent entrance and look out over the water as the sun rises between the hills.

Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and Heritage

With an engaging programme of exhibitions and events, as well as an extensive collection of taonga (treasures). Te Manawa offers a unique opportunity to experience the stories of our past, present and future.

Children can get hands-on in one of the discovery spaces, meet the mysterious cave weta or view native fish in Te Awa – The River. The Art Gallery hosts a wealth of creative works in its ever-changing spaces.

Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery

Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery has plenty to discover. With four rehabilitation aviaries on public view, two breeding aviaries for whip and pateke, and a walkthrough aviary, which is home to a variety of native birds and ancient tuatara, you are in for a treat.

The centre, at Vitoria Esplanade, also has a treatment room for caring for wildlife and the interactive Powerco Education Centre. The surrounding Victoria Esplanade is a great place to let the children bum off the cabin fever – don’t forget to take them for a train ride on the Esplanade Scenic Railway.

EAT AND DRINK

Bubbles Champagne and Wine Bar

Head down to Regent Arcade to Bubbles Champagne and Wine Bar, where every Friday night they host a live band. Bust a move on the dance floor and sing along to some fantastic tunes, then take a seat on their couches and make the most of their drink specials. Or hop across the lane and park up at another city bar – how about four beers for $20 at the Celtic Inn?

Saigon Corner

Warm up with a steaming bowl of pho from a local favourite. Saigon Corner, on Princess Street, serves authentic Vietnamese street food that’s fresh, tasty and always bang for your buck.

BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCES

George Street and Coleman Mall

Tucked away in the western corner of Te Marae o Hine – The Square, is a boutique quarter popular with locals. It boasts a great range of cafes, dining options and boutique shops such as Trumps, KILT and Posh. Café seating lines the streets of this urban gem, which is particularly stunning in spring when its cherry trees are in full blossom. Warm up with a hot chocolate from Alexandre Patisserie and Chocolaterie – treat yourself to a macaron or two.

Get lost in a good book

Bruce McKenzie Booksellers is praised for its traditional bookshop character. Ideally located under the Central Library on George Street, the atmosphere of the independent store is warm and intimate. The write: “We’re book lovers – we handpick books we think you’ll like and enjoy. Our well-sourced and edited selection means we don’t sell everything, we just sell the best. If you can’t find exactly what you are after, make sure you have a word to the team.”

Focal Point Cinema and Café

Screen time gets an injection of luxury at Focal Point Cinema and Café on Cuba Street, which offers plush lounge seating and a boutique dining experience. Sit back, relax and let the big screen entertain you while you enjoy a wine or coffee and your choice of delectable treats.