Palmerston North

Palmerston North is a vibrant youthful city with the active student population, nearby Linton Military Camp, Massey University and the New Zealand Dairy Research Institute, hence it bears the distinction of being New Zealand's `Knowledge City'.

Vehicle categories range from economic hatchbacks to spacious station wagons, minibuses and cargo vans with vehicle rates from as low as $35.00 per day, a bonus for the budget conscious traveller.

By road in your rental car, 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.

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 situated on the banks of the Manawatu River, nestled at the foot of the Taraua Mountain Range. There are 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.