Here, the pace is yours to set. From the energy of city living in Palmerston North to the charm of rural villages and relaxed coastal communities, Manawatū offers that rare blend of lifestyle and opportunity in one place. Commutes are short, housing is still affordable, and nature is never far away.
But don’t let the laid-back vibe fool you. Manawatū is one of the country’s most connected and future-focused regions and is home to world-class education providers, cutting-edge research, and thriving industries from agrifood to defence, distribution and logistics to tech. It’s a place where careers can take off just as easily as your boots.
Over 120,000 people call this region home – and with good reason. Think great schools, a genuine sense of community, and endless ways to spend your downtime. Whether you’re walking the Ruahine amd Tararua Ranges, having fish and chips at the beach, exploring local art galleries, checking out live music, digging into great food, getting your retail fix, or making the most of a packed events calendar – there’s always something going on in Manawatū.
When you live in Manawatū, everything just works. No rat race. No drama. Just the freedom to build the kind of life you actually want.
The lifestyle shift you've been waiting for!
Real stories from locals who’ve made Manawatū home and wouldn’t have it any other way