Facts
Palmerston North
Situated near the north bank of the Manawatu River, Palmerston North is the main city in New Zealand 's Manawatu-Wanganui region.
It was originally settled by indigenous Maori people, but Europeans first began to arrive in the mid-18th century on whaling and trading ships.
Trader Charles Hartley was the first person to make a subdivision in the Papaioea Forest in what is now Palmerston North and the settlement began to grow from there.
It originally made its fortune in the timber trade, with the arrival of railways helping to transport products out for exportation.
Although manufacturing declined in the 20th century, the city did not and those who travel to Palmerston North today will find it to be an important hub for education and research, including that carried out on the subjects of defence and bio-industry at Massey University.
The city is also a popular place for people to visit during New Zealand holidays.
Palmerston North Travel Tips
Getting there:
Palmerston North International Airport is the main hub for the city, although the name is something of a misnomer because it only receives domestic arrivals.
As a result, you will need to fly to another New Zealand city and then take a connection or another mode of transport to get to your Palmerston North hotels.
The airport is only around five kilometres from the city centre, so a taxi is probably the best way to get from the terminal buildings to your destination.
Getting around:
Travel, Palmerston North style, is easy. The city is simple to navigate because it is laid out in a grid formation similar to those found in many US cities.
As a result, you will be able to walk from place to place as you explore the various tourist attractions.
Alternatively, the city has a large network of cycle lanes, so it would be pleasant to hire a bike and then see the city on two wheels.
There are also plenty of buses if you get tired, while staff at the Kingsgate Hotel Palmerston North will be able to call a taxi for you if you want a speedy trip to your destination.
What to pack:
You should find the climate very pleasant when you travel to Palmerston North, as it is not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter. Indeed, summer temperatures are generally around 22C during the warmer months, while the mercury dips to an average of 12C in the summer.
Palmerston North is also not as wet as some other New Zealand cities, so you should bring your sun cream in the summer and layers to keep you cosy in the winter.
Some sporty clothes might also be a good idea if you do intend to ride around the city on a bike.
What to do and where to go?
You will not be short of things to do in Palmerston North thanks to it being a university city. You could take in a stage show one evening or walk around a museum if you have an afternoon to spare.
The city is also very proud of its sports and has a number of different stadia within the Arena Manawatu complex. Watching a game of rugby or cricket would therefore be a great way to experience New Zealand culture and perhaps meet a few people.
Our Palmerston North travel guide below will provide you with some more ideas for things to do during your trip.
Famous Landmarks:
Stewart Crescent
Massey University
Te Marae o Hine (The Square)
Arts and Culture:
Regent Theatre
Arena Manawatu
New Zealand Rugby Museum
History:
All Saints Anglican Church
Te Manawa
Parks and Recreation:
Mokai Gravity Canyon
Manawatu Gorge
Victoria Esplanade
Population: 82,400
Area: 326 sq km
Language: English
Currency: New Zealand Dollar ($)