A weekend escape to Manawatū can be action-packed or restful – you can experience sumptuous and fresh local cuisine at amazing restaurants and farmers markets, get the thrill of your life jetboating up the iconic Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge, soak up street art culture and a night at the theatre, and get up close to endangered, rehabilitating wildlife.

Below would be a great itinerary of both active and relaxing activities when you’re looking for things to do in Palmerston North on a weekend away.

Take a 10-minute walk for breakfast at Munch, a 100% gluten-free and nut-free cafe with eclectic decor and lots of cosy spaces – and this raved-about cafe will cater to your diet whatever your requirements. The eggs benedict, the salmon salad, and anything involving their incredibly crispy homemade batter is just perfection – and this will all be great fuel for your next adventure, jet boating up Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge in a V8-powered jet boat ride with the Manawatū Gorge Experience Jet.

The jet boat from the Woodville Ferry Reserve, 30 minutes from Palmerston North. The thrill and excitement of speeding past huge boulders, sheer cliffs, and through single chutes is next level – and to be able to do it in a spectacular location like the scenic Manawatū Gorge adds to the allure!

From there it’s a short drive for lunch at The Herb Farm near Ashhurst, a family-owned and -operated business set in rural tranquillity, with two acres of themed gardens and a beautiful cafe on-site with indoor and outdoor seating. The coffee is divine, and the food is beautiful (it’s mostly local, free-range, and organic) whether you’re ordering the French toast, the steak sandwich, or the halloumi burger plus plenty more.