Palmerston North City: A Vibrant City Near Natural Attractions
Known colloquially as Palmy and lying within a two-hour drive of Wellington, Palmerston North is the seventh-largest city in New Zealand. The city is home to a large student population courtesy of the Massey University; a population that is served by the area’s plentiful activities and entertainment options. Add in green spaces and a buzzy cultural scene and it’s easy to see why the city attracts over two million annual visitors. Accommodation options in Palmerston North include everything from budget-friendly hostels to upmarket hotels, with a selection of B&Bs and motels offering a middle-of -the-road price point for travellers who seek a decent quality stay at a fair price.
Parks and Gardens
Palmerston North City is a great place to the enjoy the outdoors. The 19-acre Victoria Esplanade is a local favourite, especially for families who go to enjoy the children’s playground, large duckponds and bird aviaries. You might also like to visit Apollo Park, home to the city’s butterfly sanctuary, and Caccia Birch House & Gardens, where a carefully tended rose garden offers views of Hokowhitu Lagoon and a century-old Wisteria plant blooms each November. Hiking is also popular here. The Sledge Track is often the first port of call for walkers. The first part of the track is suitable for families although older walkers and experienced hikers can head out further, past the Argyle Rocks and onto the Platinum Mines. You can expect to find waterfalls and scenic picnic spots along the way.
Arts and Culture
Visitors to Palmerston North City can get their culture fix along Main Street where attractions include the New Zealand Rugby Museum and the Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science, and History. Around the city, destinations such as the Zimmerman Art Gallery, the Quigley Studio & Gallery and the Clayart Gallery display a variety of locally-produced art works. Fans of the performing arts can catch performances at the Regent on Broadway and the Centrepoint Theatre (Church Street). Within a 20 to 30-minute drive of Palmerston City North are additional cultural attractions such as the Coach House Museum in Feilding, the privately-owned Tokomaru Steam Engine Museum, County Fayre in Pohangina and the Tui HQ/Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka.
Dining options
Palmerston North City offers a wide range of dining options. Whether you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful eat in a pavement cafe or want to savour some classic New Zealand lamb in a fine dining hotel restaurant, the dining scene won’t disappoint. Many of the city’s restaurants can be found along Broadway although foodies will also want to check out the options on George Street and Coleman Place. Plus, a visit to the Hokowhitu Village Farmers’ Market offers the chance to browse artisan food stalls and tuck into a variety of street food, all the while enjoying live music from local musicians. The market is held on Albert Street on the third Sunday of each month.
Shopping in the City
Retail Therapy comes easy in Palmerston North. One of the main shopping destinations is the Plaza Shopping Centre in the CBD where visitors will find that 100-plus stores include major brands as well as niche outlets. A short walk from the Plaza is Broadway Avenue, an iconic shopping street that boasts a wide selection of boutique stores. More stylish offerings can be found along George Street and at the Coleman Mall in the city’s boutique quarter. Market shopping is another option. The Palmy Sunday Market, held weekly on Rangitikei Street, serves up all manner of bric-a-brac. Monthly markets include the Village Night Market (Palmerston North City Library) and the Makers Market (The Square).
Explore the Surrounding Areas
Palmerston North City offers a great base from which to explore the Manawatu district. Highlights, which are often of the natural variety, include the Heritage Park and Cross Hills Rhododendron Gardens in Kimbolton. Other popular spots include the Te Apiti - Manawatu Gorge and the Iron Gates Gorge Walk, the latter offering a scenic walk through the Ruahine Ranges and the Pohangina Valley as well as attractions such as a winery and a glow worm cave. And if you’d like to spend the day at the beach, the seaside village of Himatangi Beach lies just 30 minutes west of the city. The village offers activities such as swimming and fishing as well as the Southern Hemisphere’s largest sand dune field.