Looking for top things to see and do in Palmerston North? Read on. Or just simply read to know my experience.
I get a lot of questions like, Is Palmerston North worth visiting?, What type of activities can you do for fun in Palmerston North? What free and cheap things are there to do in Palmerston North? What are the top sights in Palmerston North?, and many others like the mentioned.
Like most NZ cities, Palmerston North, fondly called Palmy, is steeped in history. It is perfectly situated in the southern part of North Island, 2 hours North of Wellington. Do not confuse it with Palmerston in South Island, which is 45 mins North of Oamaru and South of Dunedin by car.
Although there is not much wildlife viewing, scenic drives, or magical coastal walks to explore, there are many hidden gems in Palmerston North. Tons of day and night activities, and great walking and camping options are available. Many of which are free or cheap things you can do right here in Palmerston North.
My move to Palmy
I moved from bustling Auckland to Palmerston North for a fresh start. Although, most days in this country feels like a fresh start to me. I was still quite shocked! Why?
I’ve always had this notion about housing abroad. I always imagined they’d look like what we see in the movies, but my hopes were once again destroyed. Most of the houses in this town are so old. The ratio of modern to old houses is like one-billionth (exaggerating but you get my drift). Anyhoo! I managed to find one that is still in good condition.
Regardless of the state of the houses, Palmerston North is a great city. The living cost is affordable, even though this may soon change with the weekly rent rise and rising food prices.
Palmy’s got everything; it is culturally diverse with different cuisine options, and it is family-friendly. If you’re a young family, i.e. parents of a young person, then Palmy is the right place for you. With over 50 parks, beautiful scenery, and several walking and cycling tracks.
One year and two months later, I still feel like a stranger in the city because, as small as it is – compared to Auckland, there’s a lot I am yet to do, places I am yet to explore, and many new people I am yet to meet.
What’s in Palmy that’s not common to other cities?
I will say the proximity of the wind farm to the city. The Te Apiti wind farm in Woodville is situated just over 20 mins from Palmerston North CBD. If you ask me, it is also the city with the most church per square meter—Will def need to keep this section updated.
From CBD and indoor activities to beaches and must-do tracks, here are places you can see and things you can do (free and cheap) in Palmerston North. Beginning with the free top sights in Palmerston North and ending with the paid but cheap activities. Be sure to holla if you’re in the area.
BEST THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN PALMERSTON NORTH
1. Wander around the Square
Te Marae O Hine, the Maori name for the square, symbolises their hope that people of all tribes and races would live together in lasting peace in Palmerston North.
The seven spacious hectares feature the iconic clock tower, butterfly-shaped duck pond, giant chess set, Māori carvings, statues and trees of all seasonal dispositions. It is a beautiful inner-city park surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops. Access is FREE for everyone.
Relax here and listen to birds, watch the ducks in the duck pond, have your lunch or dinner, skate, play with friends, read about the statues and carvings or listen to the bustling of the urban centre of Palmerston North city.
2. Walk the Arts Trail
Palmy CBD is dotted with carvings, paintings, murals, a colourful array of sculptures, and galleries, all open to the public and free to view. Moreso, these hidden gems are all within walking distance of the square. Grab the Arts Trail Guide, for FREE, from the i-Site and start your walk beginning at the Ghost Tower (constructed from stainless steel, it is a replica of the clock tower visible from the square).
Keep an eye out for my faves:
- Ghost tower
- Nga Huruhuru Rangatira (the feathers of the chief)
- Te Peeti te Awe Awe (the Rangitaane chief who played a significant role in early relations between local Maori and European settlers).
- Prime sculptures (PRIME stands for Pacific Rim Millenium Experience)
- Te Marae O Hine Carvings (honours the significance of the Maori name for The Square, Te Marae O Hine)
3. Explore the Victoria esplanade
Location: 1 Palm Drive, West End, Palmerston North
This extensive inner-city park is described as “the local’s favourite”, and it is. The 19 hectares of beauty and nature is situated adjacent to the Manawatu River. It features stunning gardens, bird aviaries, bike tracks, gardens, nature trails with several walks, a large duck pond, free barbeque facilities.
If you are visiting with children there is a children’s paddling pool and playgrounds as well as a miniature railway to keep them entertained.
The onsite café offers tasty treats, ice cream and drinks, while an extensive miniature railway offers rides on weekends and holidays for a small fee. You can spend the whole day here given time.
Access this park from Manawaroa Street, off Fitzherbert Avenue, and from Park Road, next to the Lido Aquatic Centre. Whilst visiting make sure to check out the following:
The Esplanade Scenic Railway: is a miniature train that travels around the Esplanade, through the beautiful native bush and other secluded areas to the children’s playground and back again. The track is 2.2 km long with two stations: the main station and the maintenance depot.
A train ride takes approximately 20 minutes. You can book your tickets (half-trip or return) here. Ticket costs $2-3 per person, and children under 2 go free.
The Dugald McKenzie Rose Garden is home to over 5,500 varieties and incorporates the International Rose Trial Grounds.
The Peter Black Conservatory is home to a range of tropical and subtropical plants from the Americas, Africa and of course Oceania. Another great place for keen gardeners and photographers to visit within the Victoria Esplanade.
4. Support Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Efforts
Central Energy Wildbase Recovery: Just over three years old, the recovery centre is a place for injured native birds who have undergone surgery to recover before being released to the wild. I work here as a front-of-house volunteer at least two Saturdays a month, on average.
The centre also has residents or ambassadors, as they are called, who are permanent residents at the centre. They include tautara, kereru, kaka, kakariki, bell bird. See them in this video.
We also manage the council aviary, which holds cockatoos, love birds, etc.
5. Skate and Bike park
Location: Railway Land – Church street or Cook street
The Skate and Bike Park is located in the Railway Land, a large open space in Palmerston North City named so because it used to be the city’s railway station site.
6. Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science & Heritage
Location: 326 Main St, Palmerston North
Te Manawa is the only institution of its kind in New Zealand to unite a museum, art gallery and interactive science centre. The constantly changing exhibition programme features our national and international collections and innovative hands-on interactive shows. More information here.
7. New Zealand Rugby Museum
Location: 326 Main St, in the Te Manawa museums complex
The iconic New Zealand Rugby Museum is home to the world’s first museum devoted to the oval ball. Take a trip back in time exploring the rich history and folklore of the nation’s mighty game with an unmasking of its heroes and legends. You’ll learn about how the rich rugby heritage has shaped New Zealand. See the first ‘fern’, the oldest All Blacks jersey and rugby ball, and even the current All Blacks playing kit. More information here.
8. The Steps of Lindos (Te Arapiki a Tane)
Location: 10 Vaucluse Heights, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North
Also known as the Stairways of Tane. These stairs are very steep and great for a fun but killer workout.
9. MUST-DO WALKS
Explore the wide variety of walks on offer in Palmerston North. Before you go, plan your trip, tell someone, check the weather, take sufficient supplies and know your limits.
a. Walk Fitzherbert Road
Long road beginning at the square takes you up to Fitzherbert, where you’ll decide if to go to Summerhill or continue down to Massey and the renowned research centre.
b. Te Āpiti – Manawatu Gorge
Distance: 11 km; Duration: 3-5 hours one way
Enjoy a day trip to Te Āpiti at Manawatu Gorge. It’s about 15 mins drive from Palmy to the car park. The car park is at the Ashurst end of the Manawatu Gorge, just past the Ashurst Bridge (at one end of the Manawatu riverside walk). There are many ways to experience the scenic beauty of Manawatu Gorge, including jet boating, kayaking, steam train, walking, or hiking.
Like much of New Zealand, the Gorge lies on the meeting point of the Indo-Australian and Pacific plates. The mountain ranges tilt up to the East, which over time has blocked all West flowing rivers except for the Manawatu River.
This is the main walk of Te Apiti – Manawatu Gorge, taking you through the lush vegetation of the Gorge and offering breathtaking views, native plants, and birdlife along the way. It is one way, so arrange your return transport to the start or walk back. Alternatively, you can walk halfway and return the same way you came.
c. Tawa Loop
Distance: 4km return; Duration: 2.5 hrs return; Start point same as above.
It is a nice loop walk meandering up and around the southern edge of the reserve. It follows a steady gradient, albeit it is steep in some places. You know you’re halfway when you come face to face with a 6-meter tall sculpture of an ancient Maori chief known as the might Watonga.
d. Totara Loop Track
Location: Te Apiti – Manawatu Gorge – Ballance Gorge Road, Manawatu Gorge East
An easy loop track suitable for all ages, kids love exploring this easy and safe walking track that includes several short sections of boardwalks. The many tree species feature forest interpretation plaques written by local primary school children. Nearby Bridge Café is family-friendly, including a sandpit and kids’ menu.
e. Manawatu Riverside Pathway (formerly known as The Bridle Track)
Distance: 9.86 km one way.
Start point: various; Most common Dittmer drive (for He Ara Kotahi), Victoria Esplanade, and Maxwells Line
This open, flat and easy walk is a shared pathway that offers the chance to experience up close the ever-changing views of the Manawatu River. Unlike others, it consists of asphalt and limestone.
f. He Ara Kotahi Pathway
Distance: 7.1 km one way.
Start point: various; most common Dittmer drive (for He Ara Kotahi), Victoria Esplanade, and Maxwells Line
He Ara Kotahi is Palmy’s newest riverside pathway connecting Palmerston North city to Massey University and Linton Military Camp. The bridge is the main attraction here, stretching up to 194 m in length. Luminous spheres light it up at night.
g. Bledisloe Park to Old West Road
Distance: 3.2km one way.
Start point: various including Tennet Drive, Massey University, and Old West Road.
Another native bush walk featuring pine forest, farmlands, and views. It is part of Te Araroa, a national pathway, so keep your eye out for signage to not miss your track. There are some short trails that take you through the Massey Arboretum. No toilet facilities are available on this walk.
h. Sledge Track
Distance: Up to 11km for the entire walk.
Location: Kahuterawa Road End, Palmerston North (25 min drive to the car park).
The walk features waterfalls, swimming holes, a swing bridge, mountain bike park. The 22 m swing bridge, added in 2017, creates a loop track. It starts easy and gradually steepens and is suited for experienced walkers—the fitness level range from beginner to advanced. Follow the signs and watch out for mountain bikes.
10. Te Apiti Wind turbine
Although closed indefinitely, you can still see the gigantuous blades turning slowly from the road. The site was closed partly due to the ongoing road construction through the Gorge. They may decide to open in the future, *fingers crossed*.
11. Go on a trip to the beach
Does Palmerston North have a beach?
The nearest beaches are at least 30 min away. Here are some you should add to your must-do list:
- Foxton beach (The beach has hard sand and two-wheel drives can drive on it. Also popular here are jet skiing and fishing)
- Himatangi beach (this is the closest beach and is home to Palmerston North Surf Life Saving Club)
- Waitarere Beach (closer to Levin-10 mins away. Can do all the beach stuff here). Waitārere Beach is also a popular fishing spot where Kahawai, Snapper, Grouper, Gurnard, Flounder and Sole are the most common) catches.
Other Fun Activities
You can explore these fun and possibly adrenaline-rush activities for a small price.
12. Bowlarama Palmerston North
This is a 20-lane, fully automated Pin Bowling Centre. It cost as low as $11. Become a bowling star here. Also available are pool tables, arcade games, an air hockey table and a licensed bar *wink.
13. Cloud 9 Trampoline Park
Defy gravity at Cloud 9 Trampoline Park, Manawatu’s largest indoor fun activity park. Featuring Olympic trampolines, foam pits, ninja assault, gladiator battle beam, climbing walls, rolling log, party rooms and over 20 arcade machines. Visit here for deets.
14. Timezone Palmerston North
Timezone is located in Downtown shopping mall and is fondly called downtown arcade. It’s got many games and more. I nearly won a mac book here; better luck next time, I guess. Here’s the link
15. Daytona Indoor Raceway
Get your adrenaline pumping at this indoor go-kart raceway and experience high-octane fun. You’ll leave there feeling like an F-1 driver, if you don’t crash at every turn. Price is as low as $20, and they have special deals. Visit their site here.
16. VISIT OTHER CITIES
- Fielding
- Levin
- Pahiatua
- Otaki
- Kapiti Coast
