The Victoria Esplanade in Palmerston North covers an area of 19 hectares adjacent to the Manawatu River. In 1877 the central government granted 146 hectares of bush land to the newly established borough of Palmerston North. 1897 saw the first development of the Victoria Esplanade area with a metal path which was named Victoria Drive to commemorate Queen Victoria’s 60th Jubilee. The Victoria Esplanade can be entered from either Fitzherbert Avenue or Park Road. Gates are locked at night. Opening hours are: October – March: 8 am – 9 pm, April – September: 8 am – 6 pm.
Some popular features of the Esplanade are:
• Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery, opened 2019. Free entry, Wildbase provides shelter and world-class care for native wildlife to rehabilitate after treatment at Massey University's Wildbase Hospital.
• The award winning Dugald McKenzie Rose Garden opened in 1968
• The Conservatory and shade house built in 1940 houses a wide range of tropical and sub-tropical plants.
• Children’s adventure playground originally developed in 1963, and much improved in recent years.
• Paddling pool
• Miniature railway which is open at weekends, public and school holidays for a small charge.
• Café Esplanade open daily.
• The Riverside Walkway and Bridle Track, a 10.3 km walk along the Manawatu Riverside, which links with the Esplanade.
Park in the vicinity of the children’s paddling pool at: S 40° 22. 243´ E 175º 36. 967´
The final cache site is at: S 40º 2a. bcd E 175º 3e. fgh
The cache contains a mini-log book and and is not large enough to hold swaps or trackables. Please bring your own pen.
The following clues will take you on a stroll through the many and varied attractions of the Esplanade and the path beside the Manawatu River. The waypoints can be done in order, or otherwise in any order you like. The walk will take at least one hour. Enjoy!
Check sum: a + b + c + d = 20 e + f + g + h = 28