M anawatū
written by Rachel O’Connor
Pop to Palmerston North WHERE NATURE AND CULTURE COMBINE
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ost people know Palmerston North for its wind turbines, The Square and the green-and-white of the Manawatū Turbos rugby team. However, there’s so much more to the city that is awaiting your discovery. Whether you’re after brunch inspiration, are keen on a spot of shopping, need ideas for entertaining the kids or are looking for vibrant events, Palmy has got you covered.
Let’s start with food. The world’s your oyster in Palmy, with a banquet of global cuisines available to fill your belly and give you great value for your money. Many of the eateries are in the heart of the city, so if you’re there for some shopping, you don’t need to go far for a tasty lunch break. Speaking of shopping, Palmy offers some of the best in the lower North Island at the Plaza shopping centre and locally owned city-centre shops including boutiques on
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Coleman Mall and George Street. Whether you’re after off-the-rack, designer chic or recycled boutique, there’s something to meet everyone’s shopping needs.
From sport to shopping, culinary to cultural experiences … Palmy has it all. Palmy is a great place to visit with the family. Your free time will be easily filled with great community facilities, such as the Lido Aquatic Centre, Freyberg Community Pool and Splashhurst Community Pool. For fun and free entertainment with the kids (young and old), you’ll be spoilt for choice with almost 60 playgrounds throughout the city, as well as a network of beautiful parks and reserves.
He Ara Kotahi, including a new bridge across the Manawatū River, links you to Linton and Massey University via a beautiful river pathway just minutes from the CBD. Along the way, check out the Urban Eels, where you can watch and feed eels and learn why they are so important to Māori and the health of the city’s waterways. Another must-see is Ahimate Reserve in Awapuni. At 22 hectares, it is one of the
