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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.

Forget the Chocolate Eggs, Let’s Hunt For The Best Hot Cross Buns

A big tray of hot cross buns from Volare, Hamilton.
Story Auckland

It’s that time of year; hot cross bun season and we’re all about it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jemma & Alex - The Last Church of Āpiti

Gemma standing in the doorway at Apiti Church.
Story Palmerston North
Kiwis Jemma Brackebush and Alexander Robertson of Palmerston North are a busy pair. They have created one of Palmerston North’s quirkiest, quaintest and most lovable accommodation options: The Last Church in Āpiti.

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.

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
Bars icon

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

Amayjen Restaurant

The restaurant interior.
Place Palmerston North
Restaurants icon

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.

Nero

A cosy nook of the restaurant.
Place Palmerston North
Restaurants icon

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.

Little Savanna

The inside of Little Savana.
Place Palmerston North
Restaurants icon

Little Savanna’s expert fitout gives this South African inspired restaurant a unique visual identity on the Palmerston North dining scene. With strong food and drink offerings to match, it’s a complete lunch or dinner destination in the heart of the city.

Libre

The restaurant.
Place Palmerston North
Restaurants icon

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.