6 Luxury Activities in Palmerston North© ManawatuNZ.co.nz
6 Luxury Activities in Palmerston North

6 Luxury Activities in Palmerston North

© ManawatuNZ.co.nz

Premium Tours and Experiences in Palmerston North

In the rural heart of the North Island’s Manawatu region, Palmerston North is a premium destination to experience the Kiwi country lifestyle. Play at some of New Zealand’s oldest golf courses and horse trek among the rolling farmland, rivers and waterfalls in just some of the city’s surrounding premium activities. Palmerston North is also a place to relax, perhaps after a long drive on your way to Wellington, with indulgent day spas and fine dining to be had. We go into detail of “Palmy’s” top luxury tours with this list of the best luxury activities in Palmerston North.

For more luxury activities in Palmerston North and advice on planning your getaway, take a look at The Luxury Guide to Palmerston North and find a place to stay in the 5 Best Luxury Accommodation in Palmerston North.

1. Experience Sublime Scenery on a Horse Trek at Makoura Lodge

Palmerston North is surrounded by rolling farmland and backcountry stations making it an ideal place to experience Kiwi country life. One of the most premium ways to immerse in it all is with Makoura Lodge. Not only does the luxury lodge offer accommodation and a wedding venue on the edge of the Ruahine Ranges, but they are renowned locally for their horse treks. Ride to the views of the Ruahine valleys, across working farmland and discover varied landscapes, from native bush to waterfalls. You’ll have the opportunity to do a river crossing, as well as ride alongside small-yet-picturesque lakes. Treks are suitable for all riding abilities, even beginners. See how the ride compares in the 11 Awesome Horse Treks in New Zealand.

Location: 736 Makoura Road, Feilding, approximately 69km (43 miles) from Palmerston North city centre.

6 Luxury Activities in Palmerston North© NZPocketGuide.com

2. Tee Off at Palmerston North’s Premium Golf Courses

Experience the country’s most popular sport in the place where it all began in New Zealand. The Manawatu Golf Club is the oldest golf course in New Zealand, making it a great place to start when experiencing Palmerston North’s golf courses. The Orlando Country Golf Club is Palmerston North’s premier golf course. You’ll also find the picturesque Feilding Golf Club alongside the Manawatu River just outside of the city, while the Palmerston North Golf Club offers a more casual experience close to the city centre. See how the courses compare in the 21 Best Golf Courses in New Zealand.

Location: Manawatu Golf Club – 19 Centennial Drive. Orlando Country Golf Club – 748 Rangitikei Line. Feilding Golf Club – 1487 Waughs Road, Aorangi. Palmerston North Golf Club – 100 Brightwater Terrace.

6 Luxury Activities in Palmerston North© Pixabay

3. Do Some Boutique Shopping

Palmerston North is, after all, one of New Zealand’s main cities. With that, it’s a top destination for some retail therapy offering a large shopping mall, as well as an array of boutique stores hidden in and around the city. If you’re in town, don’t miss George Street and Coleman Mall boasting eateries and boutiques, such as Urban Charm, Trumps, KILT and Posh – just to name a few. Outside of the city, seek out the hidden gems like Design and Desire at Caroline’s Garden with home decorating pieces to sweep you off your feet, and Hansen’s Cafe & Store in Kimbolton stocking local handmade products, from soaps to upcycled collectables.

Location: George Street, Palmerston North city centre. Design and Desire – 613 Fitzherbert East Road, approximately 13km (8 miles) from Palmerston North city centre. Hansen’s Cafe & Store – 2900 Kimbolton Road, approximately 45km (28 miles) from Palmerston North city centre.

6 Luxury Activities in Palmerston North© ManawatuNZ.co.nz

4. Tackle Unique Beach Sports at Foxton Beach

Palmerston North is a city also just 30 minutes drive from the sea, with stunning beaches to check out and premium beach activities to be experienced. Foxton Jet Ski (or Wake.X) offers jet ski hire and tours at Foxton Beach, their most popular being the Tour de River. Hop on one of their Sea-Doo SPARK jet skis and join your guide for a thrilling journey of discovery where the Manawatu River meets the Tasman Sea. Alternatively, learn kitesurfing or kite landboarding with Wind Warrior at Foxton Beach. They are one of the most comprehensive kite sports operators in New Zealand and are NZ’s only qualified kite landboarding instructors. You never know, you might just find your new favourite hobby!

Location: Foxton Jet Ski – Manawatu Marine Boating Club, 50 Hartley Street. Wind Warrior – 1 Thomas Place, Foxton Beach, both approximately 45km (28 miles) from Palmerston North city.

6 Luxury Activities in Palmerston North© NZPocketGuide.com

5. Indulge in a Luxury Spa Day

Your time in Palmerston North doesn’t have to be all go, go, go. Enjoy some downtime at one of the city’s luxury spas. One of your most premium options is the day spa at the Hiwinui Country Estate, a short drive from the city. The spa offers an extensive menu, including facials, massages, body treatments, hand and foot care, as well as men’s treatments. All of these can be enjoyed in treatment rooms which open up onto a deck with commanding views of the countryside. Other spas in Palmerston North include Pania Ryan Beauty Retreat, Bella Vita Day Spa, Juno Beauty Day Spa and Skin Therapy Day Spa.

Location: Hiwinui Country Estate – 465 Ashhurst Road, 12km (7 miles) from Palmerston North. Pania Ryan Beauty Retreat – 50 Grey Street. Bella Vita Day Spa – 508 Ferguson Street. Juno Beauty Day Spa – 194 Ruapehu Drive, 5km (3 miles) from Palmerston North. Skin Therapy Day Spa – 625 Main Street.

6 Luxury Activities in Palmerston North© Pixabay

6. Treat Yourself at One of Palmerston North’s Fine Dining Restaurants

Nothing completes a day of exploring an exciting new destination quite like an exquisite local dining experience. Palmerston North is a real foodie hub – just take a look at our The Foodie Guide to Palmerston North! For a dine-in experience for a special occasion, or just to experience something more premium, book a table at restaurants such as Nero Restaurant for their contemporary New Zealand cuisine or Aberdeen, Palmerston North’s upmarket steakhouse. We also like Table 188 in the heart of the city. Palmerston North also features a couple of premium Japanese eateries for fine dining, including Haru Japanese Restaurant and Yatai Japanese Izakaya Restaurant.

Location: Nero Restaurant – 36 Amesbury Street. Aberdeen – 161 Broadway Avenue. Table 188 – 2 The Square. Haru Japanese Restaurant – 19 Broadway Avenue. Yatai Japanese Izakaya Restaurant – 316 Featherston Street.

6 Luxury Activities in Palmerston North© ManawatuNZ.co.nz

More About Luxury in Palmerston North

That’s it for the best luxury activities in Palmerston North. Find even more tips to make your luxury getaway exceptional in The Luxury Travel Guide to New Zealand.

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:

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Laura S.

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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