The Foodie Guide to Palmerston North

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Food Tours and Experiences

In the heart of a productive farming region, Palmerston North certainly knows how to do foodie experiences. The most comprehensive and cultural of which is visiting one of the local farmer’s markets. Pick up locally-grown fresh produce, bread, condiments and more at weekly markets such as the Saturday morning Albert Street Farmers’ Market (Albert Sports Bar Car Park, Albert Street), the Sunday morning Highbury Flea Market (Highbury Shopping Centre Carpark, Highbury Avenue) and the Palmy Sunday Market (150 Rangitīkei Street). One of the highlights of the area, however, is the Feilding Farmers’ Market in a nearby town where quality artisan products like local wines, cheeses and meats are sold. Check this last one out on Manchester Street in Feilding every Friday morning.

Delve into New Zealand’s coffee culture with one of the coffee tours and experiences with Arrosta Coffee. Located in the heart of Palmerston North, Arrosta Coffee is a coffee roaster and supplier with their very own cafe and interactive workshops. Take their one-hour Roastery Tour to learn about the process of the green bean becoming a cup of everyone’s favourite morning treat. Alternatively, get something similar to a wine tasting experience, but with coffee, on their Coffee Education & Cupping Workshop or learn how to get the best from your home coffee machine in the Barista Workshop.

We only briefly mentioned wine, but don’t worry, you can still get your wine-o fix from Palmerston North too. Pathfinder Tours offer private wine tours of the nearby Martinborough and Wairarapa wine region departing from the Palmerston North i-SITE. The eight-to-nine-hour tour has you sipping varietals in up to five different cellar doors and includes a winery lunch, as well as tea/coffee and all wine tasting fees.

For more food tours and experiences, like a honey centre and a local brewery, check out the 7 Things to Do in Palmerston North for Foodies.

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The Best Restaurants in Palmerston North

Palmerston North offers some of the most diverse dining experiences in New Zealand all in one place, from food truck feasts to cafes that roast their own beans to fine dining establishments serving local and international cuisine.

In theme with Palmerston North’s surrounding farms, The Fat Farmer (360 Albert Street) provides locally-sourced New Zealand cuisine in a vintage-style setting. The menu is complemented by an extensive wine and New Zealand craft beer list, as well as creative cocktails.

Experience more of Palmerston North’s cafe scene at Cyclista Espresso Bar & Roastery (54 George Street) decorated with many Kiwis’ passion for cycling to go along with your morning fix. What’s more, they roast and blend their own beans.

For a healthy dining option for yourself and the local community, check out Wholegrain Organics (134 The Square). Try vegan slices, organic smoothies, handmade and wholegrain vegan pizzas, fresh salads and a range of dishes with freshly made bread and topped with in-house spreads and toppings at this cafe that provides education food programs for Palmerston North’s youth.

An eclectic range of hearty cuisine and in-house craft beer can be experienced at Brew Union (41 Broadway and 78 King Street). Inside the restaurant or courtyard, feast on hand-stretched woodfired pizzas, in-house-pressed burgers, antipasto platters, cheese boards, Kiwi fish and chips and much more.

Some honourable mentions include Nero Restaurant, Haru Japanese Restaurant, Arranged Marriage Restaurant, Saigon Corner, Cafe Brie, Little Savana and Table 188. Learn about these restaurants and more across The Luxury Guide to Palmerston North, The Honeymoon Guide to Palmerston North and The Guide to Palmerston North on a Budget.

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Alternative Things to Do in Palmerston North

Believe it or not, there are some other things to do in Palmerston North besides eating and drinking. Complete your Palmy itinerary with some of the following activities:

• Walk or cycle the Manawatu River Pathway
• Go horse riding at Makoura Lodge
• Check out the local museums, like Te Manawa and the New Zealand Ruby Museum
• Take a trip to Himatangi Beach
• See the native bird hospital, flower gardens and parks at Victoria Esplanade.

For elaboration on each activity and much more, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Palmerston North.