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Discover the Biggest National Park in Palmerston North, New Zealand

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Syarif Muhamad

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The beautiful city of Palmerston North, New Zealand is home to some of the country’s most stunning natural attractions. With its lush forests, pristine lakes, and majestic mountains, Palmerston North is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From challenging hikes to relaxing picnics, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Palmerston North’s national parks.

The national parks in Palmerston North offer a wide range of activities and attractions, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also explore the area’s rich history and culture by visiting historical sites and museums. The national parks in Palmerston North are a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.

Top National Park in Palmerston North, New Zealand

Palmerston North (; Māori: Te Papa-i-Oea, known colloquially as Palmy) is a city in the North Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Manawatū-Whanganui region. Located in the eastern Manawatu Plains, the city is near the north bank of the Manawatu River, 35 km (22 mi) from the river's mouth, and 12 km (7 mi) from the end of the Manawatū Gorge, about 140 km (87 mi) north of the capital, Wellington. Palmerston North is the country's eighth-largest urban area, with an urban population of 82,500 (June 2023). The estimated population of Palmerston North city is 91,800 (June 2023).The official limits of the city take in rural areas to the south, north-east, north-west and west of the main urban area, extending to the Tararua Ranges; including the town of Ashhurst at the mouth of the Manawatū Gorge, the villages of Bunnythorpe and Longburn in the north and west respectively. The city covers a land area of 395 square kilometres (98,000 acres).The city's location was once little more than a clearing in a forest and occupied by small communities of Māori, who called it Papa-i-Oea, believed to mean "How beautiful it is". In the mid-19th century, it was settled by Europeans—originally by Scandinavians and, later, British settlers. On foundation, the British settlement was bestowed the name Palmerston, in honour of Viscount Palmerston, a former British Prime Minister. The suffix North was added in 1871 to distinguish the settlement from Palmerston in the South Island. Today, the name is often informally shortened to "Palmy".Early Palmerston North relied on public works and sawmilling. The west coast railway was built in 1886, linking the town to Wellington, and Palmerston North benefited from a booming pastoral farming industry. Linton Military Camp, Palmerston North Hospital, and the establishment of Massey University (in 1927) have reduced the dependence on farming due to more skilled workers, since the early 20th century. Popular attractions include Te Manawa (a museum and art gallery that includes the New Zealand Rugby Museum), and several performing arts venues.

Top National Park in Palmerston North, New Zealand

The Victoria Esplanade

  • Address: 1 Palm Drive, West End, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (2952)
  • Phone: +64 6 356 8199
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Poutoa Reserve in Palmerston North, New Zealand
Poutoa Reserve in Palmerston North, New Zealand

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Embark on a thrilling journey through the diverse array of National Park in cities like Hamilton, Christchurch and Wellington across the Oceania continents, revealing hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local business or a multinational company, these cities proudly display a rich tapestry of profesional services designed to cater to a wide array of preferences.

The 10 Best National Park near Palmerston North, New Zealand

Poutoa Reserve in Palmerston North, New Zealand
Poutoa Reserve in Palmerston North, New Zealand

Hokowhitu Lagoon

  • Address: 24 Centennial Drive, Hokowhitu, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (308)
  • Phone: +64 6 356 8199
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: Open 24 hours
    Tuesday: Open 24 hours
    Wednesday: Open 24 hours
    Thursday: Open 24 hours
    Friday: Open 24 hours
    Saturday: Open 24 hours
    Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Reviews:
    Venkata Narasimhan✭✭✭✭✭
    5 months ago
    Peaceful and beautiful location for relaxation. Highly recommended.
    Max Hansen✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    Catered Xmas lunch at The Chalet overlooking the gorgeous lagoon. Food and service top notch for our group of 42 or so.
    Sharney Way✭✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    Great spot on a nice day. Can catch small perch on spinning gear too.
    Josephine Lucas De Guzman✭✭✭✭✭
    2 years ago
    Lovely and tranquil place. Great for quiet walks and a quick escape!
    M. Parco✭✭✭✭✭
    3 weeks ago
    Lovely park

Ahimate Reserve

  • Address: Maxwells Line, Awapuni, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (252)

Te Motu o Poutoa

  • Address: Cliff Road, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.3 (218)

Ongley Park

  • Address: Park Road, West End, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (169)

Linklater Reserve

  • Address: 11 Peter Hall Drive, Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North 4414, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (143)

Dittmer Reserve

  • Address: Dittmer Drive, West End, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (101)

Stairway of Tane

  • Address: 10 Vaucluse Heights, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (88)

Railway Land Reserve

  • Address: 3773068, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.2 (76)

Kahuterawa Reserve

  • Address: Kahuterawa Road, Linton, Palmerston North 4474, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.3 (57)

Arapuke Forest Park

  • Address: 1753604/9 State Highway 3, Linton, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.9 (54)

Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best National Park in Palmerston North, New Zealand, please leave a comment above. We would love to hear from you!

Comments

5 responses to “Discover the Biggest National Park in Palmerston North, New Zealand”

  1. Bridie Allen-Smith Avatar
    Bridie Allen-Smith

    Great park for pretty much everything.
    River walks,bush walks, playground suitable for all ages with the toddler one away from the bigger kids.
    Plenty of toilets available with baby changing areas.
    Lots of parking but when big events are on they fill up quickly.
    The Esplanade cafe is good also.
    The bush walks are easy for all ages.
    Great ride on train service too!

    Reply
  2. Benjamin Mador Avatar
    Benjamin Mador

    What a great park for the local area! My girlfriend and I first visited the river, which was spectacular, we then walked through the native bush walk until we popped put near the bird sanctuary. We were amazed by the greenhouse and then walked through the bird sanctuary. We made our way back out of the park through the enormous kids’ playground. Better yet, the whole experience is free of charge, and the park is meticulously maintained.

    Reply
  3. Seema Thomas Avatar
    Seema Thomas

    Cherry blossoms, with their delicate white petals, create a stunning visual spectacle in early spring. The garden is awash in a sea of these blossoms, offering a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty.

    Reply
  4. Denn P Avatar
    Denn P

    Very attractive place for both children and adults. Variety of things like garden, pool, train ride, small zoo, etc.
    The train ride was cheap and enjoyed very well.
    Good place for relaxing and entertainment.

    Reply
  5. Denise Woodley Avatar
    Denise Woodley

    Came here a lot as a child. A Lived overseas for 45 years but always enjoy visiting when I’m back in Palmy. It’s a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking and watching the wee ones splishing in the children’s pool. Aviary section is a bit sad now but hopefully the birds who were there are living in a better space.

    Reply

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