Palmerston North

A bustling lively city of over 70,000 Palmerston North is the centre of the Manawatu farming district. It is also home to Massey University, the second largest in New Zealand.

The city owes its prosperity and indeed its existence to its position as a railroad crossroads. It is a gateway to the rest of the North Island as you travel out of Auckland.

The chief attraction and cultural heart of Palmerston North is Te Manawa, which is an art gallery, science museum with a ‘life’ section given over to the history and culture of the region.

Rugby fans won’t want to miss the New Zealand Rugby Museum. This well laid out museum is pays homage to the oval ball game in the land where it is most fanatically followed.

To the north of the city, you will find the stunning Manawatu Gorge. It will take more than three hours to walk it from end to end but it is well worth the effort. For a more sedate way to spend time wander through Victoria Esplanade, a riverside park. At the right time of the year, the Rose Garden can be spectacular.

The student population of Palmerston North ensures that there is a wide choice of reasonably priced accommodation and places to eat as well as a lively bar scene.