Set up home in Palmy, as it’s known to the locals, and wander through the beautifully manicured gardens in the main square and admire the iconic modern clock tower. Stumble upon great coffee shops and cool bars serving quirky craft beers or catch a movie in one of the many cinemas in the area.

With the most restaurants and eateries per capita anywhere in New Zealand, Palmerston North is filled with gastronomic gems so you’ll be spoilt for choice for international cuisine at every turn. Hit Café Cuba, Café Express or Moxies, all close to the square, for tasty food in contemporary surroundings, or go further afield to The Verdict Café for great gluten-free options. Head to upmarket The Gallery or Nero Restaurant for a meal you won’t forget! Fueled up, burn off the calories shopping for a brand new outfit at The Plaza Shopping Centre. Get dressed up and spend the evening watching a contemporary ballet performance at the fabulous art-deco Regent on Broadway Theatre.

There’s plenty to do outside the city centre too. Walk underneath the beautiful cherry blossoms in the Victoria Esplanade Gardens in spring, or enjoy an ice cream as you walk along the Manawatu River. Swim a few laps at the popular Lido Aquatic Centre and race friends down the water slides, or simply stroll around peaceful Hokowhitu Lagoon and park. For a more high-tempo day out, spend a fun afternoon watching cars race past at the Robertson Holden International Speedway.