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Top 20 Places to See in Palmerston North, New Zealand




Palmerston North is a city located in the Manawatu-Wanganui region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is the largest city in the region and is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant nightlife. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to narrow down the list of must-see attractions. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 places to see in Palmerston North.

1. Te Manawa Museum: Te Manawa Museum is a multi-award-winning museum located in the heart of Palmerston North. It is home to a wide range of exhibitions, including interactive displays, art galleries, and a science center. Te Manawa also offers a range of educational programs and activities for all ages.

2. Square Edge Community Arts Centre: Square Edge Community Arts Centre is a vibrant hub for creativity and learning. It features a range of workshops, classes, and exhibitions for all ages. The centre is also home to a range of community events and activities such as the Square Edge Festival and the Palmerston North Fringe Festival.

3. Victoria Esplanade: Victoria Esplanade is a beautiful park located in the heart of Palmerston North. It features a range of gardens, walkways, and recreational areas, as well as an aviary, children’s playground, and a mini-golf course. The Esplanade is also home to the popular Sunday Market, which runs every Sunday from October to April.

4. Palmerston North City Library: The Palmerston North City Library is a vibrant hub for learning and culture. It features a range of collections, including books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and audio books. The library also offers a range of educational activities and events.

5. Lido Aquatic Centre: The Lido Aquatic Centre is a great spot for swimming and water sports. It features a range of pools, slides, and other aquatic attractions. The centre is also home to a range of fitness classes, such as aqua aerobics and swimming lessons.

6. New Zealand Rugby Museum: The New Zealand Rugby Museum is a must-see for any sports fan. It features a range of interactive displays and exhibits, as well as a range of memorabilia from the All Blacks and other teams. The museum also offers a range of educational programs and activities.

7. The Regent on Broadway: The Regent on Broadway is a popular entertainment venue located in the heart of Palmerston North. It features a range of live music, theatre, and comedy shows. The venue is also home to a range of restaurants and bars.

8. The Arena Manawatu: The Arena Manawatu is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue located in Palmerston North. It features a range of sports and entertainment events, as well as a range of restaurants and bars. The Arena Manawatu is also home to the Manawatu Jets basketball team.

9. Palmerston North Botanic Gardens: The Palmerston North Botanic Gardens is a beautiful park located on the banks of the Manawatu River. It features a range of gardens, walkways, and recreational areas, as well as a range of educational activities and events.

10. Massey University: Massey University is a vibrant university located in the heart of Palmerston North. It features a range of educational programs and activities, as well as a range of student services and facilities. The university is also home to a range of cultural and sporting events.

11. The Globe Theatre: The Globe Theatre is a popular theatre located in the heart of Palmerston North. It features a range of live theatre, music, and comedy shows. The theatre also offers a range of educational programs and activities.

12. The Square: The Square is a vibrant public space located in the heart of Palmerston North. It features a range of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a range of public events and activities. The Square is also home to a range of art galleries and museums.

13. Awapuni Racecourse: Awapuni Racecourse is a popular horse racing venue located in the heart of Palmerston North. It features a range of racing events, as well as a range of restaurants and bars. The racecourse also offers a range of educational programs and activities.

14. The Lido Cinema: The Lido Cinema is a popular cinema located in the heart of Palmerston North. It features a range of movie screenings, as well as a range of restaurants and bars. The cinema also offers a range of educational programs and activities.

15. The Esplanade Scenic Railway: The Esplanade Scenic Railway is a popular tourist attraction located in the heart of Palmerston North. It features a range of scenic rides, as well as a range of restaurants and bars. The railway also offers a range of educational programs and activities.

16. The Lido Aquatic Centre: The Lido Aquatic Centre is a popular spot for swimming and water sports. It features a range of pools, slides, and other aquatic attractions. The centre is also home to a range of fitness classes, such as aqua aerobics and swimming lessons.

17. The Manawatu Gorge: The Manawatu Gorge is a stunning natural attraction located in the heart of Palmerston North. It features a range of walking tracks, as well as a range of restaurants and bars. The gorge also offers a range of educational programs and activities.

18. The Victoria Esplanade Gardens: The Victoria Esplanade Gardens is a beautiful park located in the heart of Palmerston North. It features a range of gardens, walkways, and recreational areas, as well as an aviary, children’s playground, and a mini-golf course.

19. The New Zealand Rugby Museum: The New Zealand Rugby Museum is a must-see for any sports fan. It features a range of interactive displays and exhibits, as well as a range of memorabilia from the All Blacks and other teams. The museum also offers a range of educational programs and activities.

20. The Esplanade Arts Centre: The Esplanade Arts Centre is a vibrant hub for creativity and learning. It features a range of workshops, classes, and exhibitions for all ages. The centre is also home to a range of community events and activities such as the Square Edge Festival and the Palmerston North Fringe Festival.

Whether you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife, stunning landscapes, or educational activities, Palmerston North has something to offer everyone. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to narrow down the list of must-see attractions. We hope this list of the top 20 places to see in Palmerston North has helped you plan your trip!