The MIGHTY MANAWATŪ has something for everyone

Pop to Palmerston North

WHERE NATURE AND CULTURE COMBINE

Most 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 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

1. BESTSHOPPINGINTHELOWERNORTHISLAND

Palmerston North city is a premiere shopping destination for the lower North Island. The Plaza offers more than 100 shops under one roof and houses all the major brands, as well as quality niche stores. In the heart of the city’s arts and culture precinct, George Street also tempts with a range of upmarket boutiques and contemporary cafés.

2. THENEWZEALANDRUGBYMUSEUMANDTEMANAWA

Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and Heritage is the cultural heart of a city that thrives on discovery – entertaining and inspiring people from all walks of life for more than 40 years.

Te Manawa also features the New Zealand Rugby Museum, containing our country’s most comprehensive collection of rugby memorabilia and records. You can see the nation’s rugby treasures up close, from the oldest All Blacks jersey to All Black star Dan Carter’s boots!

Test out your rugby skills – kick, tackle, leap, sprint or push – in the Have a Go area.

3. URBANANDRURALMOUNTAINBIKING

Manawatū has a great range of scenic rides for families and challenging hill rides to test the fittest athletes – from on-road adventures, family-friendly tracks and a junior road-safety park to adrenaline-packed downhill rides.

4. STREETARTTOUR

Visit an epic trail of street art and murals in the heart of Palmerston North City. Pick up a map from the Palmerston North City i-SITE and discover life-like oversized cats, beautiful native birds, celebrations of our cultures, and whimsical art works clambering up buildings.

5. NATUREWALKS

Palmerston North City offers an abundance of opportunities to enjoy its varied natural environment. From manicured botanic gardens to untouched native bush echoing with birdsong, the choice is yours. Head along to He Ara Kotahi for a quick and central walk where you will traverse dairy farms, forests, pā sites, a military camp, streams and a river in less than nine kilometres.

largest riverside parks in the city and is home to its most popular riverside beach, a dog agility park and fenced enclosure, mountain bike tracks and a natural playground.

Just a stone’s throw from The Square, you’ll find Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and Heritage. Open daily, Te Manawa celebrates creativity and discovery, with an ever-changing schedule of exhibitions and events, many of which are free. Nearby, the library, the Living Room of the City, looks out over The Square and provides a quiet sanctuary as well as a range of programmes and activities. For rugby fanatics, Palmerston North is also home to the New Zealand Rugby Museum – test your skills in the Have a Go space.

Palmy also has a vibrant events scene – from free family events to festivals and live music – you’ll find it all.

Visit pncc.govt.nz/events to see what’s coming up.

Keep up-to-date with what’s happening in Palmy through the quarterly magazinePalmyProud or sign up to the regular e-newsletter, for more details visit pncc.govt.nz/palmyproud