Last updated October 2026
Awapuni is a residential suburb located south-west of central Palmerston North. It features a mix of housing styles and sits near the Manawatū River, providing access to the river walkway network.
The suburb includes local parks, the Awapuni Community Gardens, and everyday amenities such as shops and schools. It forms part of the wider Palmerston North urban area with convenient connections to the city centre.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 8,300, up 3% since 2018
- Land area
- 7.18 km²
- Location
- 3.8 km south-west of central Palmerston North
- Council
- Palmerston North City Council
- Ward or local board
- Te Hirawanui General Ward (Palmerston North City Council)
- Getting there
- College Street; bus routes 102, 106 and 108 to central Palmerston North
- Nearby landmarks
- Awapuni Racecourse, Ahimate Reserve, Awapuni Community Gardens, Manawatū River Pathway
Who Lives in Awapuni
About 8,300 residents in 2,930 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Awapuni
Two schools sit inside the Awapuni boundary. Some have an enrolment zone, so check an address is in zone before you buy or rent.
Also zoned for Awapuni
Show all 6 zoned schools
Source: Ministry of Education school directory and enrolment zones (CC BY 4.0 and CC BY 3.0 NZ), October 2026. Zones change, so confirm with the school before relying on one.
Bin Day in Awapuni
by 7.30am on collection day
Source: Palmerston North City Council collection areas. Streets near a suburb edge can differ, so check the council lookup if unsure.
Safety and Hazards
About the Palmerston North average for the number of people who live here. Another 25 reports were at shops and businesses.
Sources: NZ Police victimisation data, CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026 (crimes inside homes are only published for burglary).
Buses from Awapuni
30 bus stops inside the suburb.
Source: Horizons Regional Council timetable data. Typical weekday daytime frequency.
Handy Facilities
Source: Palmerston North City Council park toilets; NZTA EVRoam charging sites.
Weather and Rent at a Glance
Sources: NIWA climate averages 1991-2020 (via Figure.NZ); Tenancy Services rental bond data (MBIE), CC BY 4.0, September 2025 to August 2026. City-wide figures.
In Awapuni
Places and businesses inside the official Awapuni boundary.
Places
Show 2 more places
About Awapuni
Awapuni lies south-west of Palmerston North Central and is bounded by the Manawatū River.
Awapuni lies south-west of Palmerston North Central and is bounded by the Manawatū River. The name Awapuni translates as “blocked-up river,” referring to a former ox-bow lagoon in the area. College Street divides the suburb into Awapuni North and Awapuni South, with Maraetarata (formerly Awapuni West) centred around the Awapuni Racecourse to the west.
The suburb offers a range of housing from established family homes to more recent developments. Key green spaces include Ahimate Reserve, which provides river access via the Manawatū River Pathway, a fenced dog agility park, nature play areas, and mountain bike tracks.
The reserve was formerly known as Waitoetoe Park and has undergone significant redevelopment in partnership with Rangitāne o Manawatū, honouring the site of the historic Ahimate Pā.
Awapuni Community Gardens operate behind the Awapuni Community Centre on Newbury Street, offering plots for growing food and community activities. The Awapuni Racecourse serves as a regional thoroughbred racing and training centre and hosts several Group races. A memorial to the New Zealand Army Medical Corps stands at the racecourse and holds Heritage New Zealand Category I status.
Public transport via Palmerston North bus routes connects residents to the central city. The suburb sits within easy reach of Palmerston North amenities including The Square, museums, libraries and aquatic facilities while maintaining its own neighbourhood services.
Living in the Area
Awapuni provides typical suburban living within Palmerston North.
Awapuni provides typical suburban living within Palmerston North. Residents benefit from proximity to central city services alongside local shops, parks and schools that serve the immediate catchment. The riverside setting supports walking, cycling and recreation along the Manawatū River Pathway.
Public transport links and road access make commuting straightforward. Neighbourhood reserves and shared paths encourage active recreation close to home. Several state and integrated schools cater to primary and secondary students across the suburb and wider area.
The combination of established housing stock, community facilities and convenient location makes Awapuni a practical choice for families and individuals seeking suburban life in Palmerston North.
Near Awapuni
Just outside Awapuni, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Palmerston North City Council: official information on suburbs, parks, reserves and local facilities.
Wikipedia: Awapuni, Palmerston North: suburb overview with demographics, history and facilities, citing primary sources.
Manawatū Heritage: historical photographs and records of Awapuni development and landmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Awapuni located?
Awapuni is a suburb south-west of central Palmerston North, bounded by the Manawatū River.
What amenities are available in Awapuni?
Local shops, schools, Awapuni Community Gardens, Ahimate Reserve with river access and dog facilities, and other neighbourhood parks.
Is there river access?
Yes, Dittmer Drive and Ahimate Reserve provide access to the Manawatū River Pathway and riverside areas.
Are there schools in the suburb?
Yes, including Awapuni School, Riverdale School and Awatapu College.
What transport options exist?
Bus routes 102, 106 and 108 serve the suburb, with short drives or cycles to the central city.
Is Awapuni good for families?
The suburb offers parks, schools and community facilities that support family living.
What notable landmarks are nearby?
The Awapuni Racecourse is a key regional facility located within the broader Awapuni area.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Palmerston North only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Awapuni is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.