Palmerston North Regional Information

Palmerston North | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Palmerston North is a vibrant, garden city nestled in the Manawatu region of New Zealand.

Palmerston North Overview

Manawatu, New Zealand

Palmerston North is a prosperous North Island inland city of more than 81,000 inhabitants. It is situated in a beautiful setting surrounded by rich and fertile pasture inland. Palmerston North was named in honour of a former British Prime Minister called Viscount Palmerston. The Māori name for the city is Papaioea which is believed to mean "How beautiful it is".

Palmerston North has economic strengths in research - especially in the bio-industry, defence, distribution and smart business sectors. The city is home to more than 70 major educational and research institutions, including New Zealand's fastest expanding university, Massey University.

Palmerston North is known for its rose gardens and has been called the "Rose City". Palmerston North is only a short drive away from the picturesque Tararua and Ruahine Ranges which have the stunning Manawatu Gorge.

To the south is the university city of Palmerston North, one of the country's largest provincial cities. The central business district of Palmerston North is centred on a large leafy square.

Many of Palmerston North's original stores built in the 1920's and 1930's have been restored and are now charming boutiques, cafes and great restaurants. It is a good base for exploring the many large private gardens in the surrounding countryside.