Esplanade Scenic Railway
One of the park's most popular attractions, this 2.2km miniature railway is run by volunteers, with stations at the playground and near the Lido. Keep your eyes peeled for its special events.
Open weekends, public and school holidays.
Bush walks
With native bush, lush landscaping and beautiful gardens, the Esplanade offers a relaxing gentle walk through interesting surroundings, no matter your age or ability. Many of the pathways through the park are buggy and wheelchair-friendly.
The cherry blossom attracts thousands of visitors to the park in spring.
Junior Road Safety Park
Palmy's Junior Road Safety Park is always humming. It's the perfect safe space for kids to ride their bike or scooter.
Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery
Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery provides shelter and world-class care for native wildlife to rehabilitate after treatment at Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital.
Entry is free, and there's plenty to discover! With four rehabilitation aviaries on public view, two breeding aviaries for whio and pāteke and a walkthrough aviary which is home to a variety of native birds and ancient tuatara, you're in for a treat. Open seven days. See the Wildbase website for more info.
River access
Victoria Esplanade is a great place to access the Manawatū River Pathway
Paddling pool
Open through the summer, this historic RSA paddling pool has delighted generations of kids. There are toilets just 25m away.
Dugald MacKenzie Rose Garden
The rose garden is a beautiful spot for an afternoon stroll or a garden wedding.
Opened in 1968, this much-admired garden boasts more than 5,000 roses in named beds, in three sections: the formal rose beds, the New Zealand Rose Society International Rose Trial Grounds, and the plant variety rights collection.
Playground
Set among mature trees, Manawatū’s largest playground is tucked in off Fitzherbert Avenue or accessible from inside the Esplanade.
The playground has features for kids of all-ages including a mouse wheel, all kinds of swings, various forts with climbing ropes and slides as well as spinners for those with cast iron stomachs.
Peter Black Conservatory
Originally constructed in 1941 and refurbished in 2014, the conservatory is home to a range of tropical plants from Africa, the Americas and Oceania, providing a wonderful botanic experience for young and old. There are informative signs on many interesting plants and a “find the frogs” activity for the young - and young at heart. Come in and find out what vanilla plants look like and discover the bug-eating pitcher plants.
Picnic spots
There are two free barbecue areas specifically set up for picnics, one in the playground and one in the central area near Wildbase and the paddling pool. With free electric BBQs, picnic tables, and plenty of space, it’s a great place for a family outing.
Café Esplanade
This historic building was a post office in a previous life. Now the park's café, it's also available for events and functions. You'll find it in the middle of the Esplanade, close to the rose gardens, paddling pool and Wildbase. A great place to start or finish your Esplanade adventure!
Park opening hours
October to March: 8am to 9pm
April to September: 8am to 6pm
Gates locked at night.
Dog access
On-leash throughout.
Dogs are prohibited near Wildbase Recovery, the children's playground and paddling pool, and the surrounding sportsgrounds: Fitzherbert, Manawaroa and Ongley Parks.
Dogs are allowed off-leash at Dittmer Reserve, to the south-west of Victoria Esplanade, and along most of the river shared pathway (the exception is where the path is adjacent to the Esplanade).
Location
Entry via Park Road, Manawaroa Street or Fitzherbert Avenue.
