Palmerston North with Kids

If you only pick one place, Victoria Esplanade is our top recommendation.

Spread out across 26 hectares near the Manawatū River, this beautiful park has bush tracks, playgrounds, a paddling pool, mini golf and picnic spots for the kids to burn off some serious energy.

The Scenic Railway is the big crowd-pleaser: a 20-minute miniature train ride that trundles through native bush to the children’s playground station (and back again), and just $2 or $3 per person. There’s also the Junior Road Safety Park, where kids can bring bikes or scooters and practise navigating miniature roads, intersections and traffic lights. Little ones love it, and it’s pretty adorable to watch.

The Dugald MacKenzie Rose Garden is lovely to wander through too.

The Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery is also based here. Pop in to see native birds recovering before being released back into the wild, alongside resident species including whio, pāteke and tuatara. Just make sure to check their current opening status on the day, as they do occasionally need to close when they’ve got particularly sensitive wildlife in their care.

The Manawatū River Shared Pathway is an easy option when everyone needs a bit of fresh air. The route follows the river through the city, with plenty of access points, so you can make the trip as long or short as little legs allow.

The path is wide and mostly pretty gentle, with plenty of space to bike or scoot alongside pushchairs and walkers. You can link sections of it with Victoria Esplanade or head across He Ara Kotahi and see where you end up.

For a little pit stop, Coffee on Ascot is a great nearby spot. They’ve got great organic fair-trade coffee for adults, plus plenty of home-baked healthy snacks, raw slices and allergy-friendly sweet treats.

For something a little further out of town (without a full-blown road trip), head to Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge.

There are several ways to explore the area, including both longer walks and several shorter kid-friendly tracks through native bush. The easier options still have plenty to look at – filled with boardwalks, native birds and views across the gorge.

Helpfully, there’s also Gorge Quarter right there – a quaint little coffee and ice cream spot at the foot of Te Āpiti. They also run the odd community event, so keep an eye out for what they’ve got going on.

Te Motu o Poutoa (also dubbed ‘Pork Chop Hill’ by the locals) is one of the best places to get a proper bird’s-eye view out over the city and Manawatū River.

Head straight for the lookout, or wander through the surrounding tracks if you’re in the mood for some gentle walking. More enthusiastic families can take on Te Arapiki a Tāne: a steep staircase connecting the hilltop with the river below.

The site itself has much deeper significance, too. Te Motu o Poutoa was once a Rangitāne pā, so it’s worth packing some kai and staying up top for a while to take in where you are as well as the view.

Te Manawa Museum is an excellent back-pocket plan when the weather isn’t playing ball.

Both a museum, gallery and hands-on learning space, they regularly run exhibitions and activities spanning art, history and science tailored specifically to whānau with tamariki.

They’ve got interactive exhibitions swapping in and out throughout the year, plus school holiday programmes full of educational play.

General admission is free, though some special exhibitions and activities occasionally come with a small charge to support their ongoing mahi.

Just a short drive out of central Palmy, The Herb Farm is an easy compromise between parents after a calm café trip and kids eager to stretch their legs.

They’ve got two acres of gardens to explore, including 14 themed areas designed to get kids excited about the natural world. Fairies, gnomes and elves are hidden among the plants too, so you can take your time on a gentle garden stroll while the little ones race around on a treasure hunt. The full walk takes around 20 minutes or so (depending on how seriously you take fairy detection).

Once you’re done, head to River & Range Café in the gardens for coffee, lunch or something sweet.

For a guaranteed way to burn a few hours, throw on your togs and visit the Lido Aquatic Centre.

There are pools for all ages and times of year, from hydroslides and outdoor pools to learn-to-swim and zero-depth aqua play areas.

This is a useful one to remember during the school holidays as well, as they run several popular children’s programmes and activities that’ll take the kids off your hands for the day, then deliver them back to you tired and happy.

Robertson Prestige International Speedway is a very Palmy activity to round out the day.

This is a city that takes its motorsport seriously – and you’ve got to see it for yourself in person. Your average night here looks like loud engines, lots of dirt and stands packed full of families and kids watching cars tear around the track.

They’ve got everything from stockcars and superstocks to sidecars racing throughout the year. Pack something warm for once the sun starts to drop and prepare for it to get loud and exciting (ear muffs for little ones recommended).