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Palmerston North Things to Do

Arial view of Palmerston North. Copyright: Destination Manawatu
Arial view of Palmerston North. Copyright: Destination Manawatu

Palmerston North is a popular tourist destination, with a huge range of attractions. From garden walks, to bridge swinging, to white water rafting, there is something to entertain everyone!

Explore the Ruahine Forest Park

Ruahine Forest Park stretches almost 100 kilometres from the Taruarau River in the north, to the Manawatu Gorge in the south. The park covers about 94,000 hectares and is one of a number of small mountain ranges that form the spine of the North Island.

Ruahine Forest Park offers great forest and alpine walks as well as hunting, skiing, kayaking, mountain biking, four wheel driving, fishing, swimming and camping.

A City of Gardens

Palmerston North has many beautiful parks and gardens. Cross Hill Gardens, The Fragrant Garden, Pukemarama and The Victoria Esplanade Gardens are some of note.

Pick up a visitor information guide from the Palmerston North I-site for more information.

Go White Water Rafting

For some action packed adventure, go white water rafting on the beautiful Rangitikei River. Rafting tours include intense half day Grade 5 rafting tours, gentle family floating trips, and multi day wilderness adventures.

Visit Te Manawa Museum

Visit the Te Manawa Museum and learn about Manawatu nationally significant taonga, along with browsing contemporary art, science and heritage collections.

Flip Out for the Day

Trampolining is the latest fun family activity springing up in cities all over New Zealand. Flip City Trampoline Park is Palmerston North's trampoline arena and is home to the only trampoline half pipe in New Zealand. Jump, flip and spin on the interconnected trampolines.

Explore Fielding

A 16-minute drive from Palmerston North is the small town of Feilding. Fridays are are great day to visit Fielding as the iconic Feilding Saleyards Guided Tour is held this day. Meet the local farmers and watch live cattle and sheep auctions. The Feilding Farmers' Market is also held on Fridays and is a great place to explore and taste local produce along with wine, cheese, honey and bread.

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