The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Palmerston North

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Free Activities in Palmerston North

With gorgeous parks, walks and a museum, you’ll hardly struggle for free things to do in Palmerston North. A great place to start is Te Manawa Museum of Arts, Science and History. The free museum near the city centre offers an array of interesting exhibitions on Maori taonga (treasure), the Manawatu River and changing temporary exhibitions.

If you prefer to get outside, then an excellent space in the city is Bledisloe Park. It’s one of the last remaining bush remnants in Palmerston North city. Go for a walk and see the Turitea Stream and listen to birdsong. You won’t believe this place exists in the middle of the city.

For more nature, however, take a trip to Manawatu Gorge is home to a network of walking trails among native forest. See amazing views from the lookouts overlooking the Manawatu River and find the giant metal Maori statue hidden in the forest. While you’re in the area, drive or cycle up to Te Apiti Windfarm to stand underneath huge wind turbines.

Other free activities in Palmerston North add even more variety to your visit. Take a walk around The Square, the city’s lively central park, where fountains, sculptures and green lawns make it a relaxing stop. Just nearby, Berrymans Lane bursts with colourful street art, perfect for a quick wander.

Families will love Victoria Esplanade with its rose gardens, aviaries and playgrounds, while Hokowhitu Lagoon is a peaceful spot to feed the ducks.

For a classic day out, head to the beach at Himatangi or Foxton for sand, surf and driftwood huts.

If you’re up for an adventure, the Pohangina Valley offers stunning river views, bush walks and picnic spots just outside the city. You can even make a short trip to Shannon, where boutique shops make for a fun and free-spirited excursion.

For more free activities and information, see the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Palmerston North.

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Cheap Activities in Palmerston North

Got a little bit of budget to spare? You might enjoy these other highlights in Palmerston North…

Alongside the Manawatu River, ride the Manawatu River Pathway which is a shared walk/cycle path. Bike hire typically ranges from NZ$30 for a couple of hours to NZ$50 for the full day so you can enjoy cycling for an affordable price. Ride through Palmerston North’s premier park, Victoria Esplanade, with a rose garden and a native bird hospital, Wildbase Recovery, which is free to visit.

Rugby fans or those who want to understand why New Zealand is so nutty about rugby, head to the New Zealand Rugby Museum. With an entry fee around NZ$15, it’s too cheap to not check it out. See all sorts of rugby memorabilia and take on some of the rugby challenges in the centre of the museum.

And to experience the vibrant community spirit of a Kiwi city, head to one of Palmerston North’s many markets. Try artisan baked goods, Maori bread, condiments and preserves, and browse an array of local crafts. Some highlights include the Albert Street Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings, the Highbury Flea Market (Highbury Shopping Centre Carpark) on Sunday mornings and the Palmy Sunday Market (150 Rangitīkei Street).

It’s also worth a quick drive to the neighbouring town of Feilding for their award-winning Feilding Farmers’ Market on Friday mornings.

Need more inspiration for activities? Check out the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Palmerston North.

© Kauri Court Motel and Apartments

Where to Stay: Affordable Accommodations in Palmerston North

Palmerston North is a city of motels, many of which offer cheap rates for an affordable self-contained stay. You’ll also find some but limited budget lodges, hostels and hotels.

Although we outline all your options in the 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Palmerston North, here are some of our top picks for travellers on a budget.

Kauri Court Motel and Apartments – Boutique Comfort Near Fitzherbert Park

A boutique motel near the scenic Fitzherbert Park, Kauri Court Motel and Apartments provides a tranquil and friendly experience.

Stay in bright and well-appointed studios and multi-bedroom apartments with features like individual air-conditioning, free WiFi, super king beds, cooking facilities and a bathroom.

The motel also has a breakfast menu should you want to take a break from cooking, as well as on-site parking and laundry facilities.

Discover what makes Kauri Court Motel and Apartments a relaxing stay option, and book your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

The Esplanade Motel & Conference Centre – Convenient Stay Near Massey University

One of the closest motels to Massey University, The Esplanade Motel & Conference Centre provides an alternative location. Drawcards of the motel include the free mountain bikes to hire in summer and free access to a nearby gym and pool.

The motel has 13 well-appointed rooms including budget studios, one-bedroom spa units, and two-bedroom family apartments. Guests will have access to their own kitchenette, Sky TV, DVD player with an extensive library, free WiFi and more.

Learn why The Esplanade Motel & Conference Centre is a great choice for budget travellers, and reserve your stay through Booking.com or Expedia!

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Cheap Eats in Palmerston North

Palmerston North is a bit of a dark horse when it comes to foodie experiences, especially with its food trucks often gracing the local markets or any event happening in the city.

You’ll also find some cheap eats, such as Saigon Corner (54 Princess Street) for their irresistible Vietnamese food and their coffee with a naughty dollop of condensed milk.

For some English and Irish food, try the Celtic Inn (73-77 Broadway Avenue) for their hearty steak and chips and full-English breakfasts or Sunday Roast (112 Broadway Avenue) for ultra-filling roast dinners for under NZ$20.

Noodles ‘n Dumplings (21 Coleman Place) is another popular place for their, well, noodles and dumpling but also Asian pancakes.

Finally, head to The Square and indulge in the generous food portions of Turkish Delight – Ali’s Kebab Cafe (15 Fitzherbert Avenue) which also serve authentic “Turkish Delight” for dessert.

For more restaurant recommendations, see The Food Guide to Palmerston North.

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More About 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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More About 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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More About 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).