Palmerston North offers a diverse array of activities and attractions to suit all interests. For nature enthusiasts, the Victoria Esplanade provides beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a scenic aviary, while the nearby Manawatū River pathway offers excellent opportunities for cycling and leisurely strolls. Art and history buffs can explore Te Manawa, a unique cultural institution that combines a museum, science center, and art gallery. The New Zealand Rugby Museum is a must-visit for sports fans, showcasing the country's rich rugby heritage. Food lovers can enjoy a variety of culinary delights at the city's numerous cafés and restaurants, and the weekly farmers' market offers fresh local produce. The bustling city center is perfect for shopping and entertainment, with a range of boutique stores, theaters, and live music venues. For a more relaxed outing, the Lido Aquatic Centre and the nearby Massey University gardens provide great spots for family-friendly activities and picnics.
New Zealand Rugby Museum
Visit the iconic New Zealand Rugby Museum, home to the world's first museum dedicated to the oval ball. You'll be rewarded with a trip back in time exploring the rich history and folklore of New Zealand's national game, discovering the stories, legends and myths. Along the way you will get a feel for the real New Zealand by learning how its rich rugby heritage has shaped and been shaped by our country.
The Square
The Square is dominated by the distinctive Hopwood Clock Tower. The precinct regularly hosts events and markets, and is surrounded by boutiques, cafés and restaurants. The i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is also located here, so drop in and get the inside story on what's happening around town.
Te Manawa Museum
Te Manawa Museum is a unique cultural institution that combines a museum, art gallery, and science center under one roof. It offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and learning in the community.
Lido Aquatic Centre
The award-winning Lido Aquatic Centre and Water Park is a popular recreational facility featuring indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and a wave pool. It caters to all ages with dedicated areas for children, a fitness center, and a spa for relaxation. The center also offers swimming lessons, aqua fitness classes, and hosts various events, making it a versatile destination for family fun and fitness.
Manawatū River Pathway
Take a leisurely walk or ride along the Manawatū River and experience the ever-changing views that it offers. When biking or walking the Manawatū River Pathway, take the chance to pop into the Victoria Esplanade which runs alongside the middle section of the Manawatū River Pathway. With rose gardens, bird aviaries, BBQ facilities, playgrounds, miniature train rides and duck ponds, there really is something for everyone.
Victoria Esplanade
Victoria Esplanade comprises of 19 hectares of stunning gardens and features, including bird aviaries, nature trails with a number of walks, a junior road safety bike park, a large duck pond, free BBQ facilities and children's paddling pool and playgrounds. The on-site café offers tasty treats, ice-cream and drinks, while an extensive miniature railway offers rides on weekends and holidays for a small fee. Within the esplanade is the Dugald McKenzie rose garden, which is home to over 5,000 varieties and incorporates the International Rose Trial Grounds.