A student-centered city in New Zealand's North Island, with over 100 parks, the Rugby Museum, and Te Manawa science center. Home to Massey University's main campus.
Palmerston North, a city of 83,100 people in New Zealand's North Island, centers around The Square, where you'll find locals relaxing by the fountains or having lunch in the gardens. Walk through the Dugald MacKenzie Rose Garden with its 5,500 roses, learn about All Blacks history at the New Zealand Rugby Museum, or hike the rocky paths of the Manawatu Gorge between the Ruahine and Tararua ranges.
Getting to Palmerston North
You can fly to Palmerston North Airport on daily flights from Auckland and Christchurch. The city is 140 kilometers north of Wellington and 546 kilometers south of Auckland, with regular bus and train connections between these cities.
Exploring The Square
The Square, a seven-hectare park in the center of Palmerston North, has walking paths that lead you through seasonal flower gardens and past a central lake. Local artists paint murals on surrounding buildings, and you'll find permanent and temporary sculptures along the streets, making this area feel like an evolving art space.
Parks and Natural Areas
At Victoria Esplanade, you can walk among 5,500 roses in the Dugald MacKenzie Rose Garden or take your children on the miniature railway that runs through the park. Native birds live in the bush areas along the walking trails. For hiking, head to Te Apiti - Manawatu Gorge, where tracks range from a 30-minute loop with river views to a four-hour trek between the mountains.
Museums and Culture
At Te Manawa, you'll find exhibitions about local Māori history, New Zealand wildlife, and contemporary art. The museum updates its displays regularly with new local and national themes. Next door, the New Zealand Rugby Museum displays the oldest All Blacks jersey and lets you try kicking, tackling, and sprinting in their interactive "Have a Go" area.
Student Life and Education
Massey University students fill the cafes and bookshops around the city center, especially along Broadway Avenue and George Street. You can watch student theatre productions at Centrepoint Theatre or catch live music at the local venues. Art galleries often showcase work from both students and established artists.
River and Mountain Activities
Cycle or walk the 10-kilometer He Ara Kotahi pathway, crossing the Manawatu River on its distinctive bridge to reach Massey University. Mountain bikers can ride the forest trails at Arapuke Forest Park, while swimmers cool off at Ahuriri Reserve or Ashhurst Domain along the river. Three driving routes - Stormy Point, Peep-o-Day, and the Manawatu Scenic Route - wind through farmland and past hilltop viewpoints.
