Palmerston North

Palmerston North sits on the north bank of the Manawatu River in the North Island, spreading between low hills and farmland. Flat streets run through residential areas with front gardens, while shopping centers and public squares mark the town center.

The settlement received its name in 1871 when North was added to separate it from another Palmerston on the South Island. European settlers began farming the land after purchasing it from Māori owners, and the railway arrived a few years later.

Massey University brings young people from across the country and beyond, shaping daily life with lecture halls, cafeterias and student housing. Walking through the streets, you see bicycles parked outside libraries, cafés filled with laptops, and bookshops stocking textbooks alongside novels.

Walking around the center keeps most places within easy reach, while parks like Victoria Esplanade offer green spaces for strolling. Visiting on a weekday shows the town in its normal rhythm, with fewer crowds than weekends.

The Manawatu River flowing through town has shifted its course slightly over decades, so old maps sometimes show riverbanks that no longer match the current shoreline. When heavy rain falls, the river swells noticeably and turns brown with sediment carried down from the ranges.

Location: Palmerston North City

Inception: 1877

Elevation above the sea: 46 m

Shares border with: Manawatū District, Horowhenua District, Tararua District

Website: https://pncc.govt.nz

GPS coordinates: -40.35491,175.60951

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:01