Bella Vista Motel Palmerston North

• 18 superior, self-contained, fully serviced motel units
• Conference room onsite for up to 30 people
• Fax and copying facilities
• Free and unlimited WIFI 
• Large off-street parking ideal for small trucks/towing vehicles
• Lock-up garage for bikes
• Charge-back facilities for local restaurants - dine in or delivered to motel
• Close to major wedding venues

• Modern guest laundry
• EFTPOS and credit card facilities
• Qualmark 4 Star Rating
• Wheelchair access units
• Continental breakfast delivered to your room
• Portacots and highchairs available

• Type 2 EV chargers. Please pre-book.

Victoria Esplanade Gardens

A great option for those that wish to picnic or walk through the woodland area, appreciate the rose gardens or go for a ride on the esplanade scenic railway. The playground and café serves a good coffee and only 2 minutes drive from our Palmerston North motel. 

Robertson Holden International Speedway

If you enjoy the speedway or stockcars and are in town on a night of a meet, then this is where you need to be. The speedway provides great entertainment, plenty of noise and a safe environment for the family.

Palmerston North Clock Tower

A unique landmark in the centre of town that serves as the perfect place to stop and watch the world go by. Have a coffee, enjoy the duck pond or come back at night to watch the clock change colour.

Lido Aquatic Centre

A fabulous swimming complex offering a fun day out for all ages, make the most of the indoor and outdoor pools, hydroslides, sauna and spa. The pools are only 2 minutes from our Palmerston North accommodation. 

Centrepoint Theatre

The only professional theatre in New Zealand outside of the main centres, Centrepoint Theatre provides a range of shows and dinner options to entertain its visitors. From comedies through to serious themed plays, it’s a gem of a theatre. Find out what’s showing today!

The Medical Museum

Run by volunteers and open only on certain days for a gold coin donation, the Medical Museum is interesting and informative. Learn about NZ’s medical history with a particular focus on Surgery, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dental and the war efforts.

Cathedral of the Holy Spirit

Standing proud and tall, the cathedral features stunning stained glass windows and a welcoming atmosphere.  With daily services, the cathedral is the heart of the Palmerston North Diocese, and also hosts a range of community concerts, events etc. This is only four minutes from our Palmerston North motel. 

Giant Chess

Take on an opponent in this super sized game of chess; located in The Square (in the South western corner) it’s a fun way to spend an hour of your day.

The Herb Farm 

This is an eco and feel-good experience in a rural retreat setting. Indulge in a refreshing walk through the gardens or purchase healing and chemical-free body products made onsite. If arranged in advance, you can make your own. Facilities include a beauty retreat and a cafe.

Drive the Country Road

The Country Road, Manawatu takes you off the main highways, away from heavy traffic and through diverse landscapes. Driving the Country Road is equivalent to driving the 'back roads' - but with purpose. You can make a stop for afternoon tea, pop in to see a boutique mill and enjoy the spectacular views.

Stormy Point Route - A great alternative to travelling SH1 between Taupo and Wellington. It's a very scenic route with great lookout points over ancient river terraces and connects you with the townships of Fielding and Palmerston North City.

Peep-O-Day Route - Aptly named after the Peep-O-Day point, which is the first place in the area to see the morning sun.

Pohangina Valley Route - A vast valley located at the foot of the Ruahine Mountain Ranga featuring wetlands, small communities, Totara Reserve Regional Park and an abundance of walking tracks on Department of Conservation land.

Iron Gates Experience - A secluded section of northern Manawatu with horse trekking, hiking, camping, a popular country pub, and many natural attractions. Named after the Iron Gates Gorge, which has sheer cliffs and a powerful river pulsing through it.

Te Apiti Windfarm

You’ll find this interesting windfarm on the Saddle Road between Ashhurst and Woodville. Learn how they work, get up close and take in what they do and how they do it.

Palmerston North Arts & Sculpture Trail

There is a fantastic range of art freely available to view in Palmerston North – Pick up a brochure from the i-SITE and get all the information you need.

Palmerston North Heritage Trail

See and learn about the local heritage and find some real gems you’d never know about otherwise. Information on the self-guided trail is available at the i-SITE. While some of the locations are easily accessible to those on foot, others you may need to get hold of a bike or use the city busses.

Manawatu Golf Club

A good little Golf Club with a proud history, casual golfers can book a tee time on this challenging, yet fair course.

Manawatu Gorge Track

This track is located approx. 12km from Palmerston North and can be started from either Ashhurst or Woodville. There are a few different track options to choose from, DOC has all the relevant information required.

Manawatu History and Culture

Stories of New Zealand's heritage and culture are told well in Manawatu. Feilding's Steam Train Museum, Horse Drawn Era Museum and Homeprint are run by local enthusiasts.

Te Manawa 

A cultural museum of art, science and history. It showcases and stores the Manawatu region's nationally significant taonga, contemporary art, science and heritage collections. Only 3 minutes drive from our Palmerston accommodation

The New Zealand Rugby Museum 

Home of New Zealand rugby heritage and culture - the sport that shaped a nation. See some of the world's rarest rugby artefacts and test your kicking, tackling, leaping, sprinting and pushing skills at the 'have a go' area.

The Coach House

A horse-drawn era museum giving insight into the life of our early pioneers through their stories, photos and the transportation they used to settle Manawatu and New Zealand. This is 21 minutes drive from our Palmerston North motel accommodation.

Rangitikei River

Have fun white water rafting, kayaking and jet boating on the Rangitikei River. The River is also home to Gravity Canyon, the highest bungy jump in the North Island, highest tandem bridge swing and fastest flying fox in the world.

Feilding Saleyards

Learn the fascinating history of selling livestock - one of New Zealand's oldest traditions - on a guided tour of the saleyards, a hive of activity and one of the largest saleyards in the Southern Hemisphere. The best day of the week to visit is Friday.

Owlcatraz

​A wildlife park featuring rare and interesting animals set amongst native bush and farmland. You can see native New Zealand Owls (morepork or ruru), as well as get up close and personal with pigs, donkeys, ostriches, deer, bulls and alpaca. This is a 30 minute drive from our Palmerston North accommodation. 

River Valley 

Offering white-water rafting, hill country horse trekking and hikoi (walks) with a restful stay at the riverside lodge. Adventure down New Zealand's fourth-longest river with Mangaweka Adventure Company (MAC), offering a wide range of river activities, accommodation and facilities.

Bella Vista Palmerston North will happily offer local advice on any of these activities and will gladly facilitate complimentary reservations should an activity require a booking.

The Charm of Small Towns

Manawatu's rural settlements are famous for their character and friendliness. Here's a quick run-down of some of the towns which are in easy reach of Bella Vista Palmerston North.

Kimbolton is an enchanting rural township set high above the Manawatu Plains. It offers wonderful views of Kapiti Island and is home to world-renowned rhododendron gardens.

Feilding has been named New Zealand's most beautiful town many times and has one of the largest stock sale yards in the Southern Hemisphere. It also has great cafés and a farmers’ market every Friday.

Taihape is the 'gumboot capital of New Zealand', which explains the giant corrugated gumboot icon that marks the town.

Norsewood is proud of its Scandinavian heritage. The township features an award-winning organic goat cheese factory, the Norsewear clothing factory shop, antiques, a museum and the unique Troll Stroll.

Woodville is home to the Gottfried Lindauer Replica Studio - a unique collection featuring one of New Zealand's most celebrated artists.

Dannevirke's Fantasy Cave is a must for families with young children.

At Mangatainoka you can tour the famous Tui brewery, easy to find because its high-rise brewing tower can be seen for miles.

Bulls is a charming rural town named after an English settler. Here you'll find quaint cafes and unique shopping, as well as the 'relieve-a-bull' toilet!