The Esplanade Scenic Railway is a volunteer-run scenic railway in the Victoria Esplanade, a park in Palmerston North, and it has run since 1969. The track is 2.2 km long and takes about 20 minutes, passing through native bush and quieter parts of the park. Trains run from the Esplanade station, past the cafe platform, to the children's playground station and back. Volunteers run the trains and carry out the maintenance and safety inspections, and the railway has three engines.
Return tickets are $3 per person and half trips are $2 per person, both as at 2026, and children under two travel free. Trains usually run from 1pm to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public and school holidays, weather permitting, with the last tickets sold at 4pm. Private runs and excursions can be booked outside those hours, and special events run over Easter, Christmas, Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day. Victoria Esplanade station at the north end usually has car parks, and the playground station sits just under the flying fox. Riders can get off at the picnic and play area, then catch the next train back or walk through the park. Our pick in Palmerston North for a relaxed afternoon in the Esplanade.