Is there parking at Harcourt Park?

On-site or nearby parking is available at Harcourt Park.

Does Harcourt Park have water play?

Harcourt Park is listed as having water play or a splash feature, typically open in the warmer months. Check recent photos to confirm before you go.

Does Harcourt Park have a flying fox?

Harcourt Park is listed as having a flying fox or zip line. Equipment is sometimes removed, so check recent photos or visit notes.

Is Harcourt Park shaded?

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

Are there picnic tables at Harcourt Park?

Yes, picnic tables or seating are available at Harcourt Park.

Does Harcourt Park have swings?

Yes, swings are part of the equipment at Harcourt Park.

Does Harcourt Park have a slide?

Yes, Harcourt Park includes a slide.

Is there a climbing frame at Harcourt Park?

Yes, a climbing frame or climbing structure is part of the equipment at Harcourt Park.

Playground

Harcourt Park

Name: Harcourt Park
Address: Akatarawa Road, Birchville, Upper Hutt, 5018, NZ
Price range: Free
Rating: 4.6

Akatarawa Road, Birchville, Upper Hutt 5018

4.6

322
visits

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AdventureParksPlaygroundsWater Play

Best suited to

All ages0–12+

NearbyWaterFenced

Why these ages?

Dedicated junior zone with small multi-plays, basket swing, infant swings and spring toys; the summer splash pool is explicitly fenced and staffed. Fully wheelchair accessible throughout. Senior zone has flying fox, climbing nets, spinner and tubular slide; mini road circuit adds bike practice. Hutt River borders the reserve so water is a factor, but the playground and splash pool are set well back and the splash pool itself is fenced.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible

+ Step-free path to the play+ Accessible parking bay

Access notes

Description states the playground is fully wheelchair accessible throughout with wide paths and level ground linking the junior and senior zones to the splash pool and picnic areas, and a review independently confirms most of the parking is wheelchair accessible.

What's here

Baby swingsClimbing frameFlying foxParkingPicnic tablesShadeSlideSpring rockerSwingsToddler areaWater playSign in to add

Harcourt Park stretches out beside the Hutt River on Akatarawa Road in Birchville, a big, leafy Upper Hutt reserve where a genuinely large playground splits into junior and senior zones, backed by a summer splash pool and a mini road circuit for young cyclists. Wide lawns and mature trees make it an easy pick for a full afternoon out, and film fans will recognise the setting the moment they walk in.

Good to know

HistoryHarcourt Park was donated to the city by C.J. Stanton Harcourt. The park won the New Zealand Institute of Park and Recreation Administration's top award in 1989 for its holiday park facilities.
Source: uhcl.recollect.co.nz
HistoryA 1990s photograph shows a sign at Harcourt Park designating a senior playground for children over 10 years old, with dogs not permitted in the area.
Source: uhcl.recollect.co.nz
HistoryOpened within the last 5 years (as of the McNoe 2026 survey).
Source: services1.arcgis.com
HistoryHarcourt Park was one of the filming locations for the Gardens of Isengard in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, where Gandalf walks with Saruman before their confrontation; the park lawn was excavated for a gravel approach path during filming and fully restored afterwards.
Source: newzealandfilmmap.com
CultureHarcourt Park served as the filming location for Isengard in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The scenes where Gandalf visits Saruman were filmed in the park's woodland and meadows.
Source: nzpocketguide.com
On siteHarcourt Park has two playground zones: an older-children's area with climbing structures, slides and a long flying fox, and a separate toddler zone. A fenced summer splash pool (10am-7pm, unsupervised) has a mini slide and sprays. A miniature road system with humps and a roundabout supports cycling skills practice.
Source: kidsonboard.co.nz
On siteHarcourt Park in Upper Hutt has a climbing, sliding, balancing and swinging area for bigger kids, plus a fenced splash pool open in summer (10am, 7pm) with a mini slide and sprays.
Source: kidsonboard.co.nz
On siteHarcourt Park playground in Upper Hutt features a flying fox as its main drawcard for older children, along with climbing and slide structures for different age groups, a seasonal spray park and toddler paddling pool, and award-winning azalea and rhododendron gardens in the surrounding park.
Source: explorewellington.nz
On siteEquipment includes junior playground: three small multi-play structures (with slides), basket swing, infant swings, two spring toys; senior playground: tubular slide, climbing net, overhead spinner, basket swing, swings, spinner, supernova, flying fox, paddling pool and splash pad, learn to cycle track, close to senior playground.
Source: services1.arcgis.com
On siteJunior-suitable items include junior playground: three small multi-play structures (with slides), basket swing, infant swings, two spring toy, paddling pool.
Source: services1.arcgis.com

Forecast

The week ahead

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

Photos (9)

Spot a problem?

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

Report to Upper Hutt City

From the crew

Visits

Log visitLog a visit

Haydn M.
from Google15 Apr 2026
This park contains lots of different activities, such as a newly refurbished kids playground, a scooter and bike course, a frizby golf course, a bbq and picnic area, a sound shell and a splash park area. The area is surrounded by beautiful established trees. There are also lots of different parking areas. Lots of free outdoor fun for all the family and definitely worth a visit for a family picnic or just for a play.
0Helpful
Anthony C.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Awesome park with a good mix of forested areas and wide open grassy areas. There are many facilities here including toilets, benches, an 18 hole disc golf course, a stage for concerts and plays and a playground with a water park. There is also lots of parking most of which is wheelchair accessible.
0Helpful
Charlotte P.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Pool is for smaller kids, has a really cool spider web you have to crawl through before you can go down the slide.
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Chad P.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Love this place. So many memories of this place as a child, especially the kids pool. Them little original chill circles tht still remain attached to this pool👏❤️💃💃💃 …
0Helpful
Nicole G.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Something for everyone! Great playgrounds for all ages, picnic areas, BBQs, frisby gold, walking tracks, biking circuit for kids - just a lovely setting by the river
0Helpful
Carlos G.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Looking for LOTR locations?, this is your place
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Brendan M.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Meeting of friends in passing, sat at a park bench dogs on leed, ended up 4.5hours there, WOW, want to return to walk around next time we're passing
0Helpful
Richi M.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Bought the kids to the pool and it was absolutely pumping. Love this for the local community
0Helpful
Ben
from Google15 Apr 2026
Great park just a short scroll to the UHCC
0Helpful
Petro V.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Great place for a BBQ with the family.ily, walking the dogs, play park for toddlers and young ones. Splash pool for the hot days. Great disc golf course.
0Helpful