Top 10 things to do in Palmerston North

There are plenty of things to do in and around Palmerston North and the Manawatu region if you have some inside knowledge to guide your travels. To steer you in the right direction, here's our pick of favourite Manawatu attractions and the Palmerston North food scene.

1. Explore Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge

A nature lover's paradise formed over thousands of years by the Manawatū River, Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge is a must see on your New Zealand journey. Experience waterfalls, native forests, birdsong and views of untamed beauty and meet Whātonga, the 6 metre tall Māori Chief sculpture. Walking tracks range from 30 minutes to four hours. There are also mountain bike trails and guided horse treks in the area. The 1.5 hour Tawa Loop Walk is a favourite with some great views to discover. It follows part of the four-hour, one-way Manawatū Gorge Walk.

2. Arapuke Mountain Bike Park

Seek your next adrenaline fix at Arapuke Mountain Bike Park. Take just a 20-minute drive from Palmy city centre and experience over 30kms of epic, purpose-built trails ranging from grade 2 for beginners to grade 6 for advanced riders. There are exciting and challenging trails for everyone to enjoy and the shuttle service makes it easy to get to the top and power down the Arapuke trails again and again. If two wheels aren't your thing, the adjacent Sledge Track provides options for all abilities and is dotted with swimming holes.

3. Manawatū Scenic Route

Choose an immersive Manawatū experience and go off the beaten track. Discover hidden places and tucked away treasures around every corner from convivial country cafes and pubs, heritage sites, galleries and gardens, to scenic reserves, glow worm caves, picnic areas, camping spots and more. Spend a day or two meeting locals, exploring the swimming holes, forest walks, farms and rural villages along this celebrated touring route between Palmerston North and Mangaweka. For an equally scenic return to Palmerston North, you can choose either the Peep-o-Day or Stormy Point country driving routes.

4. Arts and Culture

Discover a vibrant theatre and arts scene centred in Palmerston North. An array of theatres present a variety of local, national and international performances. Dotted amongst the city are many public sculptures, pop up installations, and art exhibitions at a number of galleries – a perfect accompaniment to the eclectic offering of cafes and eateries.

5. He Ara Kotahi Riverside Experience

A breathtaking riverside pathway that leads you across a bespoke pedestrian bridge , designed to look like a fallen Karaka Tree, over the Manawatū River through native bush and past farmland taking you out to the urban eels feeding platform, and the Turitea Pā site and viewing platform. The striking He Ara Kotahi bridge is aptly named the "pathway that brings people together" – where visitors, trainers, and commuters can merge city with country, past with present and work with play. At night, it lights up and gives the appearance of floating over the awa below.

6. Scenic Rafting at Awastone

Book a rafting, kayaking or camping adventure on the magnificent Rangitikei River with Awastone. Enjoy stunning white papa cliff backdrops, float through gorges, camp on the river and go for a swim, and finish your day off in one of the private hot tubs. Add horse trekking and optional lodge accommodation into the mix at nearby River Valley or Makoura Lodge. Whether you choose a half-day, one-day or multi-day experience, you'll get to enjoy exciting activities and beautiful river landscapes that you'll talk about for years.

7. Himatangi Beach

Swim, surf, kayak, fish, walk or explore the immense sand dune fields at Himatangi Beach, just 30 minutes west by car. You could even book a stay at the award-winning Himatangi Beach Top 10 Holiday Park. A little further south is Foxton Beach, another local favourite with a surf patrol and some great little cafés in a seaside village. To the north, Tangimoana Beach on the mouth of the Rangitīkei River is great for fishing and walking.

8. Boutique Accommodation

Escape and unwind with a stay in one of the unique boutique accommodations dotted across Manawatū. From hosted lodges and Kiwi farm stays to secluded country retreats, each unique stay comes with spectacular scenery, farm fresh food and friendly welcomes from the families sharing their little slice of paradise. Whether you want riverside hot tubs, or mountain top views, you'll find the best way to unwind and reconnect here in Manawatū.

9. Feilding's Farmer Friday

Head to Feilding on a Friday to visit the livestock saleyards, one of the most authentic country experiences you'll ever witness. If you book ahead, you can have a guided tour of the yards with a local farmer – super-insightful for city folk! After the livestock sale, call into the Feilding Farmers' Market for local artisan foods and fresh produce from the region. It's on from 9am to 1.30pm every Friday.

10. Garden Lovers

From traditional English rose gardens to organic lavender fields, Manawatū is home to a large collection of diverse and breath-taking gardens. Greenhaugh Gardens surround an 1874 colonial homestead and make a postcard perfect picture. Established trees, ponds, boxed hedging, wisteria, roses and perennials all come together to create a serene setting for a garden stroll. With more than 2000 varieties of azaleas and rhododendrons, Cross Hill Gardens is a world-renowned garden near the village of Kimbolton. Waterfalls, ponds and secret pathways amongst mature trees only add to its charm. Only 20 minutes by car from Palmy, Heritage Park Rhododendron Garden is a magnificent showcase of thousands of varieties of rhododendrons, azaleas and roses. Park-like and expansive, this garden makes a perfect picnic spot where dogs are welcome too!