Kuratau Lakeside Playground

Equipment

Kuratau Lakeside Playground serves the small western-shore village of Kuratau, where the Kuratau River meets Lake Taupo. The playground provides a multi-play structure with slide, swings including an infant swing, and a solo spinner, all set on a bark surface. It is a small site suited to toddlers and primary-aged children.

Access and Inclusion

The playground includes a picnic table and on-street parking nearby. The infant swing and slide (suitable for young children with assistance) make it accessible to a range of ages. The site is free to access and open year-round. A Taupo District Council smokefree policy applies. The lakefront foreshore is immediately adjacent, with Kuratau also offering a boat ramp, tennis court, and seasonal winery cafe.

History and Cultural

Kuratau takes its name from the Maori phrase meaning "red adornment." The village is a traditional settlement of Ngati Tuwharetoa, with the Poukura Marae and Parekawa meeting house serving the local Ngati Parekawa hapu. The Kuratau River title was transferred to Ngati Tuwharetoa through the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board in 1999. The Kuratau Power Station, built on the river above the village, was completed in 1962. An annual Labour Weekend market in October draws visitors to the village alongside neighbouring Omori.

Practical Info

Address: Unnamed Road, Kuratau 3381. On-street parking. Free entry, open year-round. Smokefree site. Approximately one hour drive from Taupo town via State Highway 32. Boat ramp, toilets, and local shop nearby. Note: Lake Taupo boat permit required for launching.