On a North Island road trip, Palmerston North makes for an intriguing halt because it is conveniently placed just a little diversion on the route between Taupo and Wellington. To make the most of your visit to “Palmy,” look over this list of best activities, places of interest, and things to do in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
1. Palmerston North is famous for what?
The “Rose City” nickname for Palmerston North refers to its famed rose gardens. The spectacular Manawatu Gorge is located in the picturesque Tararua and Ruahine Ranges, which are easily accessible from Palmerston North. One of the biggest provincial cities in the nation and a university city, Palmerston North, is to the south.
2. Best activities and places of interest in Palmerston North
Visit the Wildbase Recovery Birds: One of the places of interest in Palmerston North
The Palmerston North must-see Wildbase Recovery is located at Victoria Esplanade and serves as a hospital for wild birds and reptiles of New Zealand. Budgeting won’t be a problem because the wildlife hospital is free and available to the public, so you can observe which patients are being treated, whether it’s a kakariki, tuatara, blue duck, kereru, kaka, or something else.
Ride a bike on the Manawatu River Pathway
Palmerston North is undoubtedly a bicycle-friendly city, making it the perfect way to explore. The 10km (6 miles) long Manawatu River Pathway, a sealed and compacted limestone walk and bike path along the banks of the river that lends the area its name, is a highlight.
Take a ride past a number of parks and plantations to Victoria Esplanade, one of the city’s highlights. Furthermore, you won’t even break a sweat because e-bike rentals are so widespread in the city.
Check out Himatangi Beach
There are many different types of the scenery surrounding Palmerston North, from mountain ranges to beaches with black sand. But if you prefer the beach, check out Himatangi Beach.
Himatangi Beach, which is only 30 minutes away from the city, is a gorgeous stretch of sand with driftwood houses and sculptures. It’s also a great spot to see the sun go down. Families can also enjoy themselves because a mini golf course and children’s playground are located behind the beach.
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Explore the Rose Gardens: Must-visit attraction in Palmerston North
Back in the city, Victoria Esplanade is a must-see park area to explore (along with the Manawatu River Pathway). Enjoy a picnic in one of the lovely parks, sip coffee at Cafe Esplanade, and let the kids run wild on the little train, playground, and paddling pool.
Smell the roses at the Dugald McKenzie Rose Garden. At the city’s wildlife hospital, the open-to-the-public Wildbase Recovery, you can also view local birds and reptiles.
Examine the Te Manawa Exhibitions to learn about Maori culture
Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science, and Heritage is absolutely free to visit and is conveniently situated close to the city center. View its assortment of exhibits, including those on the Manawatu River, which runs through the city, and Maori taonga (treasure), which were gifts from nearby tribes.
Visit Manawatu Gorge for a Hike and Maori Sculpture
Manawatu Gorge, which separates the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges, is an attractive natural landmark around Palmerston North. On hiking and mountain biking tracks like the 3-5 hour Manawatu Gorge Track or the shorter, more kid-friendly 2-hour Tawa Loop Walk, one can explore the reserve’s surrounding forest.
At the intersections of the walkways, take in the striking landscape of the native woodland, breathtaking views of the valley and out to Ashhurst and Palmerston North, and the imposing metal statue of a Maori warrior.
A Horse Trek Through Magnificent Scenery
At Makoura Lodge, get a taste of rural Kiwi living. In addition to providing luxurious lodging on the border of the Ruahine Ranges, the resort is well-known in the area for its horse excursions.
Ride through a waterfall, through natural bush, across a river, and even to the views of the Ruahine valleys. All riding levels, including beginners, can enjoy a trek.
Visit Foxton Beach to engage in extreme beach sports
Only a 30- to 40-minute drive from Palmerston North is the ocean, where one beach, in particular, is perfect for engaging in some of New Zealand’s extreme beach sports. Wind Warrior teaches kitesurfing and kite landboarding at Foxton Beach.
Ride a mountain bike: Fun thing you must do in Palmerston North
Additionally, Palmy is a great location for two-wheeled adventures, offering everything from simple city-center bike paths to multi-day picturesque excursions and world-class mountain biking parks. The city’s top mountain bike park, Arapuke Forest Mountain Bike Park, offers challenging downhill tracks for riders of all skill levels.
Take the Windfarm Ride on the wilderness roads that pass by imposing wind turbines for a beautiful experience. The Manawatu Cycleway is a 2- to 3-day excursion through Palmerston North’s rural surroundings, while the rides around the Mangahao Dams in Shannon are excellent possibilities for day trips.
Travel to Limestone Creek: The best road trip from Palmerston North
The Limestone Creek Reserve is a group of limestone formations that are home to glowworms and a striking natural attraction along the aforementioned Country Road that is well worth even taking a day trip for.
You can take a 600-meter (656-yard) loop walk here to see limestone caves, soaring moss-covered canyons, and glowworm displays. On this adventurous walk, which involves scrambling over small underground streams, bring your gumboots or be ready to get your feet wet.
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