Palmerston North

Palmerston North is one of the largest farming towns in the Manakatu region. The larger wind turbines at the Te Apiti Windfarm which sit on the hills behind Palmerston North and make an interesting landmark for the region.

 

Parks and playgrounds

 

Victoria Esplanade

This 19 hectare public gardens is a great place to take the children. It’s located down Fitzherbert Avenue, next to the Manawatu River. There is a lot to do here, you can picnic in the gardens, wander around the rose garden, there is the miniature train, paddling pool and adventure playground just to name a few of the things that you can do here.

 

Windfarm

For something different, but quite awe inspiring, is the Te Apiti Windfarm on Saddle Road. There is a visitors car park underneath one of these giant turbines and gives you a true idea of how very big these turbines are. The car park is open daily from 8.30am to 5pm.

Manawatu Gorge – Totara Loop Track

This short walk will take you to a great viewing platform that overlooks the Manawatu Gorge. It’s approximately 15km from Palmerston North and is located off State Highway 3, on Balance Gorge Road. There is a car park at the entrance of the track.
 

Family activities

There are a wide variety of family activities to do in the area. The Te Manawa is a museum, art gallery and science Centre all rolled into one and is located on 326 Main Street, is a must do for any family visiting Palmerston North. The Science Centre at Te Manawa is always rated highly with children due to the inter-active displays there. Admission may apply to some exhibitions featured at Te Manawa. Phone +64 6 355 5000 www.temanawa.co.nz

 

 

Daytona Indoor Raceway is an indoor Kart track and is suitable for children from five years and up. This is rather a noisy activity, but boys will love it! The raceway is located at 23C Bennett Street, Milson, Palmerston North. Phone +64 6 353 5082 www.daytona.co.nz

 

If the Daytona Indoor Raceway isn’t noise enough for you then you can always take the family to Robertson Holden International Speedway. The speedway has stock cars and other such vehicles causing a whole look of noise and excitement! Phone +64 6 358 8838 www.pnspeedway.co.nz

 

Another family-fun activity is minigolf. There is an 18 hole minigolf course at Ultimate Minigolf, located at 239 Railway Road in Palmerston North. Half of the holes are indoor and half are outdoor. Phone +64 6 355 0919 www.ultimateminigolf.co.nz

 

Palmerston North’s has a couple of public swimming pools, the Lido Aquatic Centre and Freyberg Community Pool. Both pools are heated. The Lido Aquatic Centre, which is located on Park Road, caters for all members of the family with pools ranging from toddler through to diving and swimming pools. The Freyberg swimming pool also has a toddler pool, as well as a normal size swimming pool.

 

Lido Aquatic Centre Phone +64 6 357 2684 www.clmnz.co.nz/lido

Freyberg Phone +64 6 354 3856 www.freyberg.co.nz

 

Marton

 

Marton Baths, Hereford Street, Marton

Phone +64 6 327 8359

 

Sanson

 

Amazing Maze 'n Maize, State Highway 1

Phone +64 6 329 3456 www.maze.co.nz

 

Feilding

 

The Makino Aquatic Park, Manchester Street, Feilding

Phone +64 6 323 5312 www.makino.co.nz

 

Shannon

 

Another great place to take the children is to Owlcatraz in Shannon. There are a variety of things to do here, with owls to farm animals. The Wairuru Caves are a great experience, however this is restricted to children eight years and over. Owlcatraz does have other attraction however, that will keep younger children amuzed. Phone +64 6 362 7872 www.owlcatraz.co.nz

 

Mangaweka

 

Up the Creek River Centre, Mangaweka Village, State Highway 1

Freephone 0800 655 747 www.riveradventures.co.nz 

 

The Mangaweka Adventure Company (www.mangaweka.co.nz)  offers family adventures that they will remember for years to come. Ph: 06 382 5744

 

Flat Hills Tourist Park, 5 Kilometres south of Mangaweka

Phone +64 6 322 9734