Hidden Gem: How to Explore Palmerston North, NZ on Less Than $50 a Day

First things first—you'll need somewhere to crash that won't eat up your entire budget. Palmy has some ripper options that won't break the bank.

My top pick is Palmerston North Backpackers, where I snagged a dorm bed for just NZ$30 per night. The place has a communal kitchen that's actually clean (miracle!), free Wi-Fi that actually works (double miracle!), and fellow travelers who actually chat instead of staring at their phones all night (the holy trinity of backpacker miracles).

If you're feeling adventurous and the weather's playing nice, consider camping at Himatangi Beach, about 30 minutes from the city center. At NZ$15 per night, it's a steal, and falling asleep to the sound of waves is pretty bloody special. Just make sure you've got a compact sleeping bag that packs down small but keeps you toasty when those seaside temps drop at night.

For the truly budget-conscious, check out Couchsurfing. Palmy has a small but active community of hosts. I've met some of my best Kiwi mates this way, and you can't beat the price of free—just remember to bring a small thank-you gift for your host.

Let's talk tucker—because exploring on an empty stomach is about as fun as a sunburn on holiday. The key to eating well in Palmy without spending up big is knowing where the locals go.

The Wednesday and Saturday Farmers' Market at The Square is an absolute corker for fresh, cheap eats. I loaded up on locally grown fruit, artisan bread, and cheese for under NZ$15, which sorted my breakfasts and lunches for days. Pro tip: show up about 30 minutes before closing time when vendors often slash prices to clear stock.

For a proper feed that won't cost you an arm and a leg, head to Little Savanna on George Street. Their early bird special (5-6 PM) offers mains for NZ$15—I had a steak that would make any Aussie barbecue enthusiast proud. Bring your own reusable water bottle filled up before you head out to avoid buying drinks, which is where restaurants make their margin.

If you're staying somewhere with kitchen access, Countdown supermarket on Ferguson Street is your best bet for affordable groceries. I whipped up a massive pot of pasta that fed me for three dinners, coming in at about NZ$4 per meal. Chuck in some local veggies and you're laughing.

This is where Palmy really shines for the budget explorer—there's heaps to do without spending a cent.

The jewel in Palmerston North's crown has to be the Te Apiti - Manawatu Gorge tracks. As someone who's trekked through African savannas and American forests, I was properly impressed by the biodiversity here. The 10km Tawa Loop track takes about 3-4 hours and showcases some stunning native bush. Pack your insect repellent because those Kiwi sandflies are relentless little blighters.

For photography buffs like me, the New Zealand Rugby Museum is worth the NZ$12.50 entry fee. Even if you're not into rugby (sacrilege in NZ!), the historical photographs and cultural insights are fascinating. I spent three hours here capturing details of vintage equipment and memorabilia with my camera.

Art lovers should hit up Te Manawa Museum (free entry), which houses an impressive collection of contemporary NZ art. When I visited, they had an exhibition on Māori weaving that was absolutely mind-blowing in its intricacy.

Need to rest your legs? The Victoria Esplanade Gardens offer 26 hectares of stunning gardens, aviaries, and walking paths—all completely free. I spent a whole afternoon here with my sketching set capturing the rose gardens and native bird life.

Palmy is a compact city that's dead easy to navigate on the cheap. During my weekend there, I didn't spend more than NZ$10 on transportation total.

The absolute best way to explore is on foot—the city center is flat and very walkable. Most attractions are within a 20-minute stroll of each other. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes because you'll be putting in some steps, mate.

If you're keen to cover more ground, consider renting a bike from The Green Bike Trust for just NZ$5 per day (plus a refundable NZ$40 deposit). I spent a day cycling between the Esplanade, Massey University, and along the Manawatu River pathway, which gave me a much broader experience of the city than just sticking to the center.

For trips to the gorge or Himatangi Beach, look for rideshare opportunities on the Palmerston North community Facebook groups. I connected with two German backpackers who were heading to the gorge and pitched in NZ$5 for petrol—way cheaper than the NZ$30+ a taxi would have cost.

If you're staying for more than a weekend, consider investing in a Bee Card (NZ$5) for the local buses, which gives you discounted fares. Even without one, single bus trips are only NZ$2-4 depending on the distance.

Just because you're watching your dollars doesn't mean you have to spend evenings twiddling your thumbs in your hostel bunk. Palmy has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife that caters to the university crowd—meaning prices that won't make you weep.

The Stomach is a local institution for live music, with cover charges typically between NZ$5-10. I caught a local indie band there that absolutely rocked the house, and the creative energy was contagious. I used my phone gimbal to capture some smooth video footage of the performance that ended up being a highlight of my NZ social media posts.

For a uniquely Kiwi pub experience that won't drain your wallet, head to The Celtic Inn on Tuesday nights for their pub quiz. Entry is free if you buy a drink, and they do student specials on pints. My team of random backpackers came second-to-last, but the laughs were worth it.

If you're after a more cultural evening, check out the Globe Theatre's program. They often have student rush tickets for around NZ$10-15 if you show up 30 minutes before showtime. I lucked out and caught a contemporary Māori dance performance that was absolutely mesmerizing.

For a free evening activity, pack a picnic dinner and head to the Esplanade for sunset. Bring a portable speaker for some tunes, and you've got yourself a proper evening out without spending a cent beyond your grocery budget.