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Awesome playgrounds in New Zealand
Posted by Jo
Awesome playgrounds in New Zealand April 07, 2009 11:54PM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 469 |
A lot of foodlovers are also mums & grannies, so I thought it would be a good idea to pool our knowledge about fantastic playgrounds we've experienced.
We are in Auckland for Easter and would like a really great playground to take 9 kids from the age of 2 - 12 to spend a few hours just being kids.
May & Peter Harris Playground, Napier - the playground on the foreshore by the Aquarium is full of interesting playground equipment - not just the tired old usual stuff. [www.napier.govt.nz]
Kids Own Playground, Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton - a huge wooden fort as well as heaps of other equipment. [www.mstn.govt.nz]
Wanganui - by the beach there is a pretty cool flying fox - I'm not sure what reserve it is (out near Castlecliff).
We are in Auckland for Easter and would like a really great playground to take 9 kids from the age of 2 - 12 to spend a few hours just being kids.
May & Peter Harris Playground, Napier - the playground on the foreshore by the Aquarium is full of interesting playground equipment - not just the tired old usual stuff. [www.napier.govt.nz]
Kids Own Playground, Queen Elizabeth Park, Masterton - a huge wooden fort as well as heaps of other equipment. [www.mstn.govt.nz]
Wanganui - by the beach there is a pretty cool flying fox - I'm not sure what reserve it is (out near Castlecliff).
Re: Awesome playgrounds in New Zealand April 08, 2009 12:36AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 318 |
For Auckland I can highly recommend the playground at Oakura (I think that is what it is called - correct me if I am wrong someone....) Bay, just before Mission Bay on the waterfront. Its great for all ages and the older ones will love the flying fox.
Also the playground in Parnell, just opposite the Rose Gardens.
The playground at Brown's Bay is also a family favourite - right by the water - also a couple of pet shops along the main strip of Browns Bay shops that are always worth a free nosey.
Rocket Park at Mt Albert.
Western Springs has a massive lot of playgrounds......and you can see the tram going back and forth from MOTAT to the zoo.
Really there are a bunch of free things to do with kids in Akl - hope you have a fantastic time.
Also the playground in Parnell, just opposite the Rose Gardens.
The playground at Brown's Bay is also a family favourite - right by the water - also a couple of pet shops along the main strip of Browns Bay shops that are always worth a free nosey.
Rocket Park at Mt Albert.
Western Springs has a massive lot of playgrounds......and you can see the tram going back and forth from MOTAT to the zoo.
Really there are a bunch of free things to do with kids in Akl - hope you have a fantastic time.
Re: Awesome playgrounds in New Zealand April 08, 2009 12:48AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 3,660 |
The playground in NZ that's always foremost in my mind whenever the topic is brought up is the one in Wanganui, called Kowhai Park, situated on the eastern bank of the Wanganui River. Quoting from the "AA Travels 101 Must-Do Weekends", they give a better description than I could - "an intriguing children's playground bursting with colour, shape and activity. Kowhai Park is one of the most popular attractions for families visiting Wanganui. The park features, amongst other things, sea serpent swings, storybook characters such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears, a brontosaurus slide, pirate ship, flying fox and water maze. Added attractions to the park are the miniature railway and roller beetles, which run on weekends and public holidays. The park also provides a 'pumpkin' BBQ area with gas-fired BBQs for families to enjoy. A skateboard park with concrete rink and jump ramp is a real drawcard to the park for those who are a little older and looking to practise their skills on BMX bikes or skateboards. The southern area of the park, which has an outstanding collection of mature, evergreen and brilliant autumn foliage trees, is ideal for those who are looking for a leisurely stroll. Entrance to the park is from Anzac Parade."
Repainted in Resene! [www.resene.co.nz]
I need to go again by the looks of it [www.wanganuireferendum.govt.nz]
Repainted in Resene! [www.resene.co.nz]
I need to go again by the looks of it [www.wanganuireferendum.govt.nz]
Re: Awesome playgrounds in New Zealand April 08, 2009 02:22AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 116 |
I was living in the Wairarapa when the Kids Own Playground (Masterton) was built. We purchased 2 fence pailings as part of the fundraising effort and our children's names are permanently etched on them around the edge of the park. They still love to visit their fenceposts many years later :-)
Re: Awesome playgrounds in New Zealand April 08, 2009 02:58AM |
Registered: 15 years ago Posts: 656 |
Re: Awesome playgrounds in New Zealand April 08, 2009 04:19AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 3,660 |
The Kids Own Playground at Masterton, as mentioned, is extra good because Queen Elizabeth Park (which the playground is situated in) also has a bird aviary, a deer park, hire boats for the lake, a miniature train that circles the lake's island, a lovely swing bridge that connects to the deer park, a great mini-golf course, a cafe/restaurant, skate park and then directly across the road is the town's modern indoor swimming pools which include a 60m hydro slide and "rapid river".
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/08/2009 04:20AM by J1.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/08/2009 04:20AM by J1.
Re: Awesome playgrounds in New Zealand April 08, 2009 05:55AM |
Registered: 16 years ago Posts: 1,332 |
Levin has a great playground which we stop at on SH1. It is on the West side of the road near to the city centre.
In Hamilton I can recommend a couple:
The Lake playground is great for all ages and a nice spot for a walk too.
Claudelands Park (Heaphy Terrace) is also good for all ages and now has a Kiosk. It is exposed though and is very cold on a windy day and baking mid summer.
Parana Park on River Road is a more basic playground but probably the prettiest setting. It is sheltered and very attractive with trees. There is a paddling pool which is fun in summer as Hamilton is sadly lacking a beach.
Memorial Park in Tauranga is fabulous.
In Hamilton I can recommend a couple:
The Lake playground is great for all ages and a nice spot for a walk too.
Claudelands Park (Heaphy Terrace) is also good for all ages and now has a Kiosk. It is exposed though and is very cold on a windy day and baking mid summer.
Parana Park on River Road is a more basic playground but probably the prettiest setting. It is sheltered and very attractive with trees. There is a paddling pool which is fun in summer as Hamilton is sadly lacking a beach.
Memorial Park in Tauranga is fabulous.
Re: Awesome playgrounds in New Zealand April 08, 2009 07:56AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 2,155 |
The Esplande playground in Palmerston North is really great and has a fantastaic miniataure Railway circuit. It has recently been at least doubled in size (bush ride, road X-ings bridges, tunnels etc), you can get on at one end of the Park ( general area by the Lido) and get off half way round a the spacious modern and clean and playground with heaps of good playgound equipment....do all the playing you want and then "catch" the train back to the carpark.Ride is as cheap as chips.
Fab cafe in the gardens part, a huge hot house with unusual plants, ducks, kiddies paddling pool, Aviary, beautiful huge palm trees, and a rose garden walk near by - great plce for photos when its rose season!
Fab cafe in the gardens part, a huge hot house with unusual plants, ducks, kiddies paddling pool, Aviary, beautiful huge palm trees, and a rose garden walk near by - great plce for photos when its rose season!
Re: Awesome playgrounds in New Zealand April 09, 2009 12:53AM |
Registered: 18 years ago Posts: 906 |
I have to agree with Cheeselover, that Levin playground on the side of SH1 is awesome. Always stop there with the kids on the way to and from Wellington. It is great for all ages, even me! (the child at heart).
Rotorua has the Volcanic playground at the Lake front, for all ages, and if you drive around the lake towards Government Gardens, there is a smaller playground with a great tree for shade. There is no swing at the smaller playground.
Kuirau Park is also great playground, lots of swings and climbing things to do. Suits all ages, plus there are the hot footpools, and the boiling mud to have a look at too.
Have fun
Ruth
Have fun!
Ruth
Rotorua has the Volcanic playground at the Lake front, for all ages, and if you drive around the lake towards Government Gardens, there is a smaller playground with a great tree for shade. There is no swing at the smaller playground.
Kuirau Park is also great playground, lots of swings and climbing things to do. Suits all ages, plus there are the hot footpools, and the boiling mud to have a look at too.
Have fun
Ruth
Have fun!
Ruth
Re: Awesome playgrounds in New Zealand April 09, 2009 06:20AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 23 |
Re: Awesome playgrounds in New Zealand April 13, 2009 04:29AM |
Registered: 17 years ago Posts: 634 |
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