Compare Cheap Flights from Nelson to Palmerston North, New Zealand
Best Things to Do on Weekends
Manawatu River Pathway
The Manawatu River Pathway stretches for about 10 kilometres (six miles) on the southern border of the CBD. Much of the pathway is flat, and you can access it either by foot or by bike while holidaying on Nelson to Palmerston North flights. The entire pathway is marked by native plants and nice views of the river, and one of the main points of interest is the Victoria Esplanade. The Victoria Esplanade is home to beautiful rose gardens, bird aviaries, a duck pond, and a playground for kids. Visitors can even take a ride on the Esplanade Scenic Railway on weekends.
New Zealand Rugby Museum
If you’re a fan of rugby, don’t miss the chance to visit NZ’s national rugby museum while holidaying on flights from Nelson to Palmerston North. The museum shares the history of rugby in New Zealand from its humble beginnings in the 19th century to today. Visitors can view plenty of rugby artefacts and memorabilia like antique rugby balls and original All Blacks uniforms. After exploring the exhibits, head to the museum’s ‘Have a Go’ area to put your rugby skills to the test.
Bledisloe Park
Head to Bledisloe Park for a quiet nature walk away from the busy city centre. The park is teeming with native forest and is home to plenty of NZ birds too. The Bledisloe Park walking path will also lead you to Turitea Stream and a watering hole where you can go for a swim – especially refreshing if you’re visiting during the hot summer months. Bledisloe Park is located south of the city centre and just a quick walk from the Victoria Esplanade. It makes for a nice detour while you’re walking along the Manawatu River Pathway.
Public Transport and How to Get Around
The centre of Palmerston North is compact, so you’ll have no trouble making your way around the CBD on foot.
Having a rental car is the best way to explore the Palmerston North region if you want to venture outside of the city. Some of the best day trips you can look into around the region are Himatangi Beach and driving along the Manawatu Scenic Route. You can hire a car with Webjet when booking your Nelson to Palmerston North flights.
Palmerston North has a network of 10 bus routes that transport passengers around the city and suburbs. You can also catch the Fielding-Palmerston North route between the airport and CBD.
The Best Time to Visit
Summer is often viewed as the best time of year to fly from Nelson to Palmerston North. Daytime temperatures reach about 21° to 23°C with plenty of sunshine – ideal for enjoying outdoor activities and attending the city’s outdoor markets. Palmerston North is a popular family destination, so it gets busy during the school holidays, and summer is the high season. Get your summer accommodation and flights booked early for the best rate.
Autumn and spring still enjoy nice weather during the day but with smaller crowds compared to the busy summer months. Temperatures reach highs of about 15° to 21°C and dip to lows around 6° to 10°C. Autumn and spring are the perfect times for hiking without getting too hot – you’ll even be treated to beautiful foliage around the Manawatu-Wanganui region in autumn.
Don’t mind swapping warm temperatures for smaller crowds and lower prices? You may enjoy travelling on cheap flights from Nelson to Palmerston North in the winter. Temperatures reach highs of about 13°C, drop to lows of about 5°C, and winter sees more rain than the other seasons. Winter is a nice time to visit if you’re interested in Palmerston North’s museums and indoor activities. You can also enjoy brisk hikes on the sunnier days.
How Much Time to Spend in Palmerston North
Three to four days is the perfect stretch of time to enjoy all that Palmerston North and the surrounding Manawatu-Wanganui region have to offer. Take some time to explore the city attractions like the New Zealand Rugby Museum, the Square, and the Manawatu River Pathway. Then hop into a rental car to explore the surrounding region on day trips, hitting spots like the beaches of the west coast, the quaint town of Fielding, and the Pohangina Valley.
FAQ
What airlines fly from Nelson to Palmerston North?
There are currently no direct flights from Nelson to Palmerston North. Air New Zealand operates flights with a stopover on the way.
How long is the flight from Nelson to Palmerston North?
Flights from Nelson to Palmerston North are available from about two hours and 45 minutes, which includes a stopover.
How far in advance should I book a flight from Nelson to Palmerston North?
You’ll likely find the cheapest rates by booking your airfare about six to eight weeks before travel. Note that it’s often cheaper to book flights on a weekday rather than a weekend – rates tend to go up between Friday and Sunday when higher volumes of people are searching for flights.
