We had a great visit to Spencer Park. There’s so much to see and do—between the playground, paddling pool, BBQ and picnic areas, and the wide open grassy fields, there was always something happening. We didn’t even make it to the nearby beach, as there was already plenty to fit into one day. We’d happily return. The main disappointment was the amount of rubbish around the park. From a distance it looks fine, but up close there was litter scattered throughout—diapers near the paddling pool, and small bits of rubbish around the playground and picnic areas. This feels less like an issue with the council and more about how we, as visitors, treat our shared green spaces. If we want to keep places like this enjoyable for everyone, it’s important we all take responsibility. We spent a fair bit of time picking up rubbish ourselves and would encourage others to do the same.
Spencer Park, Picnic Area & Playground
Spencerville Road, 110 Heyders Road, Christchurch 8083
Why these ages?
Explicitly a fenced playground (description: 'not in the fenced playground' when discussing dogs) with rocking bowl, sandpit, paddling pool for littles plus flying fox, rocktopus for older kids. Waimakariri river mouth and surf beach exist but require leaving the fenced play area. Rare full-spectrum fenced destination play.
Access notes
Description states an accessibility swing gives wheelchair users and children with additional needs a place in the main play area, a transfer in seat rather than one the chair rolls onto, plus a wheelchair accessible entrance and flat picnic ground. But the play equipment itself sits on bark, a surface wheels sink into, which caps this despite genuine access features.
What's here
Spencer Park's adventure playground suits a full day out, mixing climbing equipment, slides and swings with a scatter of novelty extras on forgiving bark, within a pine backed reserve at the Waimakariri River mouth. Brooklands Lagoon's wetland trails and a patrolled surf beach are both an easy walk away.
Equipment
Access and Inclusion
History and Cultural
Practical Info
Good to know
HistoryPlayground established: pre 2019.
Source: services1.arcgis.comHistorySpencer Park was established as a domain in 1933, named after the first chairman of its Domain Board.
Source: freewalks.nzOn siteEquipment includes climbing equipment, swings, spring toy, carousel, rocktopus, embankment slide, tubular slide, rocking bowl, surf balance board, accessibility swing, flying fox, half basketball court, paddling pool, , half basketball court.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteJunior-suitable items include spring toy, bowl rocker.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteSpecialised equipment: a carousel.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesPlayground surface: bark.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite amenities include public toilets, a drinking fountain, a barbecue, picnic tables, seating, a paddling pool, tennis courts.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite size category: 2 Medium.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSurface type per council register: 310669.
Source: opendata.canterburymaps.govt.nzAmenitiesSurface type per council register: Sand.
Source: opendata.canterburymaps.govt.nz
The week ahead
Daytime high in °C · % = chance of rain · data from yr.no
Photos (55)
Spot a problem?
Spotted broken gear, a hazard, or something that needs a fix? Let Christchurch City know. They look after this park.
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Visits
Nearby playgrounds
Spencer Park Adventure Playground
0.1 km away
105/115 Heyders Road, Brooklands, Christchurch 8083
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