I’ve spent a lot of time here with families as part of my job and I bring my son here too. It’s usually quiet during school times, predictably busy in the afternoon. The skate park is great and seems to cater to all abilities and wheels (scooters, skateboards, bikes). There’s things to climb on, swing on even make music with. There’s a smaller area with a sandpit for the little ones and it’s next to a sports field. There are benches around, water fountains for people and 4 legged companions. There’s lots of parking around both on the street and around the rec area as a sports club is on the same land. There’s a couple of bbq areas as well. As the sunsets, predictably the big kids come out to skate. I haven’t felt intimidated but I’m sure some people might. I’ve seen people working there to keep the park free of litter. It’s a really nice addition to the small town and keeps kids active and running around for ages. The flying fox as pictured below is a huge hit!
Photos (21)
Maidstone Park
Maidstone, Upper Hutt 5018
Why these ages?
2022 NZ Playground of the Year - inclusive rubber-matted mega-site with 6 themed zones. Younger kids get bowl/spring rocker, junior playhouse, infant/basket/you-and-me swings and inground trampolines but the zone isn't fully fenced; adjacent skate park and pump track plus tall castle fort add risks - separated by distance not barriers. Tweens have double flying fox, MTB track, skate and pump track.
Access notes
The description explicitly says rubber matting and concrete paths let wheelchair users reach every zone, ramps lead into the castle fort, and a wheelchair carousel sits beside the swings as inclusive equipment.
The week ahead
Daytime high in °C · % = chance of rain · data from yr.no
Equipment
Maidstone Max is a one-hectare adventure playground built around a large timber castle fort on the park's original earth mound, with themed zones radiating out from its base for climbers, sand-diggers, sensory players, and older kids chasing speed on the pump track. It anchors the wider Maidstone Park sports precinct in Upper Hutt, and its scale and inclusive design won it the 2022 NZ Playground of the Year award from Recreation Aotearoa.
Equipment
Access and Inclusion
History and Cultural
Practical Info
Getting there
Directions in Google MapsVisits
Spot a problem?
Spotted broken gear, a hazard, or something that needs a fix? Let Upper Hutt City know. They look after this park.
