Palmerston North - North Island, New Zealand

Palmerston North is the capital of the commercially rich Manawatu province. Since the first rail line was laid in 1886, Palmerston North has grown into a city of commercial significance. It houses Massey University, one of the top centres of learning in New Zealand.

The Square occupies the centre of Palmerston North with part of the Civic Centre on its western side. The Visitor Centre is also located at the Square. The train station is on Matthews Ave, about 1.5 kms northwest of the city centre.

Long distance buses halt at the Palmerston North Travel Centre at the corner of Pitt and Main streets. The Palmerston Airport is 3 kms northeast of the city serviced by local flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Local buses run from Main Street near the visitor centre.

The city Square is graced by an open area called The Courtyard of the Daughter of Peace completed by the presence of a couple of 5 metre high Maori figures. Around the square there is huge variety of architecture - classical Victorian, Edwardian and art deco.

The interior of the City Library on the southeast side of the Square is a visual masterpiece; an amazing combination of colour and contrast, light and texture in which all reading materials are arranged according to subject living rooms.

Palmerston North Activities

To the west of the Square is the Te Manawa, the cultural hub of the city. It is divided into 3 sections. The first section is the Life Galleries, a museum devoted to the history and culture of the Manawatu region, with touring exhibitions taking centre stage.

The second section is the Mind Galleries that has displays of hands-on science and experiments to kindle childrens' interest. Next to it is the third section, the Art Gallery which displays a permanent collection of European and Maori art.

To the northwest of the square is the New Zealand Rugby Museum and it houses everything of interest related to the sport of rugby union. This sport is a religion in New Zealand.

About 2 kilometres south of the city centre, the Manawatu riverbank houses the Victoria Esplanade with endless manicured lawns and flowerbeds along with aviaries, lovely rose gardens and a miniature railway. There are several fantastic picnic spots for families to enjoy.

Palmerston North Accommodation

Palmerston North offers decent accommodation options. The majority is tailored to suit the University and visiting parents. There is a motel, a backpackers accommodation, hotel, lodge and a holiday park with campsites and cabins.

There are excellent eating options in Palmerston North. There are a variety of cafes and upmarket restaurants. The nightlife is punctuated with lively bars along George St, the hub of Palmerston North's eating action.

The Centrepoint Theatre provides great entertainment for theatre lovers. There are movie halls in the city.

LooknbookNZ can arrange your Palmerston North accommodation and Palmerston North activities bookings and let you and your family/friends to soak in the bounties of this amazing city of Palmerston North.