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Local Attractions

Palmerston North is an exciting, vibrant city with lots to see and do

 

Museums, theatres and the Plaza shopping centre

Public gardens including rose gardens and bush walks

Family friendly attractions like pools, mini golf, and the scenic railway

Camelot Motor Lodge & Conference Centre is located in central Palmerston North, 700m from the Plaza and the Square

Things to do in Palmerston North for solo travellers, couples, groups or families

Camelot Motor Lodge & Conference Centre is close to the city centre and easily accessible to a range of activities and amenities. Whether you are looking for a place to eat, a park to walk in, exciting shops, or some cultural entertainment, Palmerston North has lots of things to do for adults, children, couples, individuals and groups.

Stay with Camelot Motor Lodge & Conference Centre on your next visit to Palmerston North. We have a range of accommodation options from studio apartment accommodation to two bedroom apartments to suit every traveller, and we have conference room hire and facilities available for business events.

City Guide
HISTORICAL SIGHTS

Learn

Learn about Palmerston North’s art, science, and heritage, visit the rugby museum, go shopping, or relax with a visit to the theatre

Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and Heritage – Te Manawa brings art, science and heritage together. It’s a place that represents and celebrates diversity, courage and curiosity while honouring the traditions of the past.
NZ Rugby Museum – Explore the rich history and folklore of New Zealand’s national game, rugby, and take a trip back in time to discover the stories, legends and myths of the game. Visit NZ Rugby Museum to get a feel for the real New Zealand by learning how its rich rugby heritage has shaped and been shaped by our country.
Palmerston North Clock Tower aka Hopwood Clock Tower – Originally housed in Palmerston North’s Chief Post Office, the clock in the Clock Tower is named Kerei Te Panau after a local Rangitane chieftain. After the 1942 Wairarapa earthquake, the tower and clock were removed from the post office and placed in storage due to safety concerns. In 1953, Arthur Hopwood gifted the city of Palmerston North £10,000 to build a new tower in The Square to hold the clock and chimes. During 2007, the Clock Tower was refurbished and is now topped with a lantern style cross.
Centrepoint Theatre – Centrepoint Theatre has been telling stories in Palmerston North since 1974. The theatre is committed to creating accessible theatre that engages and reflects the community. The arts play an integral part in our society and Centrepoint Theatre is inspired by this shared belief.
Globe Theatre – Palmerston North’s community drama groups and performance schools can be found at the Globe Theatre. The Globe also hosts a variety of national and international theatrical and musical groups and individuals.
The Plaza Shopping Centre (located in The Square, Palmerston North) – The Plaza is Palmerston North’s central shopping centre. Whether you’re shopping for a gift, food, new clothing, jewellery or homewares, you’ll find it at The Plaza.
Book accommodation now with Camelot Motor Lodge & Conference Centre to enjoy a relaxed, comfortable stay and experience everything the Palmerston North region has to offer.

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VIEWS

Explore

Take a stroll in the rose gardens, ride a scenic railway, or compete in a game of mini golf


The Cave – Explore the world of virtual reality with games which include 10 Racing Simulators featuring V8’s, F1, Drifting and Rallying. Located at 111 Queen Street, Palmerston North.
Victoria Esplanade Gardens – Palmerston North’s premier park, Victoria Esplanade Gardens, is a 26-hectare area that offers bush walks, bike tracks, and formal gardens. It’s perfect for families – thousands of mature trees, splendid roses, barbecues, croquet lawns, and the kids will love the Junior Road Safety Park, miniature railway, mini-golf, playground and paddling pool.
Esplanade Scenic Railway – The Esplanade Scenic Railway is a 2.2km long track that takes you through native bush and secluded areas of the Victoria Esplanade in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The ride is approximately 20 minutes long and runs from the Esplanade station past the cafeteria platform to the children’s playground station and back again. The railway is open most weekends and school holidays from 1 – 4pm (last train scheduled to leave at approximately 3:45pm), weather permitting.
Lions Mini Golf in the Esplanade – This is an 18 hole mini golf course located within the Victoria Esplanade. Custom designed by a team of industry experts, it reflects top-rated mini golf courses across New Zealand’s North Island. 9 holes in the mini golf course are disability accessible to allow every one of your friends or family to participate and compete in a game of mini golf.
Dugald MacKenzie Gardens – Palmerston North’s iconic rose garden, Dugald MacKenzie Gardens is located inside Victoria Esplanade and is a beautiful, popular spot for a garden wedding, or for wedding photos. The gardens have also been used to hold Palmerston North’s Summer Shakespeare theatre productions.

City Guide
CLUB&BARS

Eat

Enjoy a variety of cuisines in Palmerston North’s unforgettable eateries


Thai Orchid  – Thai Orchid serves fresh, healthy and flavoursome cuisine in their Fergusson Street restaurant. Family owned and operated, they offer an authentic Thai food experience. Thai Orchid is a licensed premises and welcomes BYO. Takeaways and DeliverEasy are also available.
Rosie O’Gradys Pub – “A Wee Bit of Ireland (in NZ)”. Situated half a world away from Ireland, Rosie O’Grady’s pub is a traditional Irish-themed pub that prides itself in delivering an authentic Irish pub experience. It’s a thriving hub for entertainment, food, and beverages with the very best of hospitality.
Brewers Apprentice – Drop in to Brewers Apprentice for brunch, lunch, dinner, live music, daily specials and happy hour. Join us for a Heineken, a platter with friends, steak and chips, or a stonegrill dining experience.
Herb Farm Cafe – The Herb Farm Cafe’s menu is centred around local, free range and organic produce, incorporating fresh herbs from the cafe gardens. Exceptional customer service is our top priority. We also sell a range of 100% all-natural skincare and healthcare products.
Caroline’s – Situated at 613 Fitzherbert East Rd, Aokautere, and open Friday to Sunday (10am – 2pm), there is a cafe in Caroline’s Creative Interiors that offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere with a great selection of home baked goodies and brunch style meals. The cafe is also available for functions, special occasion parties, and work events. Caroline’s Design & Desire Boutique has a great range of homeware, gifts, jewellery, furniture, lamps, mirrors and more.
Find out about Camelot Motor Lodge & Conference Centre’s accommodation options – and make an accommodation booking now. We look forward to hosting you on your next trip to Palmerston North.

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