Palmerston North City: River Walks, Gardens and City History

Palmerston North City combines expansive green spaces with paths along the Manawatū River and historic buildings. The 26-hectare Victoria Esplanade offers bush trails, cycle paths and formal gardens. There are also riverside routes, nature watching, recreational activities and different aspects of the city’s history—ideas for days you can plan according to your interests.

Gardens, paths and nature by the river

The Manawatū River Shared Pathway extends for more than 10 kilometres from Paneiri Park to Riverside Drive. A 3.8-kilometre loop crosses the He Ara Kotahi and Fitzherbert bridges. He Ara Kotahi is a 9-kilometre route through dairy farms, pā sites, forestry areas, a military camp and an eel sanctuary. The routes differ considerably: the connection between Paneiri Park and Riverside Drive is more than 10 kilometres long, the loop across the He Ara Kotahi and Fitzherbert bridges is 3.8 kilometres, and He Ara Kotahi is a 9-kilometre route through different landscapes and land-use areas. Access conditions on the paths can change; check the latest notices before setting out.

Kārearea (New Zealand falcons), pheasants, herons, pīwakawaka, tūī, kererū and green tree geckos have been spotted along He Ara Kotahi. The Bledisloe Park Walkway highlights a different natural environment: the path passes through a preserved area of native bush and connects with Turitea Stream. The routes therefore span river crossings and varied landscapes and land-use types, as well as native bush.

Activities and wildlife watching at Ashhurst Domain

Ashhurst Domain on the Manawatū River offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking. Jet skiing and other motorised water sports are also possible, but not near the swimming areas. River conditions vary; check conditions before taking part in an activity.

The wetland at Ashhurst Domain includes a raised viewing platform. From there, you can enjoy views of endangered waterbirds, as well as white-faced herons, stilts, swans and ducks. Wildlife sightings can vary. For different perspectives on the river and its surroundings, enjoy water sports on the water or birdwatching from the elevated viewpoint.

Recreation in the green spaces

The Esplanade Scenic Railway in Victoria Esplanade is a 2.2-kilometre volunteer-run miniature railway. Its stations are by the playground and at the Lido. It operates on weekends, public holidays and during school holidays; timetables may change. Check the current timetable before your visit.

Memorial Park has a poppy-themed playground, a free splash pad and a paddling pool. Facilities and seasonal operations may change; check the latest notices in advance. The park’s location also provides a useful point of reference: it is on Napier Road near the eastern edge of Palmerston North, on the site of a former quarry. The quarry supplied gravel for the former Palmerston North to Napier railway line.

City history and architecture

The Te Peeti Awe Awe Memorial at The Square and Church Street is a publicly accessible historic place listed as Category 2. The former Chief Post Office at The Square was built in 1905. It is considered a landmark and an important work by architect Joshua Charlesworth, reflecting the city’s significance in the region. The building is not open to the public.

The Grand Hotel in central Palmerston North is of national historic significance. It was used to accommodate Queen Elizabeth II, the first reigning monarch to visit New Zealand. The building is closely associated with public memories of the 1953–1954 Royal Tour. It is also an outstanding example of the Second Empire style, a notable work by prominent New Zealand architect Joseph Clarkson Maddison, a city-centre landmark and highly regarded by the public. It is not open to the public.

The DIC Building adds to this architectural history as a local landmark and a rare example of the Chicagoesque architectural style. The three buildings represent different facets of the city’s history: a former post office, a hotel associated with the Royal Tour and a building distinguished by its architectural style.

Local produce and Sunday market

The Hokowhitu Village Farmers’ Market in Palmerston North is held on the first and third Sunday of each month from 9 am to 1 pm. It offers artisan specialities, regional produce, street food and live music. Market dates and offerings may change; check both before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Palmerston North, Ruapehu District, Manawatu District, Wanganui District, Horowhenua District, Tararua District, Rangitikei District.

Go to the main travel overview: Manawatu-Wanganui.