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The 10 Biggest Beach in Palmerston North, New Zealand

Explore the captivating beauty of Palmerston North’s top 10 beaches, offering an array of experiences for sun-seekers, water enthusiasts, and nature lovers. From the serene shores of Himatangi Beach to the vibrant atmosphere of Foxton Beach, these coastal gems provide idyllic settings for relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable moments.

Indulge in exhilarating water activities like surfing, swimming, and kayaking, or simply bask in the sun’s warmth on the golden sands. Discover hidden coves, stroll along scenic walkways, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the natural surroundings. Whether you seek solitude or lively social scenes, Palmerston North’s beaches cater to diverse preferences, promising memorable encounters with the wonders of the coast.

Top Beach in Palmerston North, New Zealand

The town of Palmerston, in New Zealand's South Island, lies 50 kilometres to the north of the city of Dunedin. It is the largest town in the Waihemo Ward of the Waitaki District, with a population of 890 residents. Palmerston grew at a major road junction: State Highway 1 links Dunedin and Waikouaiti to the south with Oamaru and Christchurch to the north, while State Highway 85 (known colloquially as "The Pigroot") heads inland to become the principal highway of the Maniototo. The Main South Line railway passes through the town and the Seasider tourist train travels from Dunedin to Palmerston and back once or twice a week. From 1880 until 1989, the town acted as the junction between the main line and a branch line that ran inland, the Dunback and Makareao Branches.
Palmerston stands near the banks of the Waihemo / Shag River, five kilometres inland from the Pacific coast. Between it and the sea stands the lone hill of Puketapu (Māori for sacred hill, known by Southerners as Holy Hill), crowned with a monument to the 19th century Otago politician Sir John McKenzie. An annual race takes place up to the memorial and back, which is called the Kelly's canter, dedicated to Albert Kelly who ran up Puketapu as a constable in the Palmerston police force every day during World War II. This cairn is the second around Palmerston dedicated to MacKenzie – an earlier cairn was built on a hill to the north of the town, near Shag Point, but collapsed owing to the unstable geology of the site.
Many people confuse the town of Palmerston with the much more populous North Island city of Palmerston North, whose residents often call their home simply "Palmerston". Otago's town has the earlier claim to the name, however – its surveying dates from 1862, whereas the northern city did not receive its name until 1871. Both towns take their names from Lord Palmerston, the 19th-century British Prime Minister.
The nearby Shag River is named for the cormorant, a sea bird that ventures a little inland, colloquially known as a 'shag'. The river's Māori name, 'Waihemo', has been translated as 'Dwindle River'. It is thought to arise from the river's tendency to reduce in summer to a small stream. Palmerston used to be the capital of the Waihemo County, the surrounding district, before it was amalgamated with the Waitaki District in 1989.

Top Beach in Palmerston North, New Zealand

The Victoria Esplanade

  • Address: 1 Palm Drive, West End, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (2950)
  • Phone: +64 6 356 8199
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
    Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Turakina Beach in Palmerston North, New Zealand
Turakina Beach in Palmerston North, New Zealand

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Embark on a thrilling journey through the diverse array of Beach in cities like Hamilton, Christchurch and Wellington across the Oceania continents, revealing hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a local business or a multinational company, these cities proudly display a rich tapestry of profesional services designed to cater to a wide array of preferences.

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The 10 Best Beach near Palmerston North, New Zealand

Turakina Beach in Palmerston North, New Zealand
Turakina Beach in Palmerston North, New Zealand

Palmerston North Holiday Park

  • Address: 133 Dittmer Drive, West End, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 3.6 (413)
  • Phone: +64 6 358 0349
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Reviews:
    Vicki Semmens✭✭✭✭✭
    3 weeks ago
    I always love staying here in my motorhome. The location is unbeatable as it is right next to the river and the stunning esplanade. I loved going for a morning walk through the Esplanade Bush hearing the birdsong and then stopping for a coffee at the Esplanade cafe. There is is a icecream truck, coffee truck and bike hire next door by the river. The showers and toilets are always spotless and good facilities in the Kitchen. The staff are helpful and friendly.
    Ursula Minnaar✭✭✭✭✭
    2 months ago
    We could only stay 1 night and that is probably our biggest regret. This place is amazing ? The service is the best. The stands are super roomy for big caravans. There is a water park, bird sanctuary and many more in walking distance. Will be back!!
    William R✭✭✭✭✭
    5 months ago
    We were pleasantly surprised with our stay. -Convenient location -Booked a tourist flat, which was nicely up-to-date. -Fair and affordable pricing -Handy car-park spot right next to unit -Warm unit with heater -Comfy enough beds -Great shower -Friendly service -Playground for the kids -Could’ve been slightly cleaner, but still pretty good; mainly a good vacuum needed. Will stay here again; thank you very much! 🙂
    Clur Haz✭✭✭✭✭
    4 months ago
    We recently stayed in the Deluxe Tourist cabin and were pleasantly surprised. The unit was new, modern, clean and had everything we needed. The campground is so close to the Lido swimming pool and right next door to the Victoria Gardens train station. We will definitely be booking again 🙂
    Noeline Bee✭✭✭✭
    3 weeks ago
    Friendly and very abliging host. Clean and tidy camp, not over priced and convenient location.. recommend place to stay. We had a caravan site.

Himatangi Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

  • Address: 30 Koputara Road, Himatangi Beach 4891, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (389)
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Hokowhitu Lagoon

  • Address: 24 Centennial Drive, Hokowhitu, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (308)

Milverton Park Playground

  • Address: 120 Victoria Avenue, Hokowhitu, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (282)

Ahimate Reserve

  • Address: Maxwells Line, Awapuni, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (252)

Te Motu o Poutoa

  • Address: Cliff Road, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.3 (218)

Linklater Reserve

  • Address: 11 Peter Hall Drive, Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North 4414, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (143)
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Palmerston North Skate Park

  • Address: 220 Church Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.3 (126)

Tangimoana Beach

  • Address: 97 Tangimoana Beach Road, Tangimoana 4473, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (112)

Waitarere Beach

  • Address: Waitarere Beach, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (58)

Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best Beach in Palmerston North, New Zealand, please leave a comment above. We would love to hear from you!

5 Replies to The 10 Biggest Beach in Palmerston North, New Zealand

  1. Great park for pretty much everything.
    River walks,bush walks, playground suitable for all ages with the toddler one away from the bigger kids.
    Plenty of toilets available with baby changing areas.
    Lots of parking but when big events are on they fill up quickly.
    The Esplanade cafe is good also.
    The bush walks are easy for all ages.
    Great ride on train service too!

  2. What a great park for the local area! My girlfriend and I first visited the river, which was spectacular, we then walked through the native bush walk until we popped put near the bird sanctuary. We were amazed by the greenhouse and then walked through the bird sanctuary. We made our way back out of the park through the enormous kids’ playground. Better yet, the whole experience is free of charge, and the park is meticulously maintained.

  3. Cherry blossoms, with their delicate white petals, create a stunning visual spectacle in early spring. The garden is awash in a sea of these blossoms, offering a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty.

  4. Very attractive place for both children and adults. Variety of things like garden, pool, train ride, small zoo, etc.
    The train ride was cheap and enjoyed very well.
    Good place for relaxing and entertainment.

  5. Came here a lot as a child. A Lived overseas for 45 years but always enjoy visiting when I’m back in Palmy. It’s a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking and watching the wee ones splishing in the children’s pool. Aviary section is a bit sad now but hopefully the birds who were there are living in a better space.

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