Waikawa Bay Playground

Waikawa Bay Playground sits within the Waikawa Foreshore Reserve on the eastern shore of Waikawa Bay, about 5 kilometres northeast of Picton, with direct access to the beach alongside the play equipment.

Equipment

The playground has swings with an infant bucket seat and a junior multi play structure with slide, on an artificial safety surface, next to picnic tables and seating with sea views across the bay.

Access and Inclusion

Off street parking is available at the reserve, which also has a boat launching ramp popular with local boaties. Dogs are prohibited in the playground and on the adjacent beach, and there is no shade over the equipment at midday in summer.

History and Cultural

Waikawa Bay holds deep significance for Te Atiawa o Te Waka a Maui, who settled here from around 1850 after the New Zealand Company purchased Waitohi, now Picton, cultivating land and gathering kaimoana from the bay. Archaeological evidence of this occupation, including a carved adze and a shell ringed fireplace, was uncovered in the foreshore car park area during sewerage upgrades. A Native School was established at the bay in 1877.

Practical Info

Marlborough District Council operates a smokefree policy at the playground.