What are the top tips for first-time travellers to Palmerston North?
If you need some recommendations of things to do during your stay or need help navigating the city following your flights from Napier to Palmerston North, the Palmerston North i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is a great resource. Open from Monday to Saturday, the centre offers a wealth of useful information to visitors, including details of local events and activities, and more.
If you’re thinking of staying in the heart of Palmerston North, it is quite easy to get around on foot or by using the local bus service. Several bus routes operate across the city, but it’s important to keep in mind that you won’t be able to access all of Palmerston North’s main attractions by bus. If you are wanting to travel beyond the reach of the local bus service, you may want to consider hiring a car. Secure your rental car when booking your flights from Napier to Palmerston North or choose to hire a car after arriving at Palmerston North Airport (PMR). Consider booking your hire car ahead of time if your stay in the city is due to coincide with one of the city’s popular annual events or New Zealand’s school holiday periods.
Even at the height of summer, Palmerston North rarely experiences temperatures higher than 23℃. Whether you’re planning to book Napier to Palmerston North flights to arrive between December and February, during autumn and spring, or in winter, consider packing clothing that you can layer. Although the mornings and evenings may be quite cool, layering your clothing allows you to be prepared for any warmer days during your stay, as well as any other sudden changes in the weather.
What are the top things to do and see in Palmerston North?
New Zealand Rugby Museum
If you consider yourself a bit of a sports buff or have a keen interest in history, plan a visit to Palmerston North’s New Zealand Rugby Museum. Housing New Zealand’s most comprehensive collection of rugby-related memorabilia, the museum showcases the events and personalities that have been pivotal to the evolution of the game. Stop by the museum after your flights from Napier to Palmerston North and see items including historic rugby balls, the world's oldest All Blacks jersey, and more, up close. Making for a great day out for sports fans of all ages, the museum is also home to several fun interactive activity zones, allowing you to kick a ball or take on a scrum machine.
Victoria Esplanade
Covering 26 hectares in total, Palmerston North’s Victoria Esplanade precinct is an attraction that’s well worth discovering when spending time in the city. Located close to downtown Palmerston North, the Victoria Esplanade boasts plenty to see and do throughout its grounds. Spend a sunny morning wandering through the Dugald MacKenzie Rose Gardens, stop by the Peter Black Conservatory and admire the plant collection housed inside or simply have a nice time exploring the grounds at your leisure. There’s plenty for kids to do within the precinct too, with paddling pools providing the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer’s day and the Esplanade Scenic Railway making exploring the expansive grounds fun.
How much time should you spend in Palmerston North?
Situated on New Zealand’s North Island, Palmerston North is a destination that can be experienced in a multitude of ways. Whether you only have a weekend to spare or have the luxury of enjoying a longer stay in the city following your Napier to Palmerston North flights, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to see what makes it a destination worth exploring. Staying in the city for a weekend or a couple of days mid-week, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a taste of Palmerston North, visiting just a few of the city’s major attractions. While a weekend isn’t enough time to explore in-depth, you’ll be able to get a taste of what sets the city apart from others across the country.
If you’re wanting to learn more about what makes Palmerston North so special, consider a stay of five days or more. With more time available to visit the city’s attractions, explore its neighbourhoods and experience the beauty of the areas that surround it, you’ll be able to discover more of the North Island destination.
Enjoying a stay of a week or more in Palmerston North allows you to explore the city at your leisure and gives you plenty of time to visit all the top attractions, find great places to eat and enjoy a taste of the local lifestyle. Staying in Palmerston North for a longer period of time is also a good choice if you’re wanting to see more of the North Island during your stay. Base yourself in the city and enjoy day trips to other towns and attractions nearby.
FAQs
Are there direct flights from Napier to Palmerston North?
There are currently no direct flights available between Napier and Palmerston North.
How long is the flight time from Napier to Palmerston North?
As there are no direct flights from Napier to Palmerston North, the total flight time does vary depending on the chosen flight route and the length of each stopover. On average, the journey to Palmerston North from Napier takes at least three hours.
