The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Palmerston North

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Museums in Palmerston North

A quick activity to do in Palmerston North is checking out the Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History (Main Street). See Maori artefacts from the Manawatu-Wanganui region, learn about the early European settlers, marvel at ever-changing art displays, and interactive science exhibits.

In the same building at the Te Manawa Museum, check out the Rugby Museum. Not only can you learn about the history of New Zealand’s favourite sport, but you can take on some rugby challenges. Entry is around NZ$15.

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Walks in Palmerston North

Palmerston North is a great city to stretch your legs. Find walks within the city and only a 15-20 minute drive out of town.

For a list of pretty much all the walks in Palmerston North, check out 30 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North.

Manawatu Riverside Pathway (Bridle Track) (2 Hours One Way)

Hire a bike or use the two legs God gave you to complete this 10 km (6 mi) track around the edge of Palmerston North city.

It’s an easy walk accessed from any of the following: Te Mata Road, Albert Street, Centennial Drive, The Esplanade and Maxwells Line. The track is just a 5-10 minute drive from the city centre.

Manawatu Gorge Walk (Gorge Walk – 3-5 Hours One Way, Tawa Loop 2 Hours Loop)

Only a 15-minute drive from Palmerston North, Manawatu Gorge is a hiker’s dream. The closest entrance into the gorge is on State Highway 3, Napier Road car park.

The Tawa Loop is a shorter track ideal for those with less time or with a moderate fitness level, whereas the Gorge Walk is a one-way track for the more adventurous.

More information on these forest hikes can be found in the Tararua – Guide for Backpackers.

Totara Loop Track, Manawatu Gorge (15-Minute Loop Track)

A short and super easy track in the Manawatu Gorge is the Totara Loop Track. To find the track, take State Highway 3 then the walk is just across Ballance Bridge, 20 minutes from Palmerston North.

Bledisloe Park (8-40 Minutes One Way)

A great open space to just go wild in Palmerston North, Bledisloe Park also has a number of varying length walkways.

Some lead to the Turitea Stream and are super easy to walk. Find the park Tennent Drive, Massey University Avenue.

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Bike Tracks in Palmerston North

When cycling on the roads, be sure to follow the City Cycling Rules in New Zealand.

Manawatu Riverside Pathway (Grade 1-2)

Enjoy an easy-going ride along the Manawatu River. This 10 km (6 mi) biking/walking track is easily accessible from the city giving you a great opportunity for a day ride.

Although it is a one-way ride, you can easily loop this ride back to your starting point in the city. Access points to the Manawatu Riverside Pathway include Te Mata Road, Albert Street, Centennial Drive, The Esplanade and Maxwells Line.

Arapuke Forest Park (Grade 2-5)

Just 13 km (8 mi) from Palmerston North city centre, Arapuke Forest Park is made up of mountain bike trails. Beginners can try the grade 2 Jack Frost, while experts can challenge themselves to six grade 3, six grade 4 and one grade 5 trail.

Find the mountain bike tracks at the very end of Kahuterawa Road and at the car park on Scotts Road.

Tuitea Loop Track (Grade 3)

This loop takes 1-2 hours to complete covering 10-20 km (6-12 mi) depending on whether you ride or drive to the start of the track.

From The Square (city centre), ride/drive to Fitzherbert Avenue. Cross Fitzherbert Bridge up on Summerhill Drive. Park your car on the gravel section before turning off onto Old West Road. Turn right onto Old West Road then left onto Turitea Road.

Cross the bridge and bear right then stay on this gravel road all the way to Kahuterawa Road and follow it back to Old West Road. Turn right on Old West Road and back onto Hummer Hill Drive.

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Nightlife in Palmerston North

After a day of bike riding, going for a walk, or checking out the museums, the fun doesn’t stop there. There’s always something happening at night in Palmerston North starting with the bars, live music and night markets.

Night Markets in Palmerston North

Get yourself a bite to eat or pick up some souvenirs at one of Palmerston North’s markets. The Village Night Market is a monthly market in the Palmerston North City Library with all sorts going on.

Get down to The Square every Thursday night for the Food Truck Street Feast, music and flavours from all over the world.

Bars and Nightclubs in Palmerston North

There’s always something happening at night in Palmerston North. The Barista Cafe (George Street) is open 7 till late with Saturday nights having live jazz music.

You’ll also find live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm at the Bubbles Champagne & Wine Bar (Regent Arcade off Broadway Avenue).

Wednesdays and Thursdays are karaoke night a the Bubbles Champagne & Wine Bar, as well as karaoke every night at China Inn Karaoke (Broadway Avenue).

Grab a beer and catch some live music at The Brewer’s Apprentice (corner of Church and Linton Streets).

Quiz night on Thursdays and poker night is on Tuesdays at Rosie O’Grady’s (corner of Fitzherbert Avenue & Ferguson Street).