Participating in sports is a popular pastime in the Manawatu with many local clubs and venues catering for sports such as those listed below and other sports including athletics, archery, badminton, croquet, lawn bowls, squash, tennis and other minority sports. Secondary School and Age Group sport is highly participated in and actively encouraged.
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Rugby union
Like the rest of New Zealand, rugby union is a popular sport in the winter. The men's representative team from Manawatu are the Turbos. The Turbos play in the Mitre 10 Cup, the premier competition in New Zealand provincial rugby. Their home ground is at Central Energy Trust Arena. At Super Rugby level, Manawatu is in the Hurricanes catchment zone and occasionally home matches are played here.
The Manawatu Cyclones are the province's representatives in the Women's Provincial Championship. They also play at Central Energy Trust Arena, or at the rugby fields at Massey University.
Manawatu hosted two group matches during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Rugby league
There is a small but thriving rugby league scene in Manawatu, with a number of clubs in the region. They come from Palmerston North, Ohakea, Marton, Dannevirke, Foxton, Levin and Feilding. Teams from Wanganui, Taranaki and Hawke's Bay also play in Manawatu club competitions.
Speedway
Robertson Holden International Speedway is a popular participant and spectator sport. The local team is known as the Palmerston North Panthers. The raceway is at Central Energy Trust Arena (the track encircles the sports field).
Basketball
Basketball is played at the premier level in Manawatu. The Manawatu Jets, formerly the Palmerston North Jets, play in the NZBL. Basketball is governed by Palmerston North Basketball Association (PNBA). Their home is at Arena 2 (indoor) of Arena Manawatu.
Netball
Netball is popularly participated in Manawatu. The province is represented at ANZ Championship by the Central Pulse. Netball is governed by Netball Manawatu, based at Vautier Park in Roslyn. Arena 2 is the premier netball venue, often hosting Central Pulse home games and occasionally, the national side, the Silver Ferns play here also.
Hockey
Hockey is played at a premier level in the Manawatu. The region's premier teams are the Central Mavericks (men) and Central Mysticks (women). At the local level, numerous clubs exist and are governed by Hockey Manawatu.
The main venue is at the Twin Turfs, between Fitzherbert Park and Victoria Esplanade.
Cricket
Cricket is popular in the city. The Central Districts Stags is the region's premier cricket team and plays in the national State Championship.
At a local level, numerous clubs exist in the city and are governed by the Manawatu Cricket Association. Fitzherbert Park is the premier cricket ground in Palmerston North and is a home ground of Central Districts and Manawatu Cricket Association. Manawaroa-Ongley Park is another important cricket venue.
Football (soccer)
Local association football (soccer) team YoungHeart Manawatu is one of 8 franchise teams competing in the New Zealand Football Championship, the premier national competition. The team formerly played at Central Energy Trust Arena, but have now relocated to Memorial Park. Numerous clubs exist in the city, and football is also popular at schools and at Massey University.
Cycling
Cycling is a popular competitive sport in the Manawatu region. The contrast of rolling hills and flat plains makes an attractive, challenging course.
The New Zealand Cycle Classic, Tour de Manawatu is raced here.
Golf
Three eighteen hole golf courses are here. Administered by Palmerston North Golf Club, Manawatu Golf Club and Linton Camp Golf Club.
Inline speed skating
One of New Zealand's most successful clubs, Manawatu Showgrounds is based in the city and has several national representatives in the sport.