The Little Explorer

Palmerston North City and Manawatu is a great place for kids. Here are a few ideas of things to see and do this season. For more see the friendly team at i-SITE Palmerston North or visit www.manawatunz.co.nz/city/familychild-friendly.html

Produced for you by Destination Manawatu. Information sourced from www.manawatunz.co.nz

A KIDS GUIDE TO PALMERSTON NORTH CITY & MANAWATU

Free Activities
Here are a few ideas on fun things to see and do, without breaking the bank. Play Chess in The Square Have you been into The Square lately? If not, make sure you head down and have a game of Chess, giant style! The Palmerston North City Council have set up this cool Chess board for you to play on for FREE! Yay! Kowhai Park in Feilding Check out this fantastic park for great playgrounds, bird aviaries, picnic areas, a duck pond, bush walks, a cricket pitch and much more. Pohangina Wetlands Get up close to native birdlife and see many ponds of different shapes and sizes. Follow the mown pathways and spot birds hiding amongst native plants. Te Apiti Wind Farm Have you stood under one of these mighty wind machines yet? Head up Saddle Road and stand underneath a wind turbine, learn all about how they work. and check out the amazing views. The viewing area is open from 8am to 5pm daily.

Picnic with the Butterflies

Have you heard about the new changes at Apollo Park in Milson? The local community noticed that monarch butterflies were overwintering here so they decided to create a Butterfly themed park with lots of native plants chosen specially to attract, feed and care for the many monarch butterflies that come here.

What is overwintering?

When the temperature drops below 12.8 degrees celcius, monarchs flock together in large groups and hibernate in their chosen overwintering site. An overwintering site is generally a large tree that offers plenty of shelter, has a rough bark surface (to hold on too) and a nearby source of nectar for food. While overwintering, the monarchs are mostly inactive but on warm days they stretch their wings, bask in the sunlight and search for food.

What is so special about this park?

This park has been uniquely designed with monarchs in mind. The garden is shaped like a giant butterfly and the plants are a mix of native trees, grasses, and swan plants. This park is a safe haven for butterflies, and is also a great place to learn more about these wonderful creatures. Best of all, this is a community project and was created by local volunteers.

Chokolato in the Library

Palmerston North City Library is a great place to hang out, especially in the cooler months. Pop in and check out the new cafe Chokolato. There is a great kiddies corner with fun activities, plus you can purchase this yummy kids platter - and get the plate to keep and take home! Cool!

WINTER 2012

Rugby Mad

Are you an All Black in the making?

Weekend Get-Away
You dont have to leave Manawatu for a weekend escape, there are many awesome options, even in the winter! Totara Reserve Bush walks, swimming holes, glow worms, a bush chapel and so much more! Newly built toilets and showers, wood barbecues and powered sites make this a great spot for a getaway from the city. www.manawatunz.co.nz Himatangi Beach Holiday Park With accommodation options to suit all budgets, this award winning holiday park is close to the beach, dairy and park, plus it has some great facilities to keep kids busy too! www.himatangibeachholidaypark.co.nz Mangaweka Campgrounds Bordering the Manawatu, this riverside campground is surrounded by mighty papa cliffs and the gorgeous Rangitikei River. Great facilties, and the booking office offers adventures of rafting, kayaking and more! www. mangaweka.co.nz

Make sure you check out the New Zealand Rugby Museum for a trip back in time to when Rugby first reached our shores. See how the iconic Silver Fern has changed in design, check out the oldest rugby ball ever and see Dan Carters boots, choice! Test your skills in the Have a Go area with kicking, tackling, leaping, sprinting and pushing! Look out Piri Weepu, here we come! Located in Te Manawa, 326 Main Street, Palmerston North City or check out www.rugbymuseum.co.nz

Coach House Museum

Reopening 6 May 2012
This fascinating museum features a collection of vehicles from the Horse-Drawn Era, way back before we had cars with motors! From farm equipment to heavy road working vehicles, there is a large range of different things to see, as well as lots to learn. The Coach House Museum has just been refurbished and relocated so its well worth a look! Located at 121 South Street, Feilding. Phone 06 323 6401 or Check out www.coachhousemuseum.org

Rainy Day Supplies

Dont get caught out with cabin fever this winter...

Being stuck inside isnt much fun for kids or adults, but if you have a good stash of craft supplies then you can let your imaginations run wild! Stock up at the Arts Recycling Centre so you can make rockets, build castles, make gifts for Granny and more all with recycled materials. Located at Square Edge, Palmerston North City. Phone 06 353 2802

Budding Chefs
Take the kids on a food journey and discover some of our best locally grown, made and produced foods. Check out these markets to fill your basket... Feilding Farmers Market Every Friday 9am-2pm, Manchester Square, Feilding Albert Street Markets Every Saturday 6am-10am, Alberts Sports Bar Carpark, Palmerston North City Cloverlea Market Every Sunday 9am-1:30pm, Cnr Botanical Road and Tremaine Ave, Palmerston North City Sanson Market Every Sunday 7am-2pm, Cnr SH1 and SH3,

Upcoming Events
Manawatu Garden Festival 5-6 May @ Manfeild, Feilding 9am-5pm, $10 or children under 15 are FREE CD Welsh & Pony Cob Show 19 May @ Manfeild, Feilding 8am-5pm, FREE Entry Star Search Manawatu 25-26 May @ Feilding Civic Centre, $10 for solos/duos and $20 for groups Red Cross Book Sale 25-27 May @ Barber Hall, Waldegrave Street, Palmerston North City, FREE Entry Manawatu Jets Basketball 18-20 May @ Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North City, Adult $10 & Child $5 Baby Pops 15 June @ Regent on Broadway, Palmerston North City 10:15am, Adult $13 and Child $7 Feilding Craft Market 18 June @ Feilding Civic Centre 9am-4pm, FREE Admission

www.manawatunz.co.nz/events

For more events check out

WINTER 2012