The Luxury Travel Guide to Palmerston North

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Luxury Adventure Activities

Palmerston North is surrounded by stunning rural scenery making it an ideal place to experience the New Zealand country life. One of the most premium ways to do so is with Makoura Lodge. Not only does Makoura Lodge offer luxury accommodation and a wedding venue on the edge of the Ruahine Ranges, but they are renowned locally for their horse treks. Ride to the views of the Ruahine mountains across working farmland and discover varied landscapes, from native bush to waterfalls. You’ll have the opportunity to do a river crossing too. Treks are suitable for all riding abilities, even beginners.

If you consider yourself a golfer, don’t miss Palmerston North’s scenic courses featuring rural grounds to inner-city greens. The Manawatu Golf Club is a great place to start, being the oldest golf course in New Zealand, while the Orlando Country Golf Club is Palmerston North’s premier golf course. You’ll also find the picturesque Feilding Golf Club alongside the Manawatu River, while the Palmerston North Golf Club offers a more casual experience in the city.

Palmerston North is also just a 30-minute drive from the sea, with stunning beaches to check out and premium beach activities to be had. Foxton Jet Ski (or Wake.X) offers jet ski hire and tours, the most popular tour being the Tour de River. Hop on one of their Sea-Doo SPARK jet skis and join your guide for a thrilling journey of discovery where the Manawatu River meets the Tasman Sea. Alternatively in Foxton Beach, learn kitesurfing or kite landboarding with Wind Warrior. They are one of the most comprehensive kite sports operators in New Zealand and are NZ’s only qualified kite landboarding instructors. You never know, you might just find your next favourite hobby.

For more ideas and inspiration, see the 6 Luxury Activities in Palmerston North.

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Luxury All-weather Activities

Your time in Palmerston North doesn’t have to be all go, go, go. Enjoy some downtime at one of the city’s luxury spas. One of your most premium options is the day spa at the Hiwinui Country Estate, a short drive from the city. The spa offers an extensive spa menu, including facials, massages, body treatments, hand and foot care, as well as men’s treatments. All of these can be enjoyed in treatment rooms which open up onto a deck so you can absorb the view of the breathtaking countryside. Other spas in Palmerston North include Pania Ryan Beauty Retreat, Bella Vita Day Spa, Juno Beauty Day Spa and Skin Therapy Day Spa.

Looking for a different all-weather activity? Palmerston North is, after all, one of New Zealand’s main cities, which naturally makes it a top destination for shopping. The city has a large shopping mall, as well as an array of boutique stores and hidden gems. If you’re in the city, don’t miss George Street and Coleman Mall boasting eateries and boutiques, decorated in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Outside of the city, seek out the hidden gems like Design and Desire at Caroline’s Garden with home decorating pieces to sweep you off your feet, and Hansen’s Cafe & Store in Kimbolton, which stocks local handmade products, from soaps to upcycled collectables.

For more all-weather ideas, check out the 10 Things to Do in Palmerston North on a Rainy Day.

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Fine Dining in Palmerston North

Nothing completes a day exploring an exciting new destination quite like an exquisite local dining experience. Palmerston North is a real foodie hub – just take a look at our The Foodie Guide to Palmerston North!

For a dine-in experience for a special occasion, or just to experience something more premium, book a table at restaurants such as Nero Restaurant (36 Amesbury Street). Set in one of Palmerston North’s original historic buildings and landscaped grounds, Nero is a multi-award-winning eatery featuring contemporary New Zealand cuisine.

Meat-lovers, don’t miss Aberdeen (161 Broadway Avenue), Palmerston North’s upmarket steakhouse serving AngusPure beef, i.e. the cream of the crop. More New Zealand cuisine can be enjoyed at Table 188 (2 The Square) in the heart of the city.

Palmerston North also interestingly features a couple of premium Japanese fine dining eateries, including Haru Japanese Restaurant (19 Broadway Avenue) and Yatai Japanese Izakaya Restaurant (316 Featherston Street).

For more restaurant recommendations, check out The Foodie Guide to Palmerston North.