Manawatu is said to have received its name by Hau, the great Maori explorer. On his quest to find his wife who had left him for another lover, Hau is said to have pursued her along the south west coast of the North Island. As he travelled along, he came across and named river mouths including Whanganui, Whangaehu and Rangitikei according to events that befell him at the time. He came across the Manawatu River. In awe of the sight and in fear he might not be able to cross it, he stated “Ka tu taku manawa” (My heart stands still).
The following businesses are supported by us here at Bijonei, some are weekend destinations and others are those we frequent weekly and sometimes daily. We would LOVE you to support them as much as we do, so here’s a quick brief on each one.
Centrepoint Theatre
We have been working closely with Centrepoint Theatre for over two years now, supporting the actors and providing support for the company in whichever way we can. For us, theatre is an art form, very much like hair; constantly changing and evolving, showcasing new ideas with innovative results in a classy upmarket environment at an affordable price.
Since 1974, Centrepoint Theatre has built its reputation on delivering outstanding theatre designed to challenge, inspire and entertain audiences. Their mission is to create theatre that engages and reflects our community. They are committed to theatre that is accessible to all and are inspired by a shared belief that the arts play an integral part in our society.
See the events coming up at, and produced by, the only professional provincial theatre in New Zealand.
Little Savanna
We have recently teamed up with Little Savanna after experiencing their amazing service and fabulous atmosphere. A night out with loved ones is a must when you’re in Palmerston North, whether it’s a quiet drink with friends or colleagues after work or dinner with loved ones; Little Savanna will delight your senses.
Little Savanna is the bringing together of our cultures, where mouth-watering seasonal food has been engineered. They have a zest for fresh seafood and unashamedly love meat, particularly those cuts that are flame grilled, which sets them apart from other restaurants in the Manawatu.
Juno Beauty Day Spa
Juno Beauty Day Spa is located directly across from us here in Summerhill. The brain child of Claire Murrell, whom specialises in providing you with a total experience in a purely luxurious salon with a modern yet tranquil edge. The skin therapy day spa boasts three treatment rooms, ample parking and friendly, helpful, fully qualified staff; the perfect place for your manicure, pedicure, eyebrow tint, waxing, professional make up or skin therapy day spa.
Perfect for your monthly maintenance or a treat for that special occasion we know you will enjoy the consistent service and uplifting one on one experience. Click here to see services and prices.
Linklater Reserve
For those of you that own fur babies, Linklater is relatively new and particularly popular with dog walkers and is under the flight path to Palmerston North Airport, so it’s a great place to be a plane spotter!
The walkway is a dog exercise area, where you can walk your dog off-leash (except for the children’s play areas, where dogs are prohibited).
They will also be opening up a disc golf course, adding an aeroplane for children to play on, planting a giant pattern that can be seen from landing planes, and extending the carpark.
Ebony Coffee
At Bijonei we provide a barista style coffee for you and have partnered up with Ebony Coffee to provide you with what we believe to be the best taste in coffee in the Manawatu!
It is many years since 1996, when the Manawatu Coffee Roasting Company appeared in Palmerston’s Coleman Mall, later, becoming Ebony Coffee Company. Massey University Economist, Donne Mardle, started (like so many do) initially roasting with a 12 kg Otto Swadla – mainly for himself, friends and one cafe.
Today the Roastery at 208 Featherston Street still enjoys the wonderful consistent roasting of the Petroncini. We are really proud of our Speciality Coffees and are members of the New Zealand Speciality Coffee Association (NZSCA).
He Ara Kotahi Bridge Walk
There aren’t many walkways in New Zealand where you traverse dairy farms, forests, pā sites, a military camp, streams and a river in less than nine kilometres. But that’s exactly what you’ll experience on He Ara Kotahi. The name means a pathway that brings people together, and that’s what it does. A 7.1km track connects Palmerston North city directly to Linton Military Camp. A 1.8km route connects the city to Massey University and FoodHQ. The pathway was created as a commuter link to the almost 18,000 people that live or work near these facilities. But its breath-taking beauty and its location just a few minutes from Palmerston North’s CBD will make it a hotspot for tourists and families.
The Fitzherbert Avenue entrance is best if you are wanting to walk, run or bike the 3.8km loop between the bridges and a favourite of ours. Whether you want to meander along with your family or take the serious fitness pace this is a great place to start as this walk is either side of the river and oozes fabulousness. A must do in anyone’s book!
The Elm Cafe
We love The Elm Cafe, as it offers a relaxed atmosphere, excellent menu, and a gorgeous boutique wine list. There is a beautiful sheltered garden courtyard at the front of the cafe, with colourful potted plants, and you can enjoy Ozone coffee either indoors or outdoors.
Anna the head chef is also the owner and has built up a reputation for great food and friendly service.
If you’re after brunch on a Sunday or a quick coffee with friends on the run, the Elm is your go too café!
They were named the winner of ‘Cafe of the Year’ 4 years in a row (2008, 2009, 2010 & 2012) in the Manawatu Hospitality Awards!
Women and Business
We believe that every woman in business needs and deserves a supportive environment. At Women and Business, they focus on creating an environment of networking, motivation and inspiration where business women can:
- Share information about their business products and service
- Network and make contact with other business women
- Strive to achieve their goals in a supportive environment
- Be inspired and motivated by others
- Seek advice and support in business and work/life balance issues
Every third Tuesday of each month Women and Business hold a gathering at The Globe Theatre in Palmerston North, which gives us the opportunity to network and meet like-minded business women. Click here to register if you’d like to come along.
New World
We love our local New World supermarket up here in Summerhill.
The staff are so friendly with big smiles and fabulously stocked shelves. They are helpful and courteous and ensure great gatherings for you with fantastic morsels from the deli and fresh fruit and veges daily.
Arapuke Forest Mountain Bike Track
Manawatu’s Premier Mountain Bike Park
Arapuke Forest Park, formerly known as K-Loop, is the premier mountain bike destination in the lower North Island.
They have well over 30 km of trails across all grades in a growing network designed for four-season riding. You can access the park from the end of Kahuterawa Road or via Scotts Road. A shuttle service is now operating in the park.
If you prefer Walking the Arapuke Forest Park is very popular with walkers. The national Te Araroa Trail runs along the shared track called Backtrack and the various former logging roads create a loop back to the car park with great views out to the Manawatū plains.
Click here to map out some walks for you and your party.