Dsicover Victoria Esplanade
Located along the northern bank of the Manawatū River, Victoria Esplanade is a Palmerston North treasure – part botanical garden, part bush reserve, part family playground. Whether you're in the mood for a peaceful garden walk, a ride on a miniature train with the kids, or an up-close look at native birds, the Esplanade is the kind of place that invites you to stay a little longer. If you need a break,there is a cafe in the middle of the park, inside the historic Victoria House, once Palmerston North’s post office.
Formal Gardens in Full Bloom
The heart of Victoria Esplanade is the Dugald MacKenzie Rose Garden, a world-class collection of over 5,000 rose bushes. During summer, the colours are spectacular.
Even in cooler months, the gardens continue to impress. The camellia collection blooms through autumn, and the Peter Black Conservatory offers a tropical escape year-round, with orchids and subtropical plants.
Established in 1897 to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the park has many well established exotic trees. Everywhere you walk, you’ll find old trees with plaques.
Walks, Bush Trails & River Views
Step away from the formal gardens and you’ll find native bush tracks that wind toward the Manawatū River, linking up with longer trails including the He Ara Kotahi pathway – a popular cycling and walking route that connects the park with Massey University and other parts of the city. Te Araroa also runs along the river alongside Victoria Esplanade.
Along some paths, you’ll also find markers of Māori heritage, including Turitea Pā, a former pā site with a raised lookout offering panoramic river views.
Meet Native Wildlife Up Close
The Esplanade also has the Wildbase Recovery Centre, a state-of-the-art wildlife rehabilitation facility created in partnership with Massey University’s veterinary school. Injured native birds are brought to the facility to recover, and be released back into the wild.
You can walk through purpose-built aviaries, learn about the recovery process, and sometimes spot rare birds in care. It's not a zoo and provides a close up glimpse into the world of wildlife conservation.
How to get to Victoria Esplanade
To reach Victoria Esplanade, head to the southern part of Palmerston North. The park is easily accessible by car or public transport from the city centre. From the south side of Te Marae o Hine / The Square, take Fitzherbert Street south towards the river for several blocks and the park will be on the left. There’s ample free parking at several entrances, including Manawaroa Street and Park Road.
To the northeast of Palmerston North, there are also river and forest walks around the Manawatū Gorge, while the Saddle Road provides a scenic perspective on windmills!.
