Palmerston North - Guide for Backpackers© Destination Manawatu - Tourism New Zealand
Palmerston North - Guide for Backpackers

Palmerston North – Guide for Backpackers

© Destination Manawatu – Tourism New Zealand

Hikes, Bikes and Nights to Remember!

Day or night, there’s always something to do in Palmerston North. The truly “happening” city can be easily explored by foot or by bike on the multiple dedicated paths and cycleways. A short drive out of the city brings you to the likes of Manawatu Gorge for something a little more adventurous on the hiking side. Plus, the city is dotted with sculptures and street art that always keeps things interesting in between visiting museums.

By night, the city comes alive with various events like a multicultural food truck feast and night markets, as well as a huge choice of bars and clubs hosting live music, quiz night, poker nights and karaoke.

The surrounding Manawatu region is a treat in itself, giving you plenty of reasons to stop a little while in Palmerston North.

Things You Can’t Miss in Palmerston North

  • Check out the Maori relics at the Te Manawa Museum
  • Challenge yourself at the Rugby Museum
  • Go on a bushwalk at the Manawatu Gorge
  • Cycle on the Manawatu Riverside Pathway
  • Get yourself some cheap eats at the Food Truck Street Feast
  • Go to a karaoke night or catch some live music at one of the many bars and clubs.

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

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$12.50.

Palmerston North - Guide for Backpackers© NZPocketGuide.com

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 more walks within driving distance of Palmerston North, check out 10 Walks Around Palmerston North. For a list of pretty much all the walks in Palmerston North, check out 26 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 10km (6 miles) 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.

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

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 10km 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 13km (8 miles) 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 10-20km (6-12 miles) 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.

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

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), and Cafe Royale (Square Edge building on The Square) has live piano music on Friday nights and various live music on Saturdays.

For some dancing and a game of pool, check out Mr Cue Bar & Nightclub (Taonui Street). 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).

If You Have More Time in Palmerston North…

  • Play laser tag at Lazertag Experience (Bennet Street)
  • Catch a movie at a discounted price on Tuesdays at the Downtown Cinemas & Cinema Gold (Broadway Avenue)
  • Go bowling at Bowlarama Tenpin Bowling Centre with “glow bowling” on Friday and Saturday nights (Cuba Street)
  • Visit Ashhurst for the Ashhurst Domain and The Herb Farm free-entry gardens
  • Get your swim on at the Lido Aquatic Centre
  • Check out Foxton Beach and even windsurf with Wind Warriors.
  • For more things to do, check out 12 Free and Cheap Things to do in Manawatu.

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.

Was this article useful?

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter