Is there parking at Waterfront Playground?

On-site or nearby parking is available at Waterfront Playground.

Does Waterfront Playground have water play?

Waterfront Playground is listed as having water play or a splash feature, typically open in the warmer months. Check recent photos to confirm before you go.

Is Waterfront Playground shaded?

Waterfront Playground has trees, shade sails, or other shelter that offers some shade. Coverage varies by time of day.

Is there a sandpit at Waterfront Playground?

Yes, Waterfront Playground includes a sandpit.

Does Waterfront Playground have swings?

Yes, swings are part of the equipment at Waterfront Playground.

Does Waterfront Playground have a slide?

Yes, Waterfront Playground includes a slide.

Is there a climbing frame at Waterfront Playground?

Yes, a climbing frame or climbing structure is part of the equipment at Waterfront Playground.

Where is Waterfront Playground?

Waterfront Playground is in Tauranga, Tauranga City, New Zealand.

Playground

Waterfront Playground

Name: Waterfront Playground
Address: 78 The Strand, Tauranga, 3110, NZ
Price range: Free
Rating: 4.5

78 The Strand, Tauranga 3110

4.5

33
visits

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PlaygroundsWater PlayWaterfront

Best suited to

Child5–9Tween10+

NearbyWaterNo barrier

Why these ages?

This is an adventurous four zone playground centred on an 8 metre waka tower with climbing ropes, walls and an elevated pathway, alongside a nature trail, water play troughs and a basketball half court, features that suit primary and older children well. Swings and water play give younger children something too, and reviews describe it as fun for all ages. The playground sits on the harbour waterfront with a wharf for jumping into the water nearby, so this is flagged as a water risk with no fencing mentioned.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible

+ Step-free path to the play+ Poured rubber surface (firm for wheels)

Access notes

The description states the elevated pathway is built as an accessible walkway giving wheelchair and pram users a route through the play space, and a review notes lots of soft padded ground around fall zones. Accessible parking and toilet are not specifically confirmed.

What's here

Climbing frameParkingRoundaboutSandpitSeesawShadeSlideSwingsWater playSign in to add

Waterfront Playground on The Strand centres on an 8 metre waka tower rising over the harbour, reached by bridges, climbing ropes and walls, an elevated pathway and slides, all inspired by the arrival of the Takitimu canoe. Water play troughs draw a crowd on hot afternoons, and an elevated walkway strings the whole site together with views out to Mount Maunganui, giving Tauranga's revitalised city centre waterfront a genuine family destination.

Good to know

HistoryThe Waterfront Playground opened in December 2024 with a Whanau Fun on the Waterfront community celebration featuring Santa, face painting and free food. It forms part of a broader 92 million dollar waterfront revitalisation covering ten projects, including the Northern Waterfront Reserve, Masonic Park, a boardwalk, a rail underpass and a living seawall.
Source: nzherald.co.nz
CultureThe waka tower is inspired by the arrival of the Takitimu canoe, and Matariki star constellations are etched into the elevated walkway, symbolising the guiding lights that led explorers to the shores of Tauranga.
Source: playgroundcentre.com
On siteThe playground's centrepiece is an 8 metre tall waka tower with bridges, climbing ropes and walls, an elevated pathway and slides, inspired by the Takitimu canoe's arrival. The playground is arranged into four zones: the waka tower, a nature trail with timber stepping logs and balance beams, an elevated pathway etched with Matariki and Milky Way constellation designs, and a water play zone with troughs, a water wheel and a dump bucket.
Source: playgroundcentre.com
AmenitiesThe playground uses durable coastal grade materials including hardwood timber, hot dip galvanized steel, stainless steel and powder coated finishes, and includes musical instruments, classic swings, a basketball half court nearby, and LED lighting for evening use.
Source: playgroundcentre.com
AccessThe elevated pathway through the playground is built as an accessible walkway with harbour and Mount Maunganui views, and the design includes a dedicated quiet zone for sensory sensitive users.
Source: playgroundcentre.com

Forecast

The week ahead

Daytime high in °C · % = chance of rain · data from yr.no

Photos (47)

Spot a problem?

Spotted broken gear, a hazard, or something that needs a fix? Let Tauranga City know. They look after this park.

Report to Tauranga City

From the crew

Visits

Log visitLog a visit

Sergey K.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Nice place to visit with kids. Nearby area for swimming and water jump. Recommend if you nearby
0Helpful
Hank S.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Gorgeous clean waterfront playground with lots of varied things for the kids (and grown ups) to play on. Musical instruments. Slides and swings. Sandpit with digger. Agility course. Covered areas when it’s hot.
0Helpful
Tan W.
from Google15 Apr 2026
The playground itself is fairly limited here, but what we found really enjoyable was the overall atmosphere. There is a small ground level fountain which our boy loved playing in, wharf for jumping off into and lots of steps for you to sit on, relax, and watch the waves take in the breeze. It’s across the road from lots of shops which makes it very convenient. There is also a cool collection of Hairy Mclary statues, if you’re into that.
0Helpful
Ian M.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Heaps of activities for different aged kids. My kids spent heaps of time in the water activity area, slides, and wall …
0Helpful
William L.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Playground with swing, slides and climbing nets. There is also a water play area that little ones can run around to play with the water. Playground is not fenced and is next to the Railway tracks and water's edge, so active supervision is required
0Helpful
Ant (.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Wow wow wow - the playground has been rebuilt and it's absolutely wonderful now. A lot of investment has gone in to it and the results are brilliant. Great slides, a lot of swings, heaps of things to climb and jump off, a basketball half court and great loos. There's more investment to come - watch this space! Also a great place to listen to the Aunty Donna Podcast while the kids play. Dial up your favourite episode, sit back, and live, laugh, love.
0Helpful
Bronson D.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Awesome playground, came for the Hairy Maclary statues and had a play. Suitable for both young children and slightly older ones. Great place to go for a play then bike down the waterfront
0Helpful
Adam D.
from Google15 Apr 2026
The new playground is awesome and great for everyone, no matter their age. On the downside, there aren't many shaded spots. We saw parents scrambling to grab the few shady spots available for their babies and while eating.
0Helpful
Maria Q.
from Google15 Apr 2026
nice playground, better for older kids. the hairy maclary sculptures are great
0Helpful
Mark W.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Amazing playground. I love the water feature. This whole area was redesigned and upgraded in 2024. There is lots of soft padded ground around the areas where a fall is possible.
0Helpful