Victoria Esplanade

Great cities around the world have at least one thing in common… they have preserved and prioritised green spaces. These public gardens and parks provide some respite from the busy city or town beyond their boundaries. They are a place for residents and visitors alike to reconnect to nature and the environment. Victoria Esplanade on the edge of Palmerston North’s CBD is one such green space, offering 26 hectares of bush walks, bike tracks, stunning gardens and a wildlife sanctuary. Add to this plenty of activities to keep everyone in the family entertained, so not one visit will look exactly like the last.

There are so many areas of Victoria Esplanade to explore but if you are short on time make a beeline for the Dugald MacKenzie Rose Garden. With over 5,000 roses in every colour imaginable, a stroll through here is a magical sensory experience. The park is also home to the Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery, a wildlife shelter that is free to enter and is a real highlight. This recovery centre provides care for animals following treatment at Massey University’s Wildbase Hospital. Special mention has to go to the Peter Black Conservatory which houses lush tropical plants from Africa, the Americas and Oceania. Wandering through here is both an educational and a beautiful botanical experience.  

If you have young ones in tow, Victoria Esplanade has plenty to keep them entertained and burn off some energy. From the paddling pool and playground to the scenic railway that weaves its way through the park to mini golf and the Junior Road Safety Park - a young cyclist or scooter’s heaven. There are picnic spots complete with free barbecues to use, keeping everyone in the family fueled and ready to move on to the next activity.

If you haven’t planned ahead and packed your lunch, you don’t have to venture outside of Victoria Esplanade for refreshments, with Cafe Esplanade located amongst the park’s main attractions. Inhabiting the historic building that once housed a post office, there’s a well-stocked cabinet, a full menu to choose from and be sure to save room for an ice cream.  

All year round, Victoria Esplanade is a green hub for all kinds of events, gatherings and activities. It is a jewel in Palmerston North’s crown and somewhere both locals and tourists can enjoy and savour.