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Youthful Palmerston is a great place to visit

PALMERSTON North is a vibrant youthful city with the active student population, nearby Linton Military Camp, and several knowledge organisations.

Since 1930 the City's 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 Zealand's `Knowledge City', all adding to a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Shopping to rival that found anywhere in New Zealand awaits the serious 'retail therapist', 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 city's 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. It has a very good record for all weather operation, and the 1500 metre runway is capable of taking all domestic and some international aircraft currently flying within New Zealand.

Both Air New Zealand and Ansett New Zealand operate first class trunk services, while Freedom Air operates a trans Tasman service. A considerable number of commuter aircraft also serve the City, including Mount Cook Airlines, Air Nelson, and Eagle Airways.

In April 1996, the first International flight departed Palmerston North Airport, which now boasts four international flights per week to Sydney, Brisbane and return.

By road, Palmerston North is only seven hours drive from Auckland and two hours from the capital, Wellington. The City's 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.

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.

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.