Kaitawa Reserve Playground

Kaitawa Reserve in Paraparaumu wraps a flying fox, an accessible swing and a basketball half court inside a 6.8 hectare valley reserve that has been steadily replanted with over 43,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses since 1996. It suits a wide age range, from toddlers on the accessible swing through to teenagers on the half court.

Equipment

The flying fox was recently upgraded and remains the standout feature, with a high back swing, an infant swing, a basket swing, balance equipment, spring toys and a spider net rounding out the main play area. A replacement double cableway flying fox, letting two children fly in tandem, was shared with the community as a concept in November 2025 and was well received when presented to Paraparaumu Primary School.

Access and Inclusion

The accessible swing keeps the reserve open to children of varying abilities, and the basketball half court gives older kids and teens a reason to stay once younger siblings have moved on from the play equipment.

Practical Info

Public toilets and picnic tables are on site, with on-street parking nearby. There is no shade over the play equipment, so sun cover is worth bringing on a hot day. The dense native understorey planted by Kapiti Mana Forest and Bird gives the reserve a bush feel unusual for a suburban playground.