Lovely sports fields and very enjoyable trail run along the coast! Trail is well formed and primarily gravel. Nice new board walks across estuaries and a good view of the coastline.
Shepherds Park
31/35 Cresta Avenue, Beach Haven, Auckland 0626
Why these ages?
Reviews explicitly note no baby swing and equipment aimed at older kids; rhombus twister added specifically for 8-12yos plus basket swing and bike circuit. Coastal boardwalk leads to Hellyers Creek but is a walk away, not adjacent to play surface. Poor toddler fit; strong child+tween.
Access notes
The description states safety surfacing connects the footpaths to the carousel, trampoline and basket swing, helping make the playground usable for a range of mobility needs. No specific surface material, parking or toilet detail is given, so those axes are not scored.
What's here
Shepherds Park's playground is really two spaces in one: a rebuilt main play area in front of the Beach Haven Community House built for a wide age range including a rhombus twister for older kids, and a separate Nature Play Trail winding toward the coastal boardwalk for a slower, natural-materials style of play.
Equipment
Access and Inclusion
History and Cultural
Practical Info
Good to know
HistoryShepherds Park's two new playgrounds, the Nature Play Trail near the coastal boardwalk and the main playground in front of the Beach Haven Community House, officially opened on 7 December 2025, funded by the Kaipatiki Local Board.
Source: facebook.comHistoryShepherds Park was created from four amalgamated farms and is named after the Shepherd family, who lived and farmed the land for several generations; the park was established in 1947.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgCultureShepherds Park is named after the Shepherd family, who farmed the land there for several generations, and is a hub for sports clubs including Birkenhead United football, Beach Haven Bowling Club, Beach Haven Tennis Club and Shepherds Park Squash Club.
Source: en.wikipedia.orgAmenitiesAuckland Council registers 2 play assets at this park.
Source: data-aucklandcouncil.opendata.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite amenities registered: 4 fitness stations, 2 drinking fountains, a BBQ.
Source: data-aucklandcouncil.opendata.arcgis.comHandy to knowIn the Kaipatiki local board area.
Source: data-aucklandcouncil.opendata.arcgis.comLatestShepherds Park's concept design and nature play area went through Auckland Council public consultation (Sept-Oct 2024, 64 responses, 94% supporting the design), with a rhombus twister added for 8-12 year olds and the basket swing chosen as the preferred swing type. Kaipatiki Local Board approved the concept design; construction tendered from September 2025, expected to take 12-16 weeks.
Source: akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nzLatestShepherds Park gained international attention in 2023 when the Italian national team used it as a training ground during the FIFA Women's World Cup, co-hosted by New Zealand.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
The week ahead
Daytime high in °C · % = chance of rain · data from yr.no
Photos (13)
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