My partner and I visited Wairaka Centennial Park and had such a wonderful experience. It’s one of the most beautiful and historic places in the area. We went for an evening walk, and I loved every bit of it — especially when the sun was setting. The views were absolutely splendid, peaceful, and relaxing. A perfect spot to enjoy nature and history together. Truly worth a visit! 🌅
Wairaka Centennial Park
28 Muriwai Drive, Whakatāne 3120
Why these ages?
Beach and harbour mouth directly adjacent with no fencing between the play area and the water - a runner could reach the tide line in seconds. Infant + basket swings and junior climbing frame give a solid toddler set-up if a caregiver stays hands-on. Eagles nest, splash pad and slides work well for primary-age children. Not a place to sit and drink a coffee with a 2yo.
Access notes
Surfacing mixes artificial turf and bark chip, so parts of the play area are firmer while the bark sections remain a hurdle for wheels. A visitor review describes parking in the mobility park right next to the playground, confirming dedicated accessible parking on site.
What's here
Wairaka Centennial Park playground on Muriwai Drive, opened in 2017, sits right alongside the beach on the Whakatane side of the harbour mouth, a medium-sized playground equally suited to toddlers and primary-aged children.
Equipment
Access and Inclusion
Practical Info
Good to know
HistoryPlayground established: 2017.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteEquipment includes tunnel, slides, large eagles nest, small eagles nest, see-saw, junior climbing frame, swings (with infant swing), basket swing, splash pad.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteJunior-suitable items include infant swing, basket swing.
Source: services1.arcgis.comOn siteCouncil-registered equipment: Playground, See-Saw, Swing.
Source: arcgis.comAmenitiesPlayground surface: artificial, bark.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite amenities include public toilets, a barbecue, picnic tables, seating, a splash pad.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesSite size category: 2 Medium.
Source: services1.arcgis.comAmenitiesPlayground name on council register: Wairaka Park Playground.
Source: arcgis.comAmenitiesBeyond the splash pad at the playground itself, Wairaka Centennial Park's riverside water features include a zero-depth water play area and a separate swimming/diving/jumping area for older children.
Source: whakatane.comHandy to knowShade at midday in summer: Virtually no shade for play equipment. Shade sails for a barbeque & for some picnic tables. Established trees around the park may provide shade for spectators & elsewhere in the park.
Source: services1.arcgis.com
The week ahead
Daytime high in °C · % = chance of rain · data from yr.no
Photos (6)
Spot a problem?
Spotted broken gear, a hazard, or something that needs a fix? Let Whakatane District know. They look after this park.