Palmerston North, North Island’s Student City.
Posted on August 27, 2009 by Philip Newman
Palmerston North is commonly known as the “Student City”. At the beginning of each year the population swells as the students return to University. Mix with the local population and the Soldiers from Linton military camp and it creates a unique community.
The city square is the focal point in the CBD and is surrounded by shops that sell everything from shoes to phones. The i-Site information centre is located in the square and is also the pick up point for the Naked Bus giving you affordable access to other cities around New Zealand.
I’m not one for shopping but “The Plaza” (or the mall) has just recently had a major overhaul. The food court has been expanded and the existing retail experience has been increased. In the coming months Farmers will be opening in it’s new location.
If you despise shopping and want to get back to nature you can get to the Esplanade from Park Road (next to the pools). In spring the cherry blossoms are worth a look otherwise in winter the trees look like sticks but it’s still a good walk along the river.
Palmerston North comes alive on the weekends with two farmers markets. There’s Saturday mornings market on the eastern side of town and the other on Sunday, known by the locals as the farmers market. I got up early this morning (Saturday) to see what was on offer. There were heaps of fresh fruit and vegetables at prices even students could afford. It really brings a new meaning to “The early bird catches the worm.”
Most weekends the Esplanade comes to life with the mini-train that weaves its way around to the kid’s playground and the rose garden. I’d personally recommend everyone who visits takes a ride. Get in touch with the kid in you!
Do you live in Palmerston North and would like to make some suggestions about what to do or see? Please leave your ideas in the comments below.
