What are the top things to do and see in Palmerston North?
Victoria Esplanade
Situated in the city’s south, Palmerston North’s Victoria Esplanade is a 26 hectare precinct that offers plenty of great activities for the whole family. Set out on a walk through the gardens, admiring the native bushland and landscaped gardens or take a ride on the volunteer-run Esplanade Scenic Railway. Let the kids run wild on the playground or cool off in the paddling pool after a day of adventuring. With picnic spots and BBQ areas scattered throughout the precinct, as well as an onsite cafe, Victoria Esplanade is a lovely place to spend a day after arriving on Blenheim to Palmerston North flights.
Manawatu River Pathway
Offering scenic river views, a walk, run or bike ride along the Manawatu River Pathway is a great way to stretch your legs following your Blenheim to Palmerston North flights. The majority of the pathway is sealed and quite flat, making it well suited to most ability levels. Although the pathway does measure in at close to 10 kilometres in total, there are several different access points along its length. If you have limited time before you’re set to head home, choose to explore a portion of the pathway instead of its entirety.
New Zealand Rugby Museum
Home to the country’s largest collection of rugby memorabilia, the New Zealand Rugby Museum is one of Palmerston North’s unmissable attractions. Whether you have an interest in the sport or history in general, the museum’s fascinating exhibitions reveal the stories behind the people and events that have helped to shape the game. See the oldest All Blacks jersey, historic rugby balls and other artefacts in person, or test your skills in the ‘Have A Go’ area, complete with a scrum machine and places to kick a ball or two.
What’s the best way to get around Palmerston North?
If you enjoy exploring a new destination at your own pace or are thinking of discovering the wider region surrounding Palmerston North, it could be a good idea to hire a car when visiting the city. Not only are you able to plan day trips on a whim with a hire car, but you can also travel to destinations not served by public transport. Secure the vehicle of your choice when booking your flights from Blenheim to Palmerston North or pick up a hire car on arrival at Palmerston North Airport (PMR). If you are thinking of visiting Palmerston North during the summer months or during New Zealand school holidays, hire cars may be in higher demand, so be sure to book your preferred hire car well ahead of time.
If you’re set to stay in the heart of the city and only plan to travel short distances during your stay, the city’s taxi services may be a good option. Allowing you to head direct to where you want to go, travelling by taxi may be quicker than the city’s bus services. It’s good to bear in mind, however, that travelling by taxi may become expensive if it’s the only mode of transportation you choose to use during your time in Palmerston North.
Whether you’re travelling on a budget or simply wanting to save money for more exciting things, Palmerston North’s bus service is a cost effective way to navigate the city. Operating a number of different routes that navigate the city centre and surrounding suburbs, the local bus service is generally quite reliable and easy to use. To take the hassle out of boarding, once you arrive on your Blenheim to Palmerston North flights, purchase a reloadable Bee Card. The cards are free but do require a minimum top up of $5.
What are the major events and festivals held in Palmerston North?
Festival of Cultures
Kicking off on the last Friday in February, Palmerston North’s Festival of Cultures is a week-long celebration of the city’s cultural diversity. Through an assortment of events, workshops and demonstrations, the different cultures that coexist in the Palmerston North community are not only recognised but thoroughly celebrated for their unique qualities. Join the annual lantern parade, take an interesting workshop or stop by World Fair Day, the closing event of the festival, and browse through the stalls set up by locals from all walks of life.
Block Party Street Festival
Held on the last Thursday of each month, Palmerston North’s Block Party Street Festival sees food trucks and stalls descend on The Square in time for dinner. Admission to the festival is free, with a great range of food options on offer from local and visiting food trucks. The cuisines available vary from month to month, with previous events featuring Thai, Italian, Mexican and more. Settle in for a satisfying bite to eat or embrace the opportunity to try an assortment of different foods in one sitting.
FAQs
How long is the flight time from Blenheim to Palmerston North?
As there are no direct flights from Blenheim and Palmerston North, the journey length can vary greatly depending on where your flight stops and how long each stopover is.
Are there direct flights from Blenheim to Palmerston North?
There are currently no direct flights available between Blenheim and Palmerston North.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Palmerston North from Blenheim?
The cheapest time to fly to Palmerston North from Blenheim is in autumn or spring. Summer and winter are both popular times to visit Palmerston North, increasing the price of airfares, while autumn and spring are the city’s shoulder seasons. In autumn and spring, the weather is still quite fair, but fewer tourists flock to the North Island city at these times of the year.
