Aerial view of Frank Kitts Park in Wellington Central, Wellington City
Playground

Frank Kitts Park

Waterfront, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011

ParksPlaygroundsWaterfront
Best suited to
Toddler zone0–4Child5–9
NearbyWaterNo barrier
Why these ages?

Directly on Wellington waterfront with harbour edge nearby and no described barrier - real drowning risk for wandering toddlers. Infant swing, accessible carousel and timber play elements serve younger kids, and the tall lighthouse slide (reviewer flags '5+ only') and rope climber suit primary-aged children.

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible
+ Step-free path to the play+ Artificial turf surface (firmer than bark)+ Wheel-on roundabout / carousel
Access notes

The description states the carousel was specified with wheelchair access as part of the councils response to public feedback, entrance to the park is step free, and the surface is artificial. On street parking exists nearby but no dedicated accessible bay is confirmed.

What's here

Baby swingsClimbing frameParkingPicnic tablesSlideSwingsToiletsSign in to add

Frank Kitts Park's playground sits right on Wellington's waterfront, its lighthouse novelty slide built around a refurbished original cupola dome rescued from the previous structure. Swings, an accessible carousel, a rope climber with accessible access and timber waka and box play elements carry a maritime theme through a medium sized layout that suits toddlers through primary schoolers without one age group dominating.

Good to know

  • HistoryOpened within the last 5 years (as of the McNoe 2026 survey).

    Source: services1.arcgis.com
  • HistoryFrank Kitts Park was formed in 1976 on reclaimed waterfront land previously used for wharf sheds, and was originally named Marine Park. Wellington City Council renamed it Frank Kitts Park in May 1979 in memory of Sir Frank Kitts, Wellington's longest-serving mayor (1956 to 1974), who had died two months earlier.

    Source: en.wikipedia.org
  • HistoryThe original playground was dismantled in September 2021 after its slide was deemed a safety concern following a reported child injury; the rebuild was then delayed by the original contractor's liquidation and rising costs before being restarted in 2023 with a more modest design, finally reopening 29 February 2024.

    Source: rnz.co.nz
  • CultureThe rebuilt Frank Kitts Park playground includes an interactive waka (canoe) named Whetu Marama, meaning "Bright Star", as part of its maritime and coastal landscape theme.

    Source: rnz.co.nz
  • CultureFrank Kitts Park hosts several public artworks and memorials: Tanya Ashken's Albatross fountain (1986), Len Lye's kinetic Water Whirler sculpture (2006, reinstalled October 2024 after vandalism), Paul Dibble's bronze Fruits of the Garden, and a mast from the ship Wahine commemorating the 1968 Wahine disaster.

    Source: en.wikipedia.org
  • CultureThe rebuilt playground was given the name Te Aro Mahana ('warm front') by mana whenua Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika, and waka creator Matthew McIntyre-Wilson described the Whetū Mārama waka as representing a living link to voyaging ancestors.

    Source: scoop.co.nz
  • On siteEquipment includes lighthouse novelty slide, swings (including infant swing & basket swing), accessible carousel, rope climber (with accessible access), timber waka play element, swings, timber box play element.

    Source: services1.arcgis.com
  • On siteJunior-suitable items include basket swing, infant swing, timber waka play element.

    Source: services1.arcgis.com
  • On siteSpecialised equipment: a carousel.

    Source: services1.arcgis.com
  • AmenitiesPlayground surface: artificial.

    Source: services1.arcgis.com
Forecast

The week ahead

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

Photos (14)

Spot a problem?

Spotted broken gear, a hazard, or something that needs a fix? Let Wellington City know. They look after this park.

Report to Wellington City
From the crew

Visits

Log visit
  • Paul V.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Chilled Sunday,walking around, felt like a festival was on,great atmosphere 10/10

    0Helpful
  • Dr P.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    A fantastic park for all ages—kids loved the play area, and there’s lots of space to run around. Clean facilities and nice picnic tables too!

    0Helpful
  • Bruce I.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Names after the former mayor, Sir Francis Joseph Kitts. This is a beautiful open space that is right along the waterfront. An amphiteater for picnics and events that can be reserved. The playground is a series of connected spaces with a cute maritime theme. There are climbing nets and swing sets and places for the adults to sit. You'll also find sculptures and walking areas. Leashed dogs are permitted.

    0Helpful
  • Charlotte E.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Beautiful park, cool slides. Only go on the top one if your over 5 years old.

    0Helpful
  • DK W.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    This place is one of the incredible places in Wellington. Most likely this is part of the waterfront. If you visit the Wellington waterfront harbor, you will find this beautiful park and kids playground. Totally free of charge. Kids can experience adventure and fun at the same time. Highly recommended place.

    0Helpful
  • Haydn M.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Lovely little park and play area on Wellington's waterfront close to the CBD. Ideal as a spot to have your lunch away from the office during the week or a nice place for the kids to play during the weekend. Frank Kitts Park also provides space to exercise for the grownups. The playground with it's iconic lighthouse slide is rather unique and the views from the top of the slide are worth checking out even for the older kids. The park definitely adds to Wellington's waterfront experience and is worth checking out.

    0Helpful
  • Ben P.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    Nice views of the harbor and city and the children’s’ playground is amazing.

    0Helpful
  • Kt O.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    A nice small little park. Good to let the kids to release their energy. The big slide is definitely the main focus of the park. Make sure your kids wear proper pants as it is a long way down and you don't want your kids to get friction burns.

    0Helpful
  • Ml H.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    A lush, little park right on the Wellington Waterfront that hosts many events, including music festivals, because of its handy location to the city and harbour. It's a regular melting spot for buskers, strollers, joggers, families & …

    0Helpful
  • James F.
    from Google15 Apr 2026

    One of the best, most iconic parks in New Zealand... Loving the new renovations that have been done to this forever growing park by the sea front...

    0Helpful

Nearby playgrounds