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At the heart of the Manawatu-Wanganui region on New Zealand’s North Island is a city that is perfectly situated to experience all the local attractions and the surrounding natural scenery. Palmerston North, known as “Palmy”, is one of New Zealand’s largest cities, yet is surrounded by natural wonders on all sides. From its huge Plaza Shopping Center to its extensive parks and gardens, the city boasts plenty of variety to keep visitors busy. At the very center of this bustling city is The Square, the main park and commercial center, where you can relax on seven hectares of parkland. Rugby lovers can indulge their passion for the sport at the New Zealand Rugby Museum, where you learn about the history of the nation’s beloved sport. The city is also well known as a center of cultural arts and its main art gallery Te Manawa showcases some of the best works of art by New Zealand artists. Step out of the city to venture further north and you can easily reach some of the North Island’s best areas of natural beauty, such as Tongariro National Park, a volcanic terrain that is home to Mount Ruapehu and the famous Tongariro Crossing. Alternatively take a trip out to the magnificent Manawatu Gorge to trek, raft or kayak through an untouched wilderness. At the end of a busy day, there are numerous restaurants and cafes within the city to sample a whole range of international cuisine. With Wanganui to the northwest and New Zealand’s capital Wellington to the south, Palmerston North is perfectly located to tour around this incredible region.
The temperate nature of the city’s climate makes Palmerston North a suitable destination for any seasonal holiday. However, from December to March temperatures are higher and the days are warmer and dryer than the middle of the year between June and August.
The rainy season falls between June and August, making this a less attractive time to visit for many tourists. As a result, accommodation is usually much cheaper at this time of the year.
Palmy has its own bus network which provides regular services throughout the city area and between other local towns, including Ashhurst, Foxton and Castlecliff. Buses also run between the city and Wellington in the south.