Manawatu Gorge, New Zealand, near Palmerston NorthSource: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Manawatu_Gorge_New_Zealand.jpg
Author: Kane
Palmerston North (Maori:
Te Papaioea) is a city on the southern part of North Island, New Zealand. It is the main city in the Manawatu-Wanganui region. The city is on the north bank of the manawatu River about 140 km (87 mi) north of Wellington. It covers 326 sq km (125.9 sq mi) and has a population of 81,000 people (2011 estimate), making it the 7th most populous city in New Zealand.
Palmerston North experiences a temperate climate. Warmest month is February, when the average high temperature hits 22.9°C (73.2°F). Coldest month is July, when the average low drops to 4.7°C (40.5°F). July is also the wettest month, receiving 94 mm (3.7 in) of precipiration.
The earliest European to visit the Palmeston North was trader Jack Duff who explored the area in 1830. Others followed suit, though anything resembling a village only came about by the late 1870s. Sawmilling and farming were the main occupation of the people in the early days.
Today the economy of Palmeston North is supported by its many educational institutions such as Massey University, Universal College of Learning and Linton Army Camp. These institutions make the city a center for research, particularly in bio-technology and defence.
The area surrounding Palmeston North is consistently windy. As such, the city has the largest electricity-generating wind farm in the southern hemisphere. There are 158 wind turbines in the Palmeston North region supplying enough electricity for 30,000 homes.
Visiting Palmerston North
You can reach Palmerston North by bus from Wellington as well as from most of the major towns on North Island. The Palmerston North International Airport (PMR) receives flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Rotorua and Tauranga.
Sights & Attractions to visit in Palmerston North
- Manawatu Gorge
Gorge of the Manawatu River to the north of the city.
- Massey University
University with its campus occupying both old homesteads and modern structures in a laid-back country setting. The Massey History Walk takes you to some of the historic buildings in the campus.
- New Zealand Rugby Museum
Museum celebrating the history of rugby in New Zealand with a display of rugby-related memorabilia.
- Te Manawa Art Gallery
First established in 1959, the gallery today has relocated to a modern building at The Square. It displays a vast collection of artwork ranging from paintings to sculptures, photographs, drawings, ceramics and other forms of art by New Zealand artists.
- The Square
This is the green area in the heart of Palmerston North. It is well tended with trees, shrubs, flowering plants and monuments.
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