Exploring Local Farms, Gardens, and Markets in Palmerston North

Nestled in the heart of the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui, the city of Palmerston North/Te Papa-i-Oea is a haven for adventures in nature and exciting activities. With plenty of farms, gardens and markets to be discovered all over the region, you’re spoilt for choice with how to spend your time. 

So, if you’re looking for a nature-filled and peaceful way to embark on an adventure while you’re exploring Palmerston North, we’ve got just the list of places for you! All you need is your Thrifty rental car, this guide to the city’s farms, gardens and markets, and an appetite for adventure to make the most of the picturesque Palmerston North. 

Discover the Beauty of Palmerston North’s Farms 

As a city that is surrounded by seemingly endless green fields and open spaces, it’s not hard to find a beautiful farm around Palmerston North. There are plenty of options to explore, but if you’re looking for a taste of traditional farm life you should check out the incredible farmland at Hiwinui Country Estate, only a fifteen-minute drive from the centre of the city. Home to Stewart Family Farm, this 120 year old operating farm gives you an idea of farmlife in Palmerston North on a guided tour throughout the farm and the land. For something a little different, why not also check out the adorable Herb Farm in Ashhurst, about twenty minutes out of Palmerston North. Fitted out with a cafe and shop for you to indulge in, the farm itself is more like a garden, with numerous plants, flowers and, of course, herbs growing all around. If you’re after a peaceful place to relax amongst nature, this is the perfect place to take things slow and stop and smell the roses—or, in the Herb Farm’s case, the soothing lavender bushes! 

Embrace the Serenity of Inner-City Gardens 

The city of Palmerston North has you covered when it comes to discovering lush and beautiful gardens. For the crown of jewels of stunning gardens in this region, there’s no going past Palmerston North’s Victoria Esplanade. This whopping 19 hectares of greenery doesn’t only feature sensational gardens and lush landscapes, but also a kids’ bike park, a duck pond, bird aviaries, kids’ paddling pools, playgrounds, walking trails, and the iconic miniature railway ride. You can easily spend the whole day adventuring around Victoria Esplanade, with a cafe supplying delicious treats for hungry stomachs, as well as barbeque facilities on offer for visitors wanting to cook up their own feed. As you’re traversing the pristine gardens around Victoria Esplanade, make sure to keep an eye out for the sensational Dugald Mackenzie Rose Garden. This haven of rose beds and various plant varieties offer a serene slice of paradise and a sweet-smelling escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Wander the garden paths and traverse the rose bushes as the rainbow of flora guides you the way around this award-winning garden space. 

Get a Taste of Local Spirit at Palmerston North’s Markets 

There are few better ways to immerse yourself in the local community of a region than paying a visit to the area’s markets. Lucky for you, there’s plenty of markets around Palmerston North to check out, depending on what you desire and when you are travelling. If you’re after fresh local produce and artisan products, you’ll want to check out the amazing Feilding Farmers’ Market, about a twenty minute drive north of the centre of Palmerston North. Operating every Friday from 9am to 1.30pm, you’ll discover locally crafted wine, meats, cheeses and more at this award-winning market. If you’re on the hunt for some epic new threads to sparkle up your wardrobe or unique knick-knacks to bring back with you from your travels, then the Sanson Flea Market is the one for you. Operating every Sunday from 7.30am to 1.30pm, Sanson is also located about a twenty-minute drive from Palmerston North. For when you want to keep your shopping super local, there’s no going past the Highbury Flea Market, right in the heart of Palmerston North’s city. Operating every Sunday from 7am to 1pm, the Highbury Flea Market is your one-stop-shop for some local community spirit, as well as goodies like freshly baked Māori bread and amazing local produce. 

Whether you’re on the hunt for family-run farms, pristine gardens, or a diverse array of markets, Palmerston North is the perfect place for whatever activity you’re after. Journey around this sensational city in your Thrifty rental car with this guide in hand and you’ll no doubt get a taste of the incredible scenery and community that brings this region to life.