Ngongotaha Domain Park

Ngongotaha Domain Park sits at the centre of Ngongotaha village on the western shore of Lake Rotorua, with Mount Ngongotaha rising behind it. The village takes its name from a legend of the explorer Ihenga, who was offered a drink, ngongo, from a calabash, taha, by the Patu-paiarehe on the mountain. The playground offers slides, climbing frames, swings and a merry-go-round for a broad age range.

Equipment

The merry-go-round and swings draw younger visitors back again and again, while the slides and climbing frames hold the interest of primary school age children. A skate area alongside the play equipment extends the appeal to older kids and teenagers.

Access and Inclusion

There is no clear signal on perimeter fencing for the play area, so parents of very young children should keep that in mind. Trails through the reserve are pram and wheelchair friendly.

History and Cultural

Ngongotaha was established around 1911 on the lake's western shore, and the Ngongotaha Stream running through the domain toward the lake is one of New Zealand's most heavily fished waterways for rainbow and brown trout.

Practical Info

Toilets and parking are available at the domain, with picnic shelters and tables scattered through the wider green space and cafes a short walk away in the village centre.