Grab a picnic blanket and some fish ‘n’ chips from the Beach Store and park up for a dreamy sunset on Himatangi’s black sand beach. Walk hand-in-hand along the sand dunes to the gentle sound of the waves lapping up on the shore. What’s not to love? 

Forget Netflix and chill, upgrade your movie night to the big screen and cosy up at Focal Point Cinema & Café with their plush lounge seating and boutique dining experiences. Sit back, relax and catch a mainstream or arthouse flick, while you enjoy wine or coffee and your choice of delectable treats. 

Grab a bite at Saigon Corner for some authentic Vietnamese street food – their phở, báhn mi and noodle dishes are perfect for sharing. Then head to the Lido Aquatic Centre and unwind in their spa pools, sauna and steam rooms. 

Time for a glow-up?  Head to the magical Limestone Creek Glow Worm Caves, for a morning meander or an after-dark adventure –the caves are about an hours’ drive from central Palmerston North city. Pack head torches, rain jackets, and a change of shoes so  you can channel your inner Indiana Jones, then head to nearby Āpiti Tavern & Eatery for some country cuisine and good company. 

Spend an evening under the stars and gaze out to  panoramic city views at Anzac Park, (or as the locals call it, Pork Chop Park). Once the site of Rangitāne Pa, the park is also known as Te Motu-o-Poutoa – dedicated memorial established in WWI to fallen soldiers from the local area. Today, this scenic lookout is a local’s favourite on a warm summer’s evening, with walking tracks aplenty and the nearby Palmerston North Astronomical Society’s observatory makes this a top spot to get starstruck – by your date, the night sky, or both! 

Head out to bustling Broadway Avenue with plenty of choice for food and drinks – from crowd-pleasing Brew Union to the always-popular Haru Japanese Restaurant. Afterwards, catch a show with great options for theatre in the city including Regent on Broadway, Centrepoint Theatre and Act Three Productions, The Dark Room, and Globe Theatre. Make sure you check out the brilliant colour display at the clock tower in The Square along the way.

Date went well? Time to plan a wedding in Manawatū? 

Get inspired with local tips and insights from Jemma and Alex’s rustic Rangiwahia wedding .