Last updated October 2026
Bunnythorpe is a small rural settlement about 11 km north of central Palmerston North. It features a village centre with a primary school, community facilities and surrounding farmland.
The area offers a quieter, community-focused lifestyle while remaining within easy reach of Palmerston North amenities. Established in the 1870s, Bunnythorpe maintains strong rural ties and faces planned growth from nearby freight infrastructure projects.
Official Locality Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 2,170, up 15% since 2018
- Land area
- 93.36 km²
- Location
- 11.2 km north of central Palmerston North
- Council
- Manawatu District Council and Palmerston North City Council
- Ward or local board
- Manawatū Rural General Ward (Manawatū District Council) and Te Hirawanui General Ward (Palmerston North City Council)
- Nearby landmarks
- Bunnythorpe Community Centre, Bunnythorpe recreation ground
Who Lives in Bunnythorpe
About 2,170 residents in 740 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
Schools in Bunnythorpe
Three schools sit inside the Bunnythorpe boundary. Most have an enrolment zone, so check an address is in zone before you buy or rent.
Also zoned for Bunnythorpe
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 Bunnythorpe
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
Lower than the Palmerston North average for the number of people who live here. Another 11 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); Palmerston North City Council District Plan flood-prone areas.
Buses from Bunnythorpe
2 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.
About Bunnythorpe
Bunnythorpe is a small rural settlement within Palmerston North City boundaries.
Bunnythorpe is a small rural settlement within Palmerston North City boundaries. It was established in the 1870s in the Manchester Block and developed around the North Island Main Trunk Railway. The village sits amid farming land and retains a tight-knit rural character.
The settlement includes Bunnythorpe School, a community centre with hall, meeting room and kitchen, a recreation ground and a fenced playground. These facilities support daily community life alongside basic local services.
Bunnythorpe became part of Palmerston North City in 2012 after previously belonging to the Manawatū District. A dedicated Bunnythorpe Community Plan guides future development while aiming to preserve rural character, heritage and community connections.
Significant infrastructure projects nearby, including the Te Utanganui Central New Zealand Distribution Hub, KiwiRail Regional Freight Hub and Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road, are expected to bring changes over the next 30 years. The community plan seeks to manage these impacts and maintain local values.
Living in the Area
Residents enjoy a smaller-scale community setting distinct from inner Palmerston North suburbs.
Residents enjoy a smaller-scale community setting distinct from inner Palmerston North suburbs. The village provides everyday essentials through its school, community centre and local shops while offering straightforward car access to central Palmerston North facilities such as The Square, museums, parks and the hospital.
Public transport options exist but most residents rely on private vehicles for trips beyond the immediate area. Housing includes a mix of styles suited to families and those preferring rural-residential properties.
The setting appeals to people seeking a quieter lifestyle with established community ties and proximity to urban services. Upcoming regional projects may influence long-term growth and infrastructure in the area.
Near Bunnythorpe
Just outside Bunnythorpe, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Show 2 more places
Businesses
Explore all Palmerston North businesses
Where to Learn More
Palmerston North City Council: Bunnythorpe Community Plan outlining local values and future development priorities.
Palmerston North City Council: Details on the Bunnythorpe Community Centre facilities and booking.
Manawatū Heritage: Historical photographs and information on Bunnythorpe’s establishment and early development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bunnythorpe?
Bunnythorpe is a rural settlement approximately 11 km north of central Palmerston North, within Palmerston North City boundaries.
What amenities are available in Bunnythorpe?
Amenities include Bunnythorpe School, a community centre with hall and kitchen, a recreation ground and a playground.
Is Bunnythorpe good for families?
Yes, the primary school and community facilities support family life in a rural setting.
How long does it take to drive to central Palmerston North?
The drive typically takes about 15 minutes.
Are there plans for future development?
Yes, nearby freight hub and ring road projects are planned, guided by the Bunnythorpe Community Plan to protect rural character.
When was Bunnythorpe established?
Bunnythorpe was established in the 1870s in the Manchester Block.
Does Bunnythorpe have a community hall?
Yes, the Bunnythorpe Community Centre includes a larger hall available for hire.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Explore Palmerston North only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Bunnythorpe is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.