Make a Day of It: Your Palmerston North Activity Guide

A true all-rounder, Central Energy Trust Arena packs a full calendar into its 18-hectare site just a short walk from the CBD. Catch everything from top-tier rugby, national tournaments, touring expos, concerts or community festivals on any given week. Multiple indoor and outdoor venues mean the vibe shifts by event: big-game buzz one night to a home show or craft fair the next. If you’re in town, check the schedule: there’s usually something on, and it’s an easy wander into the city for a pre- or post-event meal and drinks.

Step into a living, ever-changing garden that’s been loved into life for four decades. Greenhaugh surrounds an 1870s homestead with two hectares of thoughtfully layered spaces: box hedges and old roses, a pergola that drips with wisteria, ponds, a Mediterranean corner and a heritage iris collection. Meander slowly, pack a picnic, or book the charming Giraffe House for a daytime gathering, then finish with a fossick through the small nursery for plants to take home.

High above Hokowhitu Lagoon sits one of Palmerston North’s most elegant historic homes: a Category One heritage treasure set in nearly three acres of gardens. Pop by to wander the grounds (dogs on leads welcome), peek into the Coach House display and soak up a slice of local history that has included everything from governors and polo grounds to convalescent nurses, university offices and, today, weddings and community events. A lovely detour before a stroll around the lagoon.

If you ride, you’ve probably heard the hype. Arapuke is Palmerston North’s mountain-bike playground with 30+ km of trails across grades two to six. Flow, tech, jumps, family loops: pick your poison and drop in. Walkers aren’t left out either; shared routes and old logging roads stitch together bushy loops with big views over the Manawatū plains. Access is via Kahuterawa or Scotts Road, where you’ll find parking, maps and loos. Check conditions, keep an eye out for any wet-weather closures and finish with a bike wash.

Road trip meets gallery hop. The Coastal Arts Trail links creative stops across the lower West Coast: think studios, museums and independent galleries from Whanganui to Taranaki via Manawatū. Build your own itinerary, keep an eye out for open studios and exhibitions, and pepper the drive with coffee, beach detours and bakery runs. Pair the trail with Square Edge (more on that below) and local galleries to get a feel for what artists here are making right now.

Palmerston North's awa walkway stretches for 10+ km with plenty of places to join the action. Choose a short leg or go end-to-end from Paneiri Park to Riverside Drive; you’ll pass dog parks, glow-path lights, open gym gear, native plantings and river outlooks that beg a photo stop. Runners, riders, prams, scooters - everyone shares this one. Keep left and enjoy an easy dose of nature. Bonus points for tagging on a Victoria Esplanade picnic or a lagoon lap.

From October to April, the city’s clay track roars to life. Superstocks, Sprintcars, Sidecars: it’s all noise, colour and loyal fan culture, with the Superstock Teams Champs every February pulling crowds from around the motu. Grab ear protection, order some hot chips, pick a team and settle in for a classic Palmy night out that’s equal parts spectacle and community catch-up.

Formed over 1.5 million years ago, Te Āpiti blends geology, ecology and kōrero tuku iho (stories of the past) in one sweeping corridor. Choose a short family-friendly walk or the full 11 km track, learn about Whātonga, or watch for kererū in the canopy as the river moves below. Camping and picnic spots dot the reserves, and nearby trails offer riding for those keen to add a bike into the mix. As always, check track updates before you go.

An easy half-day activity, The Herb Farm encompasses a cafe, gardens and natural skincare all under one roof. Settle in for seasonal plates, herbal teas and baked cabinet goodies, then stroll the paths at your own pace before browsing the retail store for plant-based skincare made on site (plus a few giftable extras). If you’re coming with a group, book ahead, or time your visit with one of their hands-on workshops. Eat something delicious, pick up a gift and head home feeling a notch calmer.

This art-deco landmark on The Square is Palmerston North's creative common room. Inside you’ll find changing exhibitions, a gallery shop, studios, classes and events that span dance, textiles, drama, language and more. Wander in for a browse, chat to the team about what’s on, and make time to climb the stairs and peek into working spaces: there’s always something mid-process to peer at and get inspired. If you’re in town for the Coastal Arts Trail, pin this to the top of your list.