Palmerston North - Discovering New Zealand

Travelling to Palmerston North

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Palmerston North, a pretty good destination in New Zealand (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Palmerston North and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Palmerston North, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through New Zealand, here's everything to know about Palmerston North for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Palmerston North

Palmerston North is a city located on the North Island of New Zealand. It is the seventh largest city in the country and has a population of around 90,000 people. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, excellent educational institutions, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also an important center for agriculture and farming, with many businesses in the area focused on the production and processing of dairy, meat, and other agricultural products. Palmerston North is well-connected to other parts of New Zealand, with a range of transportation options available including bus, train, and air travel.

What to visit in Palmerston North

Sure, here are some of the top tourist attractions in Palmerston North, New Zealand: 1. Palmerston North Rose Gardens - This is a beautiful garden located in The Square. It has more than 5,500 rose bushes featuring 100 different varieties of roses. A great place to relax and unwind.
2. Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History - This is a fascinating museum showcasing the best of art, science, and history. It contains numerous interactive displays and exhibits that are sure to entertain both adults and children alike.
3. Esplanade Gardens - This is a large park that features a lake, aviary, and a greenhouse. If you want to relax and enjoy the great outdoors, the Esplanade Gardens will not disappoint.
4. New Zealand Rugby Museum - This is a great place to visit for rugby fans. It showcases the history, culture, and legacy of rugby in New Zealand.
5. Victoria Esplanade Scenic Railway - This is a train ride that takes you around the park, offering stunning views of the park's natural beauty.
6. The Herb Farm - This is a working farm that produces and sells organic herbs, spices, and teas. You can take a guided tour of the farm and learn about the growing and processing of herbs.
7. Lido Aquatic Centre - A great place to cool off on a hot summer day. The Lido Aquatic Centre features a variety of swimming pools, slides, and a diving board.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in New Zealand, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Palmerston North.

When to go on holiday to Palmerston North

The best time to visit Palmerston North is during the months of December to March when the weather is warm and pleasant for outdoor activities. The summer months in Palmerston North have an average temperature of around 21°C (70°F) during the day and 11°C (52°F) at night. However, it is important to note that this is also peak tourist season and accommodation prices may be higher than usual. If you prefer cooler temperatures and smaller crowds, you may enjoy visiting Palmerston North during the autumn months of March to May when the foliage is at its most colorful.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Palmerston North

There are a few ways to get to Palmerston North, New Zealand: 1. By Air: Fly to Palmerston North International Airport which is located about 5 km from the city center. Air New Zealand and Jetstar Airways both operate flights to Palmerston North from major cities across New Zealand.
2. By Road: Palmerston North is situated on State Highway 1, which is the main highway connecting the North and South Islands of New Zealand. You can drive to Palmerston North from Wellington (about 2-hour drive), Auckland (about 6-hour drive), and other major cities in New Zealand.
3. By Train: You can take the Northern Explorer train from Auckland or Wellington and get off at Palmerston North Railway Station. The journey is a scenic one and takes approximately 2.5 hours from Wellington and 6 hours from Auckland.
4. By Bus: Buses run regularly between Palmerston North and other major cities in New Zealand, including Auckland, Wellington, and Napier. The main operator is Intercity, which offers daily services to and from Palmerston North.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Palmerston North, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Palmerston North

Palmerston North is known for its thriving foodie scene, with a wide range of delicious dishes. Here are some of the typical foods of Palmerston North with a short description for each of them: 1. Manuka Smoked Lamb: This is a succulent smoked lamb dish that is infused with the distinct flavor of Manuka wood. It is a must-try for meat lovers visiting Palmerston North.
2. Kumara Fries: Made from the locally grown sweet potato, these fries are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, and are served with a variety of dipping sauces.
3. Kiwi Burger: A Kiwi burger is a classic New Zealand dish that includes beef patties, beetroot, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
4. Cheese Roll: This is a traditional dish that is made with grated cheese, onion soup mix, and mayonnaise, wrapped in a slice of bread and baked until crispy. 5. Pies: Pies are one of the most popular foods in Palmerston North, with a variety of different fillings such as steak, mince, bacon and egg, and vegetable.
6. Seafood Chowder: This creamy soup is made with a variety of fresh seafood, potatoes, and cream, and is a popular winter comfort food in Palmerston North.
7. Feijoas: This fruit is known as a "Kiwi superfood" due to its high nutritional content. It has a unique sweet and tangy flavor and is often used in desserts and jams.
8. L&P: This is a popular soft drink that originates from New Zealand and is made from lemon and paeroa water. It is a must-try for anyone visiting Palmerston North.
You can find general info about typical foods in New Zealand here.

Is Palmerston North an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to other cities in New Zealand, Palmerston North is generally considered an affordable destination for tourists. However, the cost of your trip will depend on several factors such as the time of year you're visiting, your accommodation preferences, and the activities you plan to do while you're there. Accommodation and dining options vary in price, so it's always a good idea to research and compare prices to make the most of your budget. Overall, prices in Palmerston North are generally reasonable and it's still a great destination to visit without breaking the bank.

Where to find accomodation in Palmerston North

The best areas to find accommodation in Palmerston North are the central business district (CBD), Fitzherbert Ave, and Cloverlea. These areas offer a variety of options, including hotels, motels, serviced apartments, and bed and breakfasts, all within close proximity to the city's main attractions, shops, and restaurants. Additionally, there are several accommodation options located near the airport for those who need quick access to transportation.
You can check hotel prices at Palmerston North here:
Booking.com

Is Palmerston North a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Palmerston North is considered a safe place for tourists. Although, as with any destination, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. This could include being aware of your surroundings, taking care of your belongings, and staying in well-lit areas at night. It's also a good idea to research the area you plan on visiting beforehand and familiarize yourself with any safety concerns specific to that area. Overall, as long as you exercise common sense and caution, you should have a safe and enjoyable trip to Palmerston North.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in New Zealand here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Palmerston North.

What type of travelers will enjoy Palmerston North the most?

Palmerston North can be enjoyed by a variety of travelers, depending on their interests. Here are a few examples: - Nature lovers: Palmerston North's surroundings offer a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and picnicking in scenic spots like Manawatu Gorge or the Victoria Esplanade Gardens. These activities are ideal for families with children or couples looking for a relaxing break.
- Cultural enthusiasts: The city has a thriving arts and culture scene, with museums, galleries, and festivals like the Manawatu Arts Festival and the Square Edge Arts Centre. This is ideal for visitors who want to experience the local culture and history.
- Students: Palmerston North is home to Massey University, which offers a lively student atmosphere. Young people looking for fun can find plenty of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues to suit their tastes.
Overall, Palmerston North is a versatile destination that can appeal to a diverse range of travelers, depending on their interests.

How to get around Palmerston North

Palmerston North offers several transportation options for getting around the city. These include: 1. Bus: The city has a public bus service called the Palmerston North City Buses that operate throughout the city, with a frequency of every 15-30 minutes.
2. Bicycle: The city has several bicycle lanes and paths making it easy for tourists to explore the city on two wheels.
3. Car rental: Visitors can rent a car from several car rental companies in the city to explore Palmerston North at their own pace.
4. Taxi and ride-sharing: Several taxi and ride-sharing companies operate in the city making it easy for tourists to get around the city without the hassle of driving. Overall, Palmerston North has a reliable and diverse transportation system that caters to all types of travelers and their transportation preferences.

What to see around Palmerston North

Here are some great places to visit on a day trip from Palmerston North: 1. Wellington - New Zealand's capital city is only a 2-hour drive away from Palmerston North and offers a lot of attractions like the Te Papa Museum, the Wellington Cable Car, and Mount Victoria.
2. Hawkes Bay - Known for its beautiful vineyards and wineries, Hawkes Bay is just a 2.5-hour drive from Palmerston North and is perfect for a relaxing day trip.
3. Wanganui - Situated on the west coast of the North Island, the city of Wanganui is only an hour away from Palmerston North and is a great place to explore the Whanganui River and its surrounds.
4. Kapiti Coast - Less than an hour's drive from Palmerston North, the Kapiti Coast is home to both the Kapiti Island Nature Reserve and the Nga Manu Nature Reserve, which offer scenic walks and the opportunity to see native wildlife.
5. Mount Ruapehu - Located within the Tongariro National Park, Mount Ruapehu is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and offers breathtaking views all year round. It's just under a 2-hour drive from Palmerston North.
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