Tirau is a good place to stop if you’re travelling north or south from Auckland along SH1. There are lots of shops and cafes but if your focus is just getting out of the car and stretching your legs, park up at the back of the BP petrol station and there’s…
Just off SH1 this is a good spot if you need a break from the car or are looking for an alternative to the beach in Otaki. The large fortress in the centre of the playground has ropes, a wooden bridge, twisting tunnel slide at one end and a preschooler…
This central park and playground is a hub for the local community when time away from the beach is needed. There’s a large grassy area for running around, picnics, kite flying, ball games etc. There’s also lots of playground equipment, some aimed at preschoolers including swings, small slides, an abacus and others aimed…
The orange carrot is an icon of Ohakune and right next to the enlarged model at the entrance to the village, is a carrot (and other vegetable) themed playground! The equipment is more suited to kids up to around the age of 6 years with a seesaw, swings (1 bucket,…
It’s not every day that you get to see some of the animals at Wellington Zoo for free but a section of the huge Southern Walkway allows you to do just this. Parking just off Russell Terrace, the walking track leads you up past a skatepark (previously Newtown Skating Rink),…
Away from the throngs of people that can crowd the centre of Taupo at certain times of the year, this playground was replaced in 2016 and has a pirate ship at its centre. With opportunities for climbing, sliding and lots of role play especially with the steering wheel. There’s a…
Reopened in April 2017 after major renovations, this playground now has a big water course running through it. Great for kids who like water play! They can man wheels to control the flow, change the direction and use the shutters to manage the dams. Around the water course, there’s a mini…
The theme for this playground is a Viking ship, the ends of which sit between a huge structure of playground equipment including tunnels, climbing walls, bridges, and a double metal flying fox. In other parts of the playground there are swings, including a bucket swing and preschooler swings. There’s preschool equipment…
If you’re travelling through Woodville, on either SH3 or SH2, this large grassy area just off the highway makes a good place to stop if the weather allows. Even though the State highway is so close, the surrounding streets are quiet and there’s a toilet block at the Pollen &…
Although you can’t do a loop that’s all off road, this track is still great for all ages. You can take in 2 playgrounds, see wetland birds, go as far as you want and then turn around or complete a loop by using the pavements. It’s fine for bikes (including balance…
