Get Smart with a Pit Stop at Palmerston North New Zealand

Situated in the Manawatu district of the North Island New Zealand map is the City of Learning, better known as a transportation hub than a destination for New Zealand vacation travel between Auckland, seven hours north, and Wellington two hours south. TranzScenic trains leave the station enroute to Auckland via National Park and Hamilton. Other trains go to Wellington and the Kapiti Coast.

Palmerston North New Zealand or “Knowledge City” is so called because 40 percent of its population is involved in higher education. Massey University, New Zealand’s second largest, and several other schools are located there.

The downtown’s built around The Square, a well kept urban green space. The visitor’s center there provides information to local sights and activities. Diehard rugby fans will enjoy their visit to New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North and live games at Arena Manawatu next door on Saturdays in winter.

A conservatory rose garden, paddling pool, and miniature railway make up beautiful Victoria Esplanade. Te Manawa complex features contemporary New Zealand works in the Manawatu Art Gallery, as well as rotating exhibits at Manawatu Museum and Science Center.

Palmerston North activities include indoor rock climbing at City Rock Adventures. The facility also organizes caving, canyoning, kayaking, and bridge-swinging trips. Jet boat and kayak tours are offered through Manawatu Gorge Adventures.

One of the main reasons to visit Knowledge City is to take advantage of wide range of New Zealand dining that feeds all that thought. Affordable restaurants and funky cafes on and near George Street offer worthwhile pause.

Stage Door Café’s Ozone organic fair trade coffee, great food, and retro furnishings are popular with university students. Barista’s another highlight offering superb coffee and the “heart stopper,” a smorgasbord of breakfast items. Valentine’s chain buffet restaurant caters to kids.

Indian, Thai, Asian, pizza, and hamburgers feature more dining choices. Collegiate nightlife starts at 3 pm or earlier at High Flyers, Fat Ladies Arms, and The Loaded Hog, with cheap drinks and food that appeal to students. Those searching something in lieu of dining out can stock up on groceries at the local Pak ‘N Save.

New Zealand accommodations of the best quality can be found at PepperTree Backpacker Hostel. Adventurebackpackers.com’s plain, dark spaces are found in a convenient location. Travelers digressing from standard backpacking will find hotels and motels a budget friendly alternative. Camp in cabins, tent and powered sites at Palmerston North Holiday Park.