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Discover the neatest places to eat, drink, shop, and more in Palmerston North.

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12 Hour
Palmerston North City Itinerary

People sitting at high tops in a brick brewery building.
12hr Palmerston North

Toss any preconceptions you might have, there is A LOT to do in Palmerston North. If you like food, drink, art, shopping, and friendly people, you’ve come to the right place. While you won’t be able to fit all the great places into just one day, this guide will lead you to some of the very best bits. Each spot offers something different, but they all have one thing in common - the owners, proprietors, chefs, artists, curators, shopkeepers, and staff take pride in their work and are excellent ambassadors for Palmerston North.

Where to get Down with Donuts

A tray of doughnuts from Baked.
Story Auckland

Doughnuts or donuts--who really cares? We've rounded up the best doughy deliciousness you can find in NZ.

Palmerston North's Secret Handshake

Simon and Catherine from Pork Chop Hill
Story Palmerston North
Te Motu o Poutoa/ANZAC Park, affectionately known as “Pork Chop Hill”, is a lookout point, observatory, and car park perched on a bluff above the Manawatū River. Like many Palmerston North locals, creatives Catherine Russ and Simon Francis hung out there as teens. In 2014 they helped establish an independent clothing label PORK CHOP HILL. The iconic t-shirts can be seen all over the city.

Innovation and exploration in Palmy and beyond

Mahalee and Benoit with their family on the streets of Palmerston North.
Story Palmerston North
Like many people you’ll meet in Palmerston North, Mahalee and Benoit Guieysse aren’t originally from the region, but they’re some of its most genuine ambassadors.

Dine your way around Palmerston North

A chef making pizza.
Story Palmerston North

When it comes to New Zealand’s foodie destinations, Wellington is almost always top of mind. But just above Wellington, you’ll find Palmerston North situated in the heartland where many of our most prized ingredients originate.

7 things you should eat in Palmerston North

Pastries at Babco.
Story Palmerston North

Palmerston North has more than their fair share of delicious, local ingredients to work with.

Dine your way around Palmerston North

A chef making pizza.
Story Palmerston North

When it comes to New Zealand’s foodie destinations, Wellington is almost always top of mind. But just above Wellington, you’ll find Palmerston North situated in the heartland where many of our most prized ingredients originate.

Charcoal Maker and Master

Naga Tsutsumi sitting on a chair.
Story Palmerston North
Naga Tsutsumi is one of Palmerston North’s most cherished artists. His large scale charcoal drawings are considered and full of movement and detail to explore.

Get your Pocket Guide for Palmerston North

The front and back Manawatū pocket guide.
This central North Island town has been shaped by and named for mighty river catchments: the Manawatū. Along their banks, you’ll discover native wildlife, vibrant towns, and plenty of kindhearted locals, all of which are deeply connected to the region’s stunning landscape and iconic waterways.

Bars View all

Brew Union Brewing Co

Customers sitting on bench seats.
Place Palmerston North

Longtime mates Murray and Jules spent years planning and designing exactly what they thought epitomised the perfect concept, and this shines through at Brew Union, Palmerston North’s downtown brew pub and eatery.

Restaurants View all

Nero

A cosy nook of the restaurant.
Place Palmerston North

Nero, a family-owned modern bistro, has made a name for themselves in Palmerston North over the last twenty years with consistently great food and service.

Libre

The restaurant.
Place Palmerston North

On George Street you’ll find Libre, one of the best spots we’ve found for authentic and delicious Mexican food and drink in all of New Zealand.

Amayjen Restaurant

The restaurant interior.
Place Palmerston North

Amayjen is one of the crown jewels of Feilding’s hospitality scene. Owned and operated by Andrew and Jenni May, this local restaurant earned a Cuisine Good Food Awards ‘hat’ in 2017 and continues to dish up inspired local flavours today.

HARU Japanese Restaurant

The wooden interior of Haru.
Place Palmerston North

A calming central city spot for top quality Japanese fare. At Haru Japanese Restaurant you’ll be quickly greeted and seated by the friendly staff. Order some warm green or yuzu tea and explore the menu which is varied but not overwhelming.