Located 55 kms north of Dunedin, Palmerston is the gateway to the Otago Goldfields Heritage Trail. During the goldrush days, Palmerston  was a major junction and supply depot where miners began their trek over the Pigroot Trail to the goldfields. 

Now a farming centre, the town has a range of activities that include golf, fishing, tramping, hunting to name of a few activities that is available.

Palmerston is served by InterCity Coachlines services from Invercargill, Dunedin and Christchurch.