Palmerston North is situated on the banks of the Manawatu River at the foot of the Tararua Mountain Range.

Palmerston North is a vibrant youthful city with the active student population, nearby Linton Military Camp, & several knowledge organisations. Since 1930 the City has been broadened by the establishment of Massey University & the New Zealand Dairy Research Institute, hence it is known as New Zealand's `Knowledge City'.

The original name of this township was "Palmerston", bestowed in honour of the Third Viscount Palmerston (Henry John Temple), a former Prime Minister of Great Britain. The suffix "North” was added in 1871 by the Post Office, in order to distinguish the settlement from its namesake in the South Island.

The central locations of the city's many venues ensure that Palmerston North hosts a number of national, international & special events annually. Palmerston North is home to an array of activities & attractions including an interactive Science Centre & Manawatu Museum, galleries, golf courses, parks, walkways & indoor climbing.

Palmerston North is served by an excellent international airport only a short distance from the city. It has a very good record for all weather operation & a 1500 metre runway capable of taking all domestic & some international aircraft currently flying within New Zealand. 

By road, Palmerston North is only seven hours drive from Auckland & two hours from Wellington. The City's central location also places it within easy two hour drives of the North Islands Central Plateau ski fields, the beaches & wineries of the Hawkes Bay, Mount Taranaki & the rural splendor of the Wairarapa.