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One of the Locals: An Insider’s Guide to Palmerston North

Customers at the bar at Brew Union.
Story Palmerston North
Forget the algorithm. When you follow the locals, you land on the places actually worth going to: for coffee, kai, fresh air and a bit of culture. Here’s a Palmy hit-list bundled the way residents talk about it.

Fat Rabbit

A close up of stuffed toys at Fat Rabbit in Rangitikei.
Place Palmerston North Rangitikei

Named after a previous owner’s obese Flemish rabbit, Fat Rabbit is a gift shop that fittingly exudes the energy of an unbothered pet - friendly, unpretentious, and...

Honest Wolf

Bags hanging up at Honest Wolf in Rangitikei.
Place Palmerston North Rangitikei

The brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Sam and Sophie Hurley, Honest Wolf began with a simple but bold idea: to find a better future for New Zealand wool.

MOOMAA Cafe and Design Store

The street sign directing people to MOOMAA Cafe and Design Store in Rangitikei.
Place Palmerston North Rangitikei

Road trips have a habit of blurring together - the same service stations, the same quick coffee stops, the same rush to get somewhere else.

Intrigue

The front door to Intrigue Boutique in Bulls.
Place Palmerston North Rangitikei

Some shops are built for errands. Others are made for lingering.

Gorge Quarter

Customers walk up to small cottage building at Gorge Quarter.
Place Palmerston North

Sitting at the foot of Te Āpiti Manawatū, Gorge Quarter is a charming little hub where Kiwi nostalgia, natural beauty and a homely, country feel all come together.

LIGHTBOX Gallery & Art Supplies

Shelving and display tables with products in LIGHTBOX Gallery & Art Supplies
Place Palmerston North
Galleries and museum key icon.

LIGHTBOX is a gallery, gift shop and art supplies store all-in-one, tucked inside the iconic Square Edge Community Arts building in central Palmerston North.

Mabel Vickers

Black building on the corner of the street housing Mabel Vickers.
Place Palmerston North
Stay and explore key icon. Goods key icon.

Mabel Vickers on College Street in Palmerston North is a quietly creative little black shop offering pottery workshops, one-of-a-kind ceramics and thoughtful gifts.

Georgie Girl

The retro entrance to Georgie Girl in Palmerston North.
Place Palmerston North
Fashion key icon.

Nestled in the heart of George Street for over a decade, Georgie Girl is a boutique womenswear store selling preloved designer and vintage clothing.

Alchemy and I

The busy nail and cocktail bar at Alchemy & I in Palmerston North.
Place Palmerston North
Services key icon.

The last few years have been a dream come true for Haylee Benton, who has long dreamed of taking ordinary hair and beauty experiences and making them extraordinary.

Orlando Store

Building exterior of Orlando Country.
Place Palmerston North
Stay and explore key icon.

Orlando Store is only a hop, skip and jump from the edge of Palmerston North, overlooking the stunning Tararua ranges.

Bruce McKenzie Booksellers

A woman looking at a book.
Place Palmerston North Editor's Pick

Bruce McKenzie Booksellers is a Palmerston North business with serious staying power. The shop opened over 20 years ago on George Street. Today, Bruce and his daughter Louisa run the shop, at the same location, with a small staff of knowledgeable booksellers.

Cameron Jewellery

Building exterior of Cameron Jewellery.
Place Palmerston North

Whether you have a specific piece in mind or simply appreciate handmade beauty, be sure to visit Cameron Jewellery whilst in Palmerston North.