Palmerston North, known as Student City, is a green and lively city in the Manawatu region of New Zealand, with a strong retail, arts and cafe culture.
The region is a gateway to the beautiful sea and mountain landscapes of the North Island. It’s within an easy two hour drive of New Zealand’s capital city Wellington, Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa wineries, and within three hours of impressive ski-fields at Mount Ruapehu.
The city combines the charm of rural New Zealand with the sophisticated provincial appeal of Palmerston North city.
The lifestyle is easy and affordable. Walking and biking are popular and you can enjoy a range of cultural and outdoor activities in a safe, sustainable environment.
PopulationPalmerston North has an estimated population of 78,400. The relatively young population (especially high in the 15-29 year old category) reflects the city’s status as a student city, home to UCOL, Massey University and the International Pacific College.
LocationPalmerston North covers an area of 32,594 hectares, and is the geographical centre of New Zealand. One million people live within a two hour (200km) radius. The city is a major rail centre. State Highway 1 passes through and there are excellent roading connections, north, south, east and west.
Airport services
Palmerston North Airport has domestic services to all of New Zealand’s major cities and most provincial centres. It holds the record for being open for more days than any other New Zealand airport.
What’s the weather like?
Palmerston North has a mild climate by international standards. For example, the city has less annual rainfall than New York City and warmer weather than London.
Palmerston North's climate is more to offer than many New Zealand cities. For example:
- Auckland has more rainfall;
- Rotorua has colder mean temperatures;
- Hamilton has more days of ground frost;
- Wellington has 22 gale days a year while Palmerston North only has three.
What can you do in the city?Plenty – including dining, shopping, biking, fishing and river swimming, motorsport and other outdoor pursuits. Check out www.manawatunz.co.nz and www.studentcity.co.nz for what’s on.
How much does it cost to live in Palmerston North?UCOL provides students and staff with free travel on Palmerston North and Whanganui urban bus services.
Week’s rent of a 4-bedroom house: $300 - $500+ per week
Weekend movies and blockbusters: $8
Latte: $3.50
Beer: $15 - $20 (per dozen cans)
Our Palmerston North campusClick to view live webcam of what’s happening right now at UCOL Palmerston North
UCOL Palmerston North’s architecturally designed campus is situated in the heart of Palmerston North and is one of the city’s landmarks.
Its Maori name is Rangitaane Tikaraina ki te Matauranga which translates in part as “straight pathway to education.”
The campus architecture combines historic buildings with state-of the-art facilities, including a well equipped gym. A new Learning Hub includes a contemporary, student friendly lounge area, more than 60 computer stations, wireless access for laptops for student use and access to our excellent Library. There’s also barista coffee and light food available.
Location: Corner King and Princess Streets.
UCOL Palmerston North Campus Map
| Physical Address: |
Corner King and Princess Streets, Palmerston North |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 11-022, Palmerston North 4442 |
| Phone Number: |
0800 GO UCOL (0800 46 8265) |
| Email: |
enquiry@ucol.ac.nz |
UCOL Palmerston North
Childcare facilities are available on campus at Ukidz, a purpose built early childhood education centre. To find out more visit www.ucol.ac.nz/ukidz.
