Rakaia Domain Playground

Rakaia Domain's playground sits within a 31 hectare park best known for its 11 metre fibreglass salmon sculpture, a landmark that towers over the adjacent picnic area.

Equipment

The playground itself is a simple set of swings and a multi play structure with a slide, on bark surfacing, within a domain that also has a three kilometre river walking track along the Rakaia River and a swimming pool, tennis courts, bowling greens, squash, and a golf course nearby.

Access and Inclusion

The grounds are flat and pushchair friendly, with a car park adjacent to the play area and picnic tables and seating near the salmon sculpture.

History and Cultural

The salmon statue was conceived in 1990 as a tribute to the Rakaia River's world class salmon fishery, commissioned by the Rakaia Lions Club and built by sculptor Philip Price over 18 months before being craned into place in 1991. It was fully restored by its original creator and reinstalled at the domain in 2026.