The Food Guide to Palmerston North: Places to Eat & Food Tours

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The Best Food Tours in Palmerston North

In the heart of a productive farming region, Palmerston North certainly knows how to do foodie experiences.

Farmers’ Markets

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.

Coffee Roastery Tour

Experience 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”.

Wine Tour

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.

More Food Tours in Palmerston North

• Browse honey products and taste honey ice cream at Waireka Honey
• Take a tour of the Tui Brewery
• Learn about all things dairy at the Robotic Dairy Farm Tours
• Treat your tastebuds at Palmerston North’s restaurants.

For information on all these experiences and their locations, take a look at the 5 Things to Do in Palmerston North for Foodies.

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About the Best Places to Eat in Palmerston North

Palmerston North has a surprisingly diverse dining scene that goes far beyond its size. From fine dining and farm-to-plate experiences to hearty craft beer meals, international flavours, and countryside cafés, the city has something to please every appetite.

Whether you’re in town for a quick bite, a date night, or a weekend getaway, you’ll find plenty of spots worth lingering over.

Where to Eat: The Best Restaurant in Palmerston North

If you’re after the top names in town, Nero Restaurant (36 Amesbury Street) consistently stands out with its refined dining and polished service, while Amayjen Restaurant (17 Victoria Avenue) delivers award-winning plates with a strong focus on seasonal New Zealand produce. Both are go-to choices for a special occasion or a long, indulgent evening.

Where to Eat: International Restaurants in Palmerston North

Palmerston North is no stranger to global flavours. Try Little Savanna (45–47 Princess Street) for South African-inspired dishes and smoky grilled meats, or Haru Japanese Restaurant (19 Broadway Avenue) for beautifully presented sushi and traditional Japanese meals.

Saigon Corner (54 Princess Street) offers authentic Vietnamese favourites like pho and fresh spring rolls, while Pompeii Pizza (Fitzherbert Avenue) has been firing up wood-fired pizzas since the 1980s.

Where to Eat: New Zealand Restaurants in Palmerston North

For something that feels distinctly Kiwi, head to The Fat Farmer (360 Albert Street), where the focus is on local produce and hearty shared plates.

Tony’s Pizza (134 The Square) is a long-time local favourite serving up generous slices of Kiwi-style pizza, while Brew Union Brewing Co (39–41 Broadway Avenue) pairs craft beer with big, bold comfort food.

Where to Eat: The Best Cafes in Palmerston North

If you’re looking for a more relaxed dining experience, The Herb Farm Café (86 Grove Road, RD 10) is a beautiful countryside retreat just a short drive from the city.

Their menu highlights wholesome, fresh and locally sourced ingredients, making it a perfect spot for breakfast, brunch, or a slow afternoon surrounded by gardens.

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.

© Quest Palmerston North

Where to Stay: Accommodations in Palmerston North for Foodies

When it comes to gastronomical experiences at your accommodation, Palmerston North has a choice of resorts with fabulous restaurants or self-catering accommodation, should you want to spruce something up with local ingredients.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Accommodations in Palmerston North for Foodies, here are some of our top picks for foodies.

Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North – Versatile Stay for Business and Leisure

A motel chain found in Palmerston North is the Copthorne by Millennium Hotels. This hotel is the right fit for just about anyone, including corporate travellers, couples, friends and families thanks to the adaptable room layouts.

The Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North features entry-level rooms that are kind on the wallet, “Family Suites” with a separate living area, a kitchenette and sofabed, and luxurious “Junior Suites” with space to wine and dine in your own lounge and private balcony.

Rooms have free WiFi and in-room entertainment systems, while the on-site Jimmy Cook’s Kiwi Kitchen is a great option for dining in the city.

Discover why Copthorne Hotel Palmerston North is a reliable and comfortable choice, and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

Quest Palmerston North – Stylish Apartment Living in the City

Get the hotel meets home-away-from-home experience at Quest Palmerston North. The high-end apartment hotel chain offers an upmarket self-catering stay in Palmerston North with stylish contemporary studios and one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

All units feature a full kitchen with a dishwasher (PakN’Save is just across the road), while other conveniences include car parking, electric vehicle charging, laundry facilities, local restaurant chargeback, WiFi and in-house movies.

Find out why Quest Palmerston North is ideal for a home-away-from-home experience, and reserve your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

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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 20 Best Things to Do in Palmerston North.