Palmerston North offers all the benefits of a major city, while also being surrounded by an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Museums, galleries and street art live alongside a colourful array of cafes, while a sizable student population gives the city a laid-back charm. A jam-packed annual calendar of events keeps the city busy. With everything from motorsports, to urban festivals, the streets always feel alive.
New Zealand Rugby Museum
When people think of New Zealand, rugby is something that automatically comes to mind. It’s a place where the sport is woven into the fabric of everyday life. And nowhere is this more evident than at the New Zealand Rugby Museum.
The museum contains the biggest and most comprehensive collection of New Zealand rugby memorabilia, including some of the world's rarest rugby artefacts. A visit to the museum illustrates the rich history of the game in New Zealand and celebrates the heroes and legends of the game. The rare rugby artefacts on display are national treasures, with everything from the first fern, to the oldest All Blacks jersey and the oldest rugby ball on display. The interactive 'Have a Go' section of the museum allows visitors to test out their rugby skills, with kicking, tackling, sprinting and driving.
Foxton Beach
Foxton Beach is ideal for outdoor activities and is a popular destination for swimming, kiteboarding, surfing and fishing. The beach is a perfect weekend getaway option for families, couples or groups of friends as it offers a number of accommodation options catering to all types.
A Town of Many Cafes
Palmerston North claims to have more cafes per capita than any other city in New Zealand. And that’s something that might just be true. If you’re looking for brunch in the city, you won’t have far to go for a fabulous feed.
LOCAL Cafe is a hugely popular weekday haunt and a great spot for weekend brunch. Serving up delicious locally sourced fare, LOCAL’s menu is extensive and full of delicious options to satisfy every taste.
Elm Cafe is another local favourite and the perfect place to pop-in after a leisurely stroll. The coffee is well prepared, with a whole host of treats on the menu also waiting to be devoured. There is also a delicious brunch and lunch menu, with firm favourites being the kumara hash and crepes.
Located in the heart of Palmerston North, The Stage Door Cafe offers a super cosy atmosphere, an amazing selection of food and one of the best brunches in town. With a hearty menu that includes a big breakfast, vegetarian breakfast, and some top-notch french toast, it’s busy and bustling all through the week. Edwards Pit Park Reserve
This extraordinary park is filled with wetlands, open grass spaces, pathways, boardwalks and clusters of native plantings. What was once a wasteland, the park was brought back to life by the local community in recent years. The park now has a new lease of life, and has been restored as a native habitat, encouraging native birds back into the environment, as well as numerous other creatures. Keep your eyes peeled and you might just spot some frogs too.
