Palmerston North

About

Home to one of New Zealand’s largest educational institutions, Massey University, the cultural standing of Palmerston North is nothing to sniff at. Not only is there the university, but a bounty of theater and music venues, as well as the Te Manawa Art Museum and National Rugby Museum, inform the city’s vibe as a quietly thriving artistic hub. If you need to stretch your legs, there are a diverse range of scenic walks, such as the Manawatu Riverside Walkway. And certainly do not miss “The Square” at the very center of the city: a green haven, and great jumping-off point to explore the surrounding area.