Palmerston North Esplanade Scenic Railway Inc

23/08/2026

A quick message to all our valued followers:

The Palmerston North Esplanade Scenic Railway now has a new official page, and we’d love for you to join us there!

From now on, all our latest news, operating information, special events, railway projects, photos and updates will be shared on our new official page.

👉 Please head over to our new page and give us a Like and Follow so you don’t miss anything!

We’re looking forward to continuing to share the railway, our trains, our volunteers and everything happening at the Esplanade with you.

Thank you for your continued support — and we’ll see you over on the new page!

https://www.facebook.com/EsplanadeRail

Welcome to the official Facebook home of the Esplanade Scenic Railway, where we can keep our passengers, supporters and the wider community up to date with everything happening at the railway.

From operating days and special events to behind-the-scenes work, railway projects, our wonderful volunteers and a few glimpses into the history of the railway, we’ll be sharing plenty here.

For more than 50 years, the Esplanade Scenic Railway has been part of the Palmerston North community, providing fun, memories and a little bit of railway magic for generations of families.

Whether you’re a regular passenger, a railway enthusiast, a former volunteer, or simply someone who enjoys watching the trains go by, we’re very pleased to have you along for the journey.

22/08/2026

Sadly the weather is no fun for trains or drivers today so we won't be running.

Keep your eyes on this page later today for an important announcement 😊

16/08/2026

It's a bit too cold and wet for our trains and volunteers today. See you all again next weekend hopefully the weather is better.

25/07/2026

Good morning, Esplanade Scenic Railway friends and followers
We Need Your Help!!

Over the course of the recent school holidays and on increasingly numerous other occasions our tracks have been being targeted by whom we are assuming are “young people Having a laugh”.
We have had branches, logs and other debris placed across secluded sections of track, often during running times and sometimes multiple times in one afternoon and in increasing amounts.

This of course causes a major risk for our trains, drivers, and passengers. It also causes a large disruption as we must suspend all trains until the track has been cleared and deemed safe to carry passengers on.

How can you help?? Its simple just be an extra set of eyes and ears. If your walking, riding, wandering etc through the Esplanade keep your eyes out for anything suspicious around our tracks. This doesn’t mean we want vigilantism. If you are comfortable approaching those placing objects on our tracks, advising them that its illegal and high risk, and asking them politely to move on, that’s great. Otherwise take footage and/or let us know at either station during running hours or via messenger or [email protected]

Parents, if your young people are going to hang out unsupervised at the Esplanade please educate them on the risks and illegality of tampering with a registered amusement device. We love seeing them enjoying our beautiful space and being active but not to the detriment of other people or our railway.

We pride ourselves on operating a safe and efficient ride through the esplanade for everyone’s enjoyment, Help us help you Palmy and stay vigilant during your visits to the beautiful Victoria Esplanade.
Kind Regards, The Esplanade Scenic Railway Volunteer team

13/07/2026

Have you lost a bike? Or perhaps your little ones bike?

We have rescued a new looking small child's bike from outside our Victoria Station.

It was noticed after a large group left the area yesterday afternoon.

If you can describe it in detail or provide a photo of you or your young one with it then we can get it back to you.

It's pretty flash and we know some youngster will be missing their pride and joy.

If it's not claimed by the end of the school holidays we will hand over to the police.

09/07/2026

Sorry folks still no fun for playing trains. No trains today but the weather is looking much better for the long weekend 🤞

08/07/2026

Unfortunately the rain has come in just as the trains were getting ready to roll.

No trains today sorry. We will try again tomorrow and every other day of the school holidays that the weather plays ball, including all of matariki weekend this weekend.

09/05/2026

The weather is perfect for ducks, not so much for trains, hopefully the sun will come out tomorrow for mums to ride free for mother's day.

18/04/2026

WET WET WET, NO TRAINS TODAY Saturday 18th, hopefully we can get a few laps in tomorrow afternoon. Thanks

16/04/2026

The Esplanade Railway will be closed tomorrow, Friday 17th, to allow our members to attend a memorial service for a fellow member who tragically passed away unexpectedly in recent days.

We thank you for your understanding at this time, normal service will resume as of Saturday 18th.