Palmerston North

Palmerston North is situated on the banks of the Manawatu River at the foot of the Tararua Mountain Range. The subdivision of Palmerston North began in 1866, with the most important stimulus to the growth of the town being the development of pastoral farming. As early European settlers cleared the native forest with axe and fire, a new vegetation of grasses and clovers provided the basis for cattle and sheep farming. The city has been able to maintain a complementary relationship between the modern conveniences and technology of big city life, and the quality and ease of small town lifestyle, offering visitors and residents alike the best of both worlds.

The City is the country’s fifth largest city. The central business district is centred on a large leafy square and many of the historic buildings have been restored and are now charming boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Palmerston North is also home to the New Zealand Rugby Museum. The city is a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Mother nature has endowed Manawatu area with endless opportunities to experience the great outdoors, from short walks in splendid native bush, half day walks through the spectacular Manawatu Gorge, to tramping in the majestic Ruahine, or Tararua Ranges. Museums, gardens and arts & crafts abound, with many cottage industries to be discovered in the beautiful Pohangina Valley.

Palmerston North is a vibrant youthful city with the active student population, nearby Linton Military Camp, and several knowledge organisations. Since 1930 the Citys economic base has been broadened by the establishment of Massey University and the New Zealand Dairy Research Institute, hence it bears the distinction of being New Zealands Knowledge City. It also boasts shopping to rival that found anywhere in New Zealand, whilst connoisseurs of fine food, a good espresso or a great nightlife will find themselves spoilt for choice from the tasty smorgasbord of restaurants, cafes and bars. One professional and two amateur live theatre companies, New Zealand's most successful multiplex cinema, and the recent 12 million dollar complete refurbishment of the citys magnificent Regent on Broadway make Palmerston North a popular destination for enthusiasts of the screen and stage.

Palmerston North is served by an excellent international airport only a short distance from the city. By road, it is only seven hours drive from Auckland and two hours from the capital, Wellington. The Citys central location also places it within easy two hour drives of the North Islands Central Plateau skifields, the beaches and wineries of the Hawkes Bay, Mount Taranaki and historic Maori sites of the Taranaki region, and the rural splendor of the Wairarapa.

Palmerston North will host 2 pool B games on 28 September and 2 October, with one featuring Argentina. These games will be in: Manawatu Arena, Cuba Street, Palmerston North, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand.

Accomodation

The area provides every type of accommodation; top class hotels, motels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, home and farmstays. An excellent array of restaurants and bars to suit all palates are a popular feature of the city. To find accommodation near the stadium or in the area check out the following listings just click on each name:

Hotels, Motels
Ambassador Motel
A quiet oasis in the heart of Palmerston North, with spacious grounds and a saltwater swimming pool.
Camelot Motor Lodge & Conference Centre
Executive accommodation in a quiet central city location, superior studio suites offer full cooking facilities, microwave, air/spa bath, queen-size beds and Sky TV.

Bed and Breakfasts

Holiday Parks or Camping

Car Hire

We are sure that many of you will be looking for car hire whilst you are in New Zealand. So click here to see our Pegasus page.