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?”
Table of Contents
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 a cultural gem right in the heart of Palmerston North. This free-to-visit art, science and heritage hub offers a playful and interactive experience for all ages.
From hands-on exhibits to fascinating artefacts, you’ll find a wealth of local history and contemporary art on display.
We personally love the “Kids TM” space, perfect for little explorers. The museum runs daily from 10 am to 5 pm, making it an ideal spot to while away a few hours. Donations are always welcome to support their awesome programming.
Location: 326 Main Street.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Walk Around The Square – FREE
This central park in Palmerston North is more than just a green space, it’s a vibrant 7-hectare hub packed with sculptures, fountains, gardens and walkways!
It’s a great place to hang out, people-watch, or wander past the duck pond and native plantings.
A highlight is the iconic Hopwood Clock Tower standing tall right in the middle of The Square. It’s also where you might stumble upon community events or even festivals, making it the beating heart of the city.
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, Berrymans Lane is another highlight!
This laneway has been transformed into a vibrant open-air gallery, thanks to the “Street Prints” festival. Local and international artists have come together to brighten up the city’s walls with big, bold murals and thought-provoking designs.
It’s the perfect spot for those seeking a quirky photo opportunity or just wanting to soak in some urban creativity. The best part? It’s completely free to explore at your own pace, and the art changes from time to time, giving you a reason to come back and discover something new.
Location: Berrymans Lane, Palmerston North city centre.
© 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 and Cuba Street are the go-to spots for locals looking for a great coffee or a bite to eat. You’ll find a buzzing café scene with something to suit every taste and budget.
Popular picks include Munch on Broadway for wholesome bites, Café Cuba for iconic coffee and cakes, and Local for a relaxed vibe. Many spots offer lunch specials under NZ$15, making it easy to sample different flavours without splurging.
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 30 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 15 km (9 mi) 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$15 entry for an adult, it definitely counts as a cheap thing to do in Palmerston North.
See more experiences like this in the 15 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 Friday Feilding Farmers’ Market which is the most popular in the region and is open between 9 am to 1:30 pm.
Closer to the city, the Albert Street Market (Saturdays) is a treasure trove of secondhand goods, plants, and local treats, while night markets pop up from time to time with global street food stalls.
Location: Feilding is about 19 km (12 mi) 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 Palmerston North is Victoria Esplanade. This 26-hectare crown jewel along the Manawatū River is a must-do for anyone spending time in the city.
Wander among the rows of rose gardens, walk through native bush and the exotic arboretum, check out the bird aviaries and duck ponds, and take the kids on the miniature scenic railway (which runs on weekends and holidays for just a few dollars).
The park also boasts children’s playgrounds, picnic areas, and peaceful bush tracks. During summer, you might catch seasonal events or open-air performances. There’s even an on-site café if you fancy a treat.
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 36 km (22 mi) west of Palmerston North down State Highway 56. Foxton Beach is about 44 km (27 mi) 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?! Hokowhitu Lagoon is a fantastic place to hang out at. This peaceful oxbow lake right in the city is a favourite spot for locals.
Surrounded by mature trees, the lagoon offers a picturesque walking loop that’s perfect for a short stroll or light jog. The main attraction? The ducks! It’s a great place to relax with a picnic or learn about the various duck species from the informative plaques by the pond.
It’s best to bring bird-friendly food like oats or peas instead of bread if you plan on feeding the ducks. The lagoon is also a nice spot to enjoy a coffee or some quiet time by the water.
For those wanting to extend their walk, the pathway connects easily to the Manawatū River Shared Pathway.
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 the region’s only dedicated indoor climbing gym.
With 21 different rope climbs, top-rope, lead, and bouldering options, it caters to all ages and skill levels. Challenge yourself with a range of difficulties or try something different like slacklining.
VertX is one of the cheapest active adventures in town, with general entry through YMCA Palmerston North costing around NZ$8.
It’s open to the public during set hours, such as Wednesdays 5-7 pm, Thursdays 4-8 pm, and Saturdays 11 am-5 pm, with private bookings available too.
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! We admire the rolling hills, native bush reserves and river spots perfect for a dip in summer.
Explore walking tracks at Totara Reserve, picnic by the river, or simply enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside.
According to our very own travel manager, Robin, the valley is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to tūī, kererū, and more. Keep an eye out for glowworms in nearby limestone reserves, as we’ve had the pleasure to find out.
Check out all your options in our 15 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 charming little town just south of the city.
A quick 20-minute drive brings you to this quaint spot, full of character and making for an easy, free day trip. The main street boasts a collection of boutique shops and secondhand stores, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Don’t miss the well-known Shannon Railway Station, which doubles as an information centre and local gallery.
Nature lovers will want to pop into Owlcatraz, a quirky native bird and wildlife park on the edge of town (entry applies if you go inside).
The town also offers easy access to walking tracks and picnic spots, making it a great way to stretch your legs and explore somewhere off the main tourist trail.
Find out more in our list of 5 Fun Things to Do in Shannon.
Location: 31 km (19 mi) south of Palmerston North. Take State Highway 56 then State Highway 57 south.
© Michal Klajban on WikipediaMore Things to Do Near Palmerston North
That’s it for our guide to free and cheap things to do in Palmerston North; for more information about things to do near Palmerston North, check out the following articles:
- 5 Fun Things to Do in Feilding
- 5 Amazing Things to Do in Apiti
- 5 Wonderful Things to Do in Woodville
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Palmerston North.
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 [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
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