Far off to the south of the globe lies the island nation of New Zealand. One of the foremost developed countries in the world it is also one of the most isolated and the only nation to claim territory in Antarctica. Its indigenous peoples are known as the Maori.
The first settlers to this exotic volcanic island were from Polynesia, who eventually became the indigenous Maori. Then later in the 1700s the arrival of western traders and whalers transformed the island. Many Dutch and British traders bartered for local timber and supplied the Maori with modern tools and weaponry which transformed the landscape.
Palmerston North or Palmy as it is known by the locals is a city of the Manawatu Wanaganui region of the North Island of New Zealand. A relatively new city, its population demographics lean toward the younger side who mainly come to attend the academies and schools in the city.
The city gets its unique name from the former British Prime Minister Viscount Palmerston with the “North” being added later by the post office to distinguish it from Palmerston city in the South Island.
European settlers first arrived in the area in the mid 1800s through means of a whaling ship whose trader Jack Duff became the first European to explore the area. Proper development of the settlement did not get underway until the 1860s when the British government was able to fully survey the land and its benefits.
New Zealand has always been a country with a deep love for sports with its cricket and rugby teams being regarded as a formidable force on the international scene. Palmerston North is no exception, being home to the Squash Gym. The largest indoor squash arena in the country it has hosted many prominent national and international tournaments making significant contributions to the sport.
Featuring no less than eight world class courts including a state of the art modern lounge the Squash Gym has won the coveted New Zealand Squash Club of the Year award three times over the past several years. The club allows for casual play by unaffiliated individuals as well as the opportunity to become a member for those who play on a more frequent basis.
Top national coaches are on hand to ensure players are on the top of their game be it a beginner or a pro, and the newly refurbished gym offers state of the art workout equipment to ensure members are in peak physical condition.
Visitors looking for a hotel in Palmerston North should check out the Kingsgate Hotel Palmerston North. Located within striking distance of the city centre, this flexible Palmerston North hotel strives to ensure guests’ needs are met and exceeded.
