Fergusson Park

Fergusson Park's play area centres on a multi play structure with a slide, swings that include an infant seat and a basket swing, plus a spring toy for the smallest visitors, set on a wide waterfront reserve on Tauranga Harbour's western shore with views across to Mount Maunganui.

Equipment

Older kids have monkey bars and rocking horses to work through, and the open turf beside the equipment gives plenty of room for a kick of the ball or a run around before or after a turn on the swings.

Access and Inclusion

An accessible entrance leads into the park, and the play surface itself is artificial rather than loose fill, giving firmer, steadier footing for wheelchair and pram users. Off street parking includes designated mobility parks close to the play area, with restroom facilities on site.

History and Cultural

Fergusson Park is a community hub on the harbour, home to Ōtūmoetai Football Club, Albion Cricket Club, Matua Scouts, Guiding NZ and the Wind Addiction Club BOP. The Tauranga Astronomical Society has run its observatory and clubrooms from the park for more than two decades, opening its telescopes to the public on the second and fourth Tuesday of most months.

Practical Info

Picnic tables and barbecues sit near the play area and the beach side of the park, with restrooms and off street parking, including mobility parks, close by. A boat ramp gives direct harbour access for anyone launching a kayak or trailer boat, and football, cricket or kilikiti are often underway on the adjoining fields. The park's busiest stretch tends to be Saturday morning, so an early or late weekday visit is the easier bet if you're after open space.