Swinging into a summer of play

Wanting to get out and try some new parks this summer, but don’t know where to start?

We’ve whipped up a Summer Six-pack taster to help you check out different villages on the Coast. Get out and explore our coast today!

1. Campbell Park, Paekākāriki

Campbell Park has a colourful playground with a rainbow slide, swings, seesaw, and more – plenty of fun for all the Tamariki! It’s perfect for whānau picnics, with spacious grassy areas and shady pōhutukawa trees, and best of all it’s just a short walk from The Parade.

2. Lorna Irene Drive Reserve, Raumati South

Lorna Irene Drive Reserve in Raumati South is a fully accessible playground that offers a fun, inclusive play experience for children of all abilities. The equipment is designed not only to be fun but also support physical, sensory, and cognitive development, providing an enriching environment for every child.

It has soft play flooring, swings, slides, an in-built ground trampoline, musical equipment, sensory play, and a tower. 

There’s also plenty of seating and shade, and the playground is fenced.

Visited Lorna Irene playground before, and want to try somewhere else in Raumati? Check out Kawatiri Reserve (Tennis Court Road) or Matthews Park…

3. Simpson Crescent Reserve, Raumati Beach

Charming Simpson Crescent Reserve is ideal for kids to run around and enjoy outdoor activities. It’s easy to explore and enjoy the park, with access from both sides of the crescent.

The playground is perfect for older children, with a spider web climbing frame, swings, slides and hanging elements. There’s a dedicated area for under 5s, too, and park benches around the playground provide a peaceful spot to sit and relax.

While you’re in the area, why not check out Matai Road Reserve, or pop over to Paraparaumu Beach and see what’s going on at Te Atiawa Park!

4. Pharazyn Reserve, Waikanae Beach

The Pharazyn Reserve playground is a hit with the whole family, thanks to its flying fox, swings, slide, climbing frames and seesaw. The large, open spaces around the playground also provide plenty of room for kids to run, explore, and play, and the picnic area and seating mean there’s somewhere to snack , too. There’s even toilets at this reserve!

Pharazyn Reserve is beside the Te Harakeke Swamp, one of our district’s most significant wetlands. 

This swamp is home to harakeke flaxland and raupo reedland, which are rare in the district and in Aotearoa New Zealand as a whole. The reserve’s natural beauty and birdlife, combined with its historical and ecological significance, make it an ideal place to appreciate local wildlife and the environment.

While you’re in Waikanae Beach, check out nearby Pharazyn Avenue playground (it’s a different playground, despite the similar name!), or Victor Weggery Reserve…?

5. Dixie Street Reserve, Te Horo

Dixie Street playground in Te Horo Beach is a great destination for everyone.

Equipped with a mini boat and slide for younger children and a large pirate ship for older kids.

There's even a small concrete half-court to work on your basketball skills and an artificial pitch for a game of backyard cricket – Dixie Street playground’s an ideal spot for a picnic and sunny whānau day out.

6. Matai Street Reserve, Ōtaki

Matai Street playground is a hidden gem, providing a safe and peaceful environment for children to play. Set back from the road, you can relax and enjoy the space without the worry of traffic. A gentle path between houses leads you into the reserve, making it a perfect neighbourhood getaway.

The play equipment includes swings, a slide, seesaw, a half basketball court and keyhole hoop, providing something for all members of the family, making it an inclusive and enjoyable day out.

Want to check out some other Ōtaki spots while you’re visiting? Have you visited the Aōtaki Street skatepark, shady Centennial Park, or the pirate ship at Tasman Road Reserve?

Remember, if you’re wanting to take your Kāpiti kurī with you, dogs need to be on-lead and stay at least 10 metres away from all Kāpiti playgrounds, so it might be better to leave them at home for this trip.

That’s just a start on your awesome play spaces – we've heaps more in our Find a playground pages. What’s your favourite Kāpiti playground?