The Best Things to Do in Palmerston North on a Budget
When it comes to travelling on a budget, there couldn’t be a better city than Palmerston North. With free parks, gardens, walkways, museums and markets in the city centre alone, you don’t even have to spend a dime to enjoy this city in the Manawatu-Whanganui region. And that’s not even including the awesome free and cheap things to do just outside of the city! All of the attractions mentioned on this list just happen to be the main attractions of the city, so you’re not missing out on much if you just do the free or cheap things to do in Palmerston North!
To save money further, consider staying in one of the 10 Best Hotels in Palmerston North. Plus, check out some more things to do in Palmerston North in The Complete Guide to Palmerston North.
So as the locals say “What are the best things to do in Palmy?”
1. Cycle or Walk the Manawatu River Pathway – FREE
First on our list of the best things to do in Palmerston North is the Manawatu River Pathway. Palmerston North is an amazing base for both scenic bike rides and mountain biking. The Manawatu Pathway is the easiest (and cheapest as you only need to rent for half a day) cycle trail to access from the city centre and is suitable for almost everyone! Ride or walk alongside the Manawatu River, passing gardens, great picnic spots and more! For more rides in the area, including mountain bike parks, see our guide to Mountain Biking in Palmerston North.
Location: There are several access points to the Manawatu Riverside Pathway, the most accessible being Riverside Drive, Ruahine Street, Albert Street, Centennial Drive, The Victoria Esplanade, Dittmer Drive and Maxwells Line.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Visit the Te Manawa Museum – FREE
Te Manawa Museum is the Art, Science and History Museum of Palmerston North and one of the most popular Palmerston North attractions. Learn about the local history, both Maori and European, and see some fascinating artefacts on display! Interact with science displays and check out the latest art exhibitions. The museum is free, so what do you have to lose?!
Location: 326 Main Street.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Walk Around the Square – FREE
This central park in Palmerston North is packed with sculptures, duck ponds and walkways! It’s a great place to hang out and people watch. A highlight is the huge clock tower right in the middle of The Square.
Location: The Square (city centre).
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz4. See the Street Art on Berrymans Lane – FREE
One of our favourite Palmerston North activities is simply walking around! If there’s one thing that New Zealand cities do well, it’s street art! As well as all the sculptures you can find around Palmerston North city centre, the street at down Berrymans Lane is another highlight!
Location: Berrymans Lane.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz5. Check Out the Cafes and Eateries – CHEAP
Palmerston North has a hell-of-a-lotta great places to eat! George Street, in particular, is the go-to for locals looking for a great coffee or a bite to eat, at establishments such as Urban Pantry, Cyclista, Arrosta Coffee and more! What’s more, having a culinary experience can be pretty affordable… Only if you can resist trying everything! Check out some recommendations in The Foodie Guide to Palmerston North.
Location: Palmerston North city centre.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz6. Explore Bledisloe Park – FREE
One of the best Palmerston North attractions is Bledisloe Park, and it’s free! Palmerston North isn’t just about the urban activities, but it also has some nature experiences that will make it hard to believe that you’re still in the middle of the city! One of those places is Bledisloe Park. Walk among native trees in an area that mimics what the whole of the area would have been like before the city was developed. For more walks within driving distance of Palmerston North, see 26 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North.
Location: Tennent Drive.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz7. Go on a Day Trip to Manawatu Gorge & Te Apiti Windfarm – FREE
Palmerston North is surrounded by awesome attractions and day trips. One of the best day trips is Manawatu Gorge. Stop by the town of Ashhurst, check out these things to do in the town, then head up to the Te Apiti Windfarm Lookout! One of the most awe-inspiring Palmerston North activities. Next, do some bushwalks in the Manawatu Gorge.
Location: Ashhurst is 15km (9 miles) northeast of Palmerston North. Te Apiti Windfarm is up Saddle Road. Manawatu Gorge is along State Highway 3.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz8. Visit the Rugby Museum – CHEAP
Wondering what to do in Palmerston North on a rainy day? If you hadn’t noticed, New Zealand is kinda crazy about rugby! Learn about the history of this national sport at The New Zealand Rugby Museum! Check out some of the rugby memorabilia and even try some of the interactive challenges in the centre of the museum. It’s a must for any rugby fan! At only around NZ$12 entry for an adult, it definitely counts as a cheap thing to do in Palmerston North. See more experiences like this in the 11 Things to Do in Palmerston North on a Rainy Day.
Location: 326 Main Street.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Go to One of the Markets – FREE
For a great atmosphere, entertainment and to pick up something special, check out one of the weekly and monthly Palmerston North markets. Our top picks include the Saturday Feilding Farmers’ Market which is the most popular in the region. There’s also the monthly Village Night Market set inside the city library.
Location: Feilding is about 19km (12 miles) north of Palmerston on State Highway 53. The Palmerston North City Library is on Rangitikei Street.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz10. Wander Around Victoria Esplanade – FREE
Another amazing park in the heart of Palmerston North is Victoria Esplanade. Wander among the rows and rows of rose gardens, walk among the native bush and exotic arboretum, check out the native duck aviary, and take the kids on the miniature scenic railway.
Location: Park Road or Manawaroa Street.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz11. Go to the Beach! – FREE
Just about 30-minutes drive from Palmerston North is a number of long-stretching beaches, perfect for all your typical beach activities and more! Himatangi Beach is renowned for its gorgeous sunsets. Foxton Beach is a great place for long walks, as well as all these extra things to do in Foxton town.
Location: Himatangi Beach is about 36km (22 miles) west of Palmerston North down State Highway 56. Foxton Beach is about 44km (27 miles) from Palmerston North, just south of Himatangi Beach.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz12. Check out the Ducks at Hokowhitu Lagoon – FREE
Still looking for what to do in palmerston north?! Hokowitu Lagoon is a fantastic place to hang out at. This oxbow lake right in the city is a great place to relax with a picnic or find out about the various duck species pleasant in at the Lagoon from the informative plaques by the pond. There are also some walkways around the area to enjoy.
Location: Centennial Drive
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz13. Do Some Indoor Rock Climbing – CHEAP
A rainy day activity and an affordable thing to do in Palmerston North, VertX is an indoor climbing hall with 21 different rope climbs. Challenge yourself with a range of difficulties or try something different like bouldering or slacklining.
Location: 148 Park Road, West End.
© Maxpixel14. Explore the Pohangina Valley – FREE
For a great day out, drive up the Pohangina Valley with excellent views of the Ruahine Ranges and rural New Zealand! There are awesome bushwalks in the Totara Reserve, free campsites, mountain biking trails, mountain hikes, gardens and even wine and cheese tasting. Check out all your options in our 14 Best Things to Do in the Pohangina Valley.
Location: The Pohangine Valley starts just north of Ashhurst.
© www.ManawatuNZ.co.nz15. Visit Shannon – FREE
Closing our list of the best things to do in Palmerston North is Shannon. No, not some random lady living in Palmerston North, but a nearby town called “Shannon”. The quaint little town just south of Palmerston North is a great city escape with boutique stores and access to hikes in the Tararua Forest Park. There’s even a native bird sanctuary to check out. Find out more in our list of 5 Fun Things to Do in Shannon.
Location: 31km (19 miles) south of Palmerston North. Take State Highway 56 then State Highway 57 south.
© Michal Klajban on WikipediaMore Things to Do Near Palmerston North
- 7 Fun Things to Do in Feilding
- 6 Amazing Things to Do in Apiti
- 7 Wonderful Things to Do in Woodville
And for more free stuff, check out the 31 Best Free Things to Do on the North Island.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2024])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2024])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
