Heathcote Domain Playground

The flying fox is the first thing children spot at Heathcote Domain, and it tends to set the tone for the whole visit. This four hectare sports park sits at the southern end of Heathcote Valley, pinched between Port Hills Road and Bridle Path Road, with the steep green ridge of the Port Hills rising directly behind it. Best for ages 3 to 11.

Equipment

The flying fox runs alongside a climbing frame and a multi play structure that combines a tubular slide, a conventional slide, and a swing bridge in one linked unit. A carousel, swings with an infant swing, and additional stand alone slides complete the set, on a Matta interlocking tile surface across approximately 383 square metres.

History and Cultural

Heathcote Valley is a historically significant entry point into Lyttelton Harbour. The Bridle Path historical track begins nearby, the route early settlers walked from Lyttelton after arriving by ship, climbing steeply over the Port Hills. The Heathcote Cricket Club maintains the outfield beside the playground, and the Heathcote Community Sports Club runs bowls and petanque from the Bridle Path Road end of the reserve.

Practical Info

Public toilets sit right beside the playground, with a drinking fountain and picnic tables under a canopy of established oak trees. On-street parking is available along Port Hills Road. The site is unfenced and opens onto the wider sports ground and cricket outfield. On calm days, paragliders launched from near the Gondola top station often land in the open field.