Palmerston North

The humming city of Palmerston North, Te Papa-i-Oea, is located in the heart of the lower North Island in the heart of the Manawatū region. It’s where you’ll find world class lattes, outstanding foodie finds, endless walks through lush native forests and alongside rushing rivers, and enough shopping to get your heart pumping. Explore a little further and you’ll find dramatic coastlines, beautiful rolling countryside and epic mountain bike trails to shred between lunch in the city and beer o’clock.

Palmerston North and the Manawatū captures the imagination of those who follow their nose and get off the beaten track to find hidden gems.

Dive into our Heritage and Culture

Palmy’s cultural scene throws a good punch. Home to some of the most impressive art, culture and heritage collections - Manawatū is a place of awe, and inspiration. Uncover the depth of our national rugby spirit at the New Zealand Rugby Museum or wander through Te Manawa and engage in the stories of our past, present and future. 

Discover the region’s creative side and the artistic treats dotted through the city and surrounding towns, with galleries and artists to browse and draw inspiration from. The inner city is home to street art, sculptures and murals on almost every street corner, which can be explored with a self guided tour.

Take to the tracks and let the magic of the Manawatū captivate you! From overnight hikes to daytime walks, our top tracks are not to be missed.

Like links in a chain, the Manawatū River Pathway and He Ara Kotahi Pathway connect Palmerston North city, joining suburbs, Massey University, forestry, farmland, and parks. Offering stunning views of the river and city, the pathway leads you through native bush and past farmland, pa sites and the Linton Military Camp. The striking He Ara Kotahi bridge is named the “pathway that brings people together”. At night, the bridge is lit up by ‘stars (luminous spheres) that have been sown into the bridge, and soft lighting lines the way. 

A must-do walk is Te Āpiti - Manawatū Gorge Track. The track takes you 11km one-way, elevated along the full length of the river and gorge. Covered in ancient bush and home to a variety of wildlife, Te Āpiti – The Manawatū Gorge is steeped in legend and cultural wealth. 

For a shorter option try the Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge Tawa Loop where you’ll come face-to-face with the sculpture of Whātonga, an ancient warrior who stands guard over the forest.

If you’re seeking waterfalls, swing bridges and swimming holes, head to the Sledge Track. Experienced trampers can head to the top, passing a number of old mine shafts and into some of the region's most spectacular scenery. 

Visitors have the opportunity to see what's involved with caring for sick or injured native wildlife at New Zealand’s newest native wildlife recovery centre. Connect with nature and learn more about Aotearoa’s native wildlife with a tour of this educational facility and meet the resident animals and birds rehabilitating after treatment at Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital. The educational area is perfect for kids of all ages, and grown-ups too! To ensure the recovering native animals are safe, the facility uses one way glass, so that visitors can see the wildlife, but the wildlife can’t see visitors, increasing their chance of survival when they are released back into the wild.

Take the Manwatū Scenic Route on The Country Road through the heart of New Zealand’s lower North Island. Discover hidden valleys, vast rolling farmland and ancient native forest. It’s where swimming holes and lookouts are your mandatory rest stops and boutique lodges and farmstays offer exceptional hospitality and food. Experience real Kiwi backcountry, where the journey is as much a part of the adventure as the destination.

From award winning public gardens, rambling country estates right through to small cottage gardens and quarter acre havens, we invite you to wander full of wonder, and connect with all the natural beauty the Manawatū holds. The Victoria Esplanade in the city, perched alongside the Manawatū River, is home to world class rose gardens, a tropical conservatory and plenty of walkways to discover.

Need more inspiration?

Discover the best of Palmerston North & Manawatū right here. From eating and drinking hit-lists to family friendly day trips, shopping hot spots and rural discoveries. Dive right with one of our curated itinerary for active explorers. 

Fuel up on all your foodie favourites, whether you’re after brunch, lunch, dinner, drinks and everything in between, you’ll find all kinds of top eats here, from traditional cafe treats, award-winning restaurant scenes, to Japanese, Mexican, Italian and so much more. 

The drinks are cold, and the locals are friendly. Enjoy cocktails in corner bars or craft beer in city courtyards, we invite you to sit back and relax.

Whatever you fancy, there are plenty of options to help you find your perfect stay. 

For a city central hotel vibe, check into one of Palmerston North’s hotels. Quest is the city's newest hotel with serviced apartment-style hotel rooms. Stay walking distance to the city at Distinction Palmerston North Conference Centre or Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North.

Connect with the locals or have the whole place to yourself with one of the many Airbnb’s options in Palmerston North. Or escape to the country and wake up to views of beautiful rolling countryside at one of our rural retreats.

Getting to Palmerston North by train is very easy. The Northern Explorer train from Auckland or Wellington stops in Palmerston North six days a week. From the station, it is a very short taxi journey into the city centre.

For a city central hotel vibe, check into one of Palmerston North’s hotels. Quest is the city's newest hotel with serviced apartment-style hotel rooms. Stay walking distance to the city at Distinction Palmerston North Conference Centre or Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North.

Connect with the locals or have the whole place to yourself with one of the many Airbnb’s options in Palmerston North. Or escape to the country and wake up to views of beautiful rolling countryside at one of our rural retreats.