Hey, I’m Charlotte and I’m a Veterinary Technology student at Massey University here in Palmerston North.
I’m very passionate about my city and the greater Manawatu, so I can’t wait to tell you about some of the awesome things to do and to see around the region! I love living in this beautiful green city and I hope you will too!
Events
Palmerston North is a city buzzing with life and has a bunch of awesome events on during the year. Starting off the year with a bang, Palmy has an awesome New Year’s Eve party where they play music and have fireworks - it’s defiantly not to be missed!
Marching on from this, we host the World Famous in New Zealand Hilux NZ Rural Games. This is two days of experiencing the best of the NZ rural community - we have stalls and competitions, which is a great way to spend a weekend!
Next up is the festival of cultures, which is an explosion of colours and tastes from all around the globe, live performances and lots of yummy food - you’ll always catch me there each year! There is also constant theatre performances on as the city boasts a great theatrical scene all year round.
Palmy Council has just supported a new program called Palmy Unleashed so we are expecting way more events and shows to be gracing our streets in the coming years so always keep an eye out!
Activities
As a region boasting a clean and green environment, there are many outdoor activities that are worth checking out. For example, it is a must to head out for a walk to the Te Apiti Wind Farm lookout, where you get an amazing view of the first wind farm in New Zealand to supply energy to the national grid.
After taking in those magnificent views you’d be wise to stop past the Victoria Esplanade to enjoy the miniature railway or check out the awesome wildlife looked after by the Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery Center with their free walkthrough aviary.
After a long day of walking, check out the Square where the infamous clock tower will light up in rainbow colours making for the perfect Instagrammable photos.
On a winter's day you’d be smart to venture into the outer regions of the Manawatu-Wanganui region and check out Mt Ruapehu and the surrounding areas to get your skiing on or to check out the little township of Feilding, which has been voted New Zealand's most beautiful town on many occasions.
Don’t forget to take a day trip and visit our museum Te Manawa or if you are a sporty person the New Zealand Rugby Museum is right around the corner!
Accommodation
You don’t have to travel far in Palmy to realise that everything you could ever want is right around the corner! Because of this, accommodation in the middle of the city is the way to go. Whether you want a hot tub in your room at the Avenue Motel or a budget-friendly stay at the Broadway Motor Inn, Palmy definitely has you sorted for any type of accommodation you'd desire, all of which are a short jaunt to the buzzing main area of Palmerston North. If you are a little distance away, Palmy boasts an easy-to-use bus network that won’t break the bank.
Like what you read? Don’t underestimate what the Manawatu has to offer! Make sure to check us out on your next road trip, I promise it is worth your time.