Travel Info
Visa Requirements
Any visitor travelling to New Zealand needs to ensure they have the correct travel documents. Some people can use an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand, and others need to get a visa. For more information see the official Immigration New Zealand website. Please do this well ahead of your travel
Everyone entering New Zealand needs to submit a traveller declaration. The New Zealand Traveller Declaration collects travel, customs, immigration and biosecurity information. It aims to improve the safety and security of New Zealand. Go to the New Zealand Traveller Declaration where information and application can be found.
COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders
Travel by air to NZ and Palmerston North
From outside New Zealand we recommend flying into one of these three international airports: Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch
- https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/ (AKL)
- https://www.wellingtonairport.co.nz/ (WLG)
- https://www.christchurchairport.co.nz/ (CHC)
- and to book a connecting flight to Palmerston North
- https://pnairport.co.nz/ (PMR).
Most international travellers fly into Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city. The Auckland International Terminal is a 10-minute walk or bus ride away from the Auckland Domestic Terminal. Shuttle buses are free and are scheduled every 10 minutes. The walk is well signposted and on a good day is a wonderful way to get some fresh air and stretch your legs after a long-haul flight.
In Christchurch and Wellington the International Terminal and the Domestic Terminal are in the same complex, but in different parts of the building
Upon arrival in New Zealand, you will first be taken through Immigration. Then, even if your luggage is checked through to Palmerston North, you will have to uplift your bags at the airport where you enter the country. You will then go through Customs and Biosecurity before you proceed to the Domestic Terminal.
Please allow two hours minimum between your arrival in New Zealand and the departure of your connecting domestic flight.
For your domestic flight to Palmerston North you may have to check in again, check in your luggage and receive an updated boarding pass.
Travel by bus to Palmerston North
InterCity operates a bus service from Wellington - Central to Palmerston North three times a day. Tickets cost $29 - $55 and the journey takes 2h 5m.
Travel by train to Palmerston North
KiwiRail - Capital Connection operates a train from Wellington to Palmerston North five times a week. Tickets cost $29 - $40 and the journey takes 2h 5m. KiwiRail - Northern Explorer also services this route three times a week. More information is available at the Capital Connection.
As the train station is located on the outskirts of town, you will need to book a taxi to go into town or to Massey University.
Travel from Palmerston North airport or Palmerston North train station to the city centre and Massey University
Palmerston North is a compact city. The airport and the train station are only 10 minutes away from the city centre and 20-25 minutes from Massey University.
There are taxi stands at the airport, but if your flight arrives late in the evening, or you arrive by train, you may prefer to book a taxi in advance.
Taxis
You have the choice of Palmerston North Taxis or Gold and Black Taxis. A taxi ride from the airport into town is around NZ$35, but could cost more during peak hours.
Shuttle
If you arrive as a group and you are going to the same accommodation, a shuttle service may be a more economical way to travel to the city. You can pre-book your shuttle at SuperShuttle
Travel by car to Palmerston North
Directions from Wellington Airport via State Highway 1 (SH 1) Take Great Harbour Way / Te Aranui o Pōneke, Onepu Rd and Crawford Rd to SH 1 in Mount Cook. Continue to Ōtaki. At Ohau, turn right onto State Hwy 57/ Kimberley Road. Remain on State Hwy 57, driving through Shannon and continue towards Woodville/Palmerston North. After 29 km, just before Palmerston North city, you’ll see Massey University signposted. Turn right at the main entrance onto Main Drive to enter the campus or continue straight on Tennent Drive to head into the city.
Palmerston North
Palmerston North, also known as Te Papaioea in Māori and colloquially as ‘Palmy’, is a city in the North Island of New Zealand. Located about 140 km north of the capital Wellington, the predominantly flat city is known for its Manawatū River and the stunning Manawatū Gorge as well as the lofty Ruahine and Tararua ranges, forested hills and native bushland. Palmerston North is the country's eighth-largest urban area, with an estimated population of 91,800 (June 2023) from 130 different ethnicities.
In the city itself, there are many events which bring together the local community. Heritage collections, art galleries and urban street art are prominent in Palmerston North too and go hand-in-hand with the colourful array of cafes and dining options that will take your taste buds on a tour of the world
Go to an interactive map of things to see and do.
Climate
Palmerston North's climate is temperate, with warm afternoon temperatures of 20 to 22 °C (72 °F) in summer and 12 °C (54 °F) in winter
The conference is taking place in November, which is spring. New Zealand’s spring weather can range from cold and frosty to warm and hot. Temperatures on average range from 4.5 to 18 °C (40 to 65F). Dressing in layers is recommended