Palmerston North

Local Attractions, Activities and Events

Nestled in the heart of Palmerston North, Chancellor Motor Lodge & Conference Centre is an ideal spot from which to discover Palmerston North. Chancellor Motor Lodge and Conference Centre’s central location allows guests to enjoy a short comfortable stroll to the city centre. Visit the Rugby Museum or Te Manawa Art Gallery and Museum. Wonderful cafes, restaurants and bars located in the nearby CBD serve a variety of cuisine ranging from traditional New Zealand style fine-dining, to ethnic food and casual meals.

New Zealand Rugby Museum

Visit the iconic New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North. The home to the first museum devoted to the oval ball – this is a must see!

You’ll be rewarded with a trip back in time exploring the rich history and folklore of the nation’s mighty game with an unmasking of its rugby heroes and legends. Get a feel for the real New Zealand by learning how its rich rugby heritage has shaped and been shaped by our country.

It’s not every day you can see the nation’s treasures in their reality, from the first ‘fern’, the oldest All Blacks jersey and the oldest rugby ball to All Black star Dan Carter’s boots!

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rugby museum

Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History

With an engaging programme of exhibitions and events, as well as an extensive collection of taonga (treasures), Te Manawa offers a unique opportunity to experience and participate in, the stories of our past, present and future.

Children can get hands-on in one of the learning discovery spaces, meet the mysterious cave weta, or view native fish in Te Awa – The River. The Art Gallery hosts a wealth of creative works in its ever-changing spaces all year-round.

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Te Manawa

Victoria Esplanade

Victoria Esplanade comprises of 19 hectares of stunning gardens and features, including bird aviaries, nature trails with a number of walks, a junior road safety bike park, a large duck pond, free barbeque facilities and children’s paddling pool and playgrounds. The on-site café offers tasty treats, ice-cream and drinks, while an extensive miniature railway offers rides on weekends and holidays for a small fee. Within the esplanade is the Dugald McKenzie rose garden, which is home to over 5,000 varieties and incorporates the International Rose Trial Grounds.

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Victoria Esplanade 3

Lido Aquatic Centre

Go water crazy! You’ll never tire from the hydroslides, water cannons, lazy river and more at the Lido Aquatic Centre.

During summer, the action is tripled with the outdoor pools, a dedicated AquaPlay area for kids with 51 water features and a 600 litre dumping bucket. Summer also sees the North Island’s biggest SuperBowl slide and the adrenaline pumping Speed slide, with speeds of up to 60kmh, in action.

The Lido Aquatic Centre is located right next to the Victoria Esplanade, and offers a sauna, steam room and spa, multiple indoor and outdoor pools including a toddler pool, and an onsite cafe and fitness centre.

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Lido

Walk & Hike

The stunning terrain of the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges offer walks, hikes and multi-day tramps for all abilities and are dotted with a solid range of huts, lodges and even bivvy’s. All of this makes for a diverse and exciting outdoor playground, right in Palmerston North city's backyard.

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Te Apiti bush walk crossing a bridge

Manawatū River Pathway

Take a leisurely walk or ride along the Manawatū River and experience the ever-changing views that it offers.

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Manawatu Riverside Shared Pathway

Electric Bikes Plus

A great way to explore our city and surrounds.

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EzyRider bikes in Victoria Esplanade