Palmerston North

Palmerston North city is the administrative centre of the sprawling Manawatu region, and the focal point for a number of major routes; south to Wellington, north to Taupo and Auckland, southeast to Napier and northwest to New Plymouth.

A pleasant tree-lined city, the crossroads of the Manawatu, with many education and research institutions in the area, in particular Massey University. The International Pacific College, a private tertiary institution set up by a Japanese foundation, lies on the outskirts. Bledisloe Park and Pohangina Domain (32km) have native bush walks, swimming and picnicking. In The Square can be found the Info Centre, the Hopwood Clock Tower, gardens and fountains. The Manawatu Art Gallery, the Science Centre and Manawatu Museum are located on Main Street West. History is found on Heritage Trails and in several specialist museums. Activities include trout fishing and jet boating on the river, horse trekking, or camping and tramping in the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges. The International Rose Trial Grounds are at The Esplanade Gardens, which also has picnic sites.