Checkpoint

Turn Palmerston North into a game.

Checkpoint is an Amazing Race style rally around Palmerston North. Crack a cryptic clue, race from place to place by car or on foot, solve the riddle waiting at each stop, and unlock the next one. Fastest brains win.

Every rally below is free to play right now, runs in your phone's browser with no app or account, and works for a solo run, one carload, or a whole pack of competing teams. Looking for things to do in Palmerston North with friends, family, workmates or visitors? This is a scavenger hunt, road trip and puzzle race rolled into one.

▶ Play free now

Palmerston North rallies (1 walking and 1 driving)

Square to the River

🚶 Walking · 4 stages · Easy · Free

Palmy's heart on foot: the great square, the treasure house, the garden esplanade and the wing-shaped bridge over the Manawātu.

Manawatū Loop

🚗 Driving · 5 stages · Medium · Free

A driving loop from the city's best playground to the lookout, the university gates and the wind farm views. Five stages around Palmy.

How it works

Pick a rally and claim it free at playcheckpoint.co.nz. Play instantly or set up teams with a join code.
Each stage gives you a cryptic clue to a real Palmerston North location. Travel there, and the game unlocks the on-site riddle when you arrive.
Answer correctly to reveal the next stage. Hints are available if you get stuck. The live leaderboard ranks every team by time.
All checkpoints are public landmarks - no tickets, no entry fees, no closed doors.

Good to know

Rallies take roughly one to two hours. Walking rallies are flat and family friendly unless marked otherwise. Driving rallies follow normal road rules: the driver drives, passengers play. Teams can be any size.

See all Palmerston North rallies