Hokowhitu Lagoon was once an important fishery for Rangitāne that had a thriving eel population. Nowadays, this place is a hotspot for water sports, or an ideal place to go for a walk with a view. Come on down for an easy outing or stroll.

A cool place for a walk, literally! With plenty of shaded native bush and a swimming hole to help you beat the heat on a hot Palmy day. Join the native birds as the path through this park journeys through one of Palmerston North's native bush remnants. It also links up with the Turitea Stream, where babbling water, birdsong and fresh bush scent combine to create an oasis of calm. Take your togs because the stream and swimming hole are a perfect place for a swim. If you're keen to get your heart rate up, there are three sets of stairs for you to run or walk up. The trail can be done in 30 minutes from Tennent Drive, but you can make it about two hours if you start at the Summerhill shops and set out along the Turitea Walkway, which connects to the Bledisloe Park walkways.

Nestled inside Victoria Esplanade, Palmy's iconic rose garden is a beautiful (and popular) spot for a garden wedding, or simply book it for your photos. Don't let yourself be limited by what you can use this space for though. In past years it's also been the scene of the city's Summer Shakespeare theatre productions.