Is there parking at Botanical Reserve?

On-site or nearby parking is available at Botanical Reserve.

Is Botanical Reserve shaded?

Botanical Reserve has trees, shade sails, or other shelter that offers some shade. Coverage varies by time of day.

Are there picnic tables at Botanical Reserve?

Yes, picnic tables or seating are available at Botanical Reserve.

Does Botanical Reserve have swings?

Yes, swings are part of the equipment at Botanical Reserve.

Does Botanical Reserve have a slide?

Yes, Botanical Reserve includes a slide.

Is there a climbing frame at Botanical Reserve?

Yes, a climbing frame or climbing structure is part of the equipment at Botanical Reserve.

Where is Botanical Reserve?

Botanical Reserve is in Maitai, Nelson City, New Zealand.

What rating does Botanical Reserve have?

Botanical Reserve has a Google Maps rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 140 reviews.

Photos (1)

Playground

Botanical Reserve

Unnamed Road, 205 Milton Street, Maitai, Nelson 7010

4.7

140
visits

NatureParksPlaygrounds

Best suited to

Toddler zone0–4

NearbyWaterAt a distance

Why these ages?

Simple younger-child kit — slide, climbing frame, turn spike carousel and infant swing on bark under good shade. Built for littlies rather than a big group. No fencing but the Maitai River swimming holes and path are along the wider reserve, some distance from the playground corner. Small enough to be quick supervision but nothing to hold primary or tween attention.

Accessibility

Partial access

- Bark or wood-chip surface (wheels sink)

Access notes

Description states the slide, climbing frame, carousel and swing all sit on bark, a barrier for wheelchair users. The site is reachable via a path from town with street parking nearby, but toilets are only at a separate nearby field, not the playground itself.

Shade

Shade at the playground

Forecast

The week ahead

Daytime high in °C · % = chance of rain · data from yr.no

Go nowHead there now

Equipment

Baby swingsClimbing frameParkingPicnic tablesShadeSlideSwingsSign in to add

The playground at Botanical Reserve keeps things simple: a slide, climbing frame, turn spike carousel and infant swing set out on bark, with seating alongside for parents. It's built for younger children rather than as a big group destination, tucked into the corner of a much larger and historically significant reserve.

Getting there

Directions in Google Maps

From the crew

Visits

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Coen C.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Lovely walks in this area. Short, or atleast an hour's long is you want... Dog friendly and plentiful parking on multiple entries to the part. Not busy when we did go up to see the monument on top of the hill. The paths are very well maintained, most are sealed or compacted gravel, some dirt parts on the longer tracks. Lovely views over Nelson, but far enough to be quiet with plenty of nature to enjoy.
0Helpful
Flynn S.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Awesome tracks, very well maintained and plenty of different tracks to try. Plus there’s signs at every intersection so you can’t get lost in what seems like a maze of tracks!
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Steve W.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Good stiff walk to the Centre of New Zealand summit, always just a bit further than I remembered! The walk is sealed all the way unless you go off track and the views are great, because you wouldn't bother going up in the rain would you?
0Helpful
Jared
from Google15 Apr 2026
Great place to walk or excercise. 360degree panoramic views of Nelson, the Brook and Maitai.
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Ingrid W.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Visit every time I am in Nelson, excellent walk/views/parking and Coffee at Jokers
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Jenny J.
from Google15 Apr 2026
We did the walk up the hill to the "middle of New Zealand". For me (and my arthritic knees) it was hard going but at least I can say 'I did it'. It was well worth it for the view but definitely not a 15 minute walk. If your going to try it, don't forget your water bottles
0Helpful
Warren S.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Lovely walks around here. A number of walks start here to the Maitai valley. Walk to the view point for Centre of NZ. A good work out or leisurely stroll if you prefer. Magnificent views of Nelson and beyond. Tranquil amd well maintained paths.
0Helpful
Janita P.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Lovely wide open space with coffee cart, toilets and small play area. Great for a picnic or run around on a fine day before it street a walk up one of the tracks.
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Michael B.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Home of the first game of New Zealand rugby, and now venue of age grade and social-tier FC Nelson soccer football matches. …
0Helpful
Ray B.
from Google15 Apr 2026
A great venue for picnics, cricket,concerts etc Centrally located,also the entrance to the centre of New Zealand walk Historically the site of the first rugby game in N.Z.
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