Palmerston North
Palmerston North city is the base for NZ's largest university and has many cafes and restaurants. Festivals, parades, galleries will attract your attention while the Dugald MacKenzie Rose Garden was once voted among one of the world's top five prettiest gardens. The Rugby Museum boasts thumbs up from rugby fanatics, and the many bush reserves and tracks that enhance Palmerston North offer pleasant recreation.
New Zealand Rugby Museum
Newly developed in time for the Rugby World Cup in 2011, the NZ Rugby Museum is the place to learn about New Zealand's rugby history. Why is the national team known as the All Blacks? Why do they wear black? What is the significance of the haka? Why is New Zealand so successful at rugby? Get a feel for the real New Zealand by learning how its rich rugby heritage has shaped and been shaped by our country. It's not every day you can see the nation's treasures in their reality, from the first 'fern', the oldest All Black jersey and the oldest rugby ball to current All Black star Dan Carter's boots! And test out your rugby skills - kicking, tackling, leaping, sprinting or pushing - in the 'Have a Go' area. If the kids are with you, they'll love to imitate their heroes!