Playgrounds in Waitomo

A full scale Otorohanga Transport truck and a Strait Shipping ferry anchor Jim Barker Memorial Playground on Huiputea Drive, a kiwiana themed build that mixes those two centrepieces with a flying fox, water play, climbing structures, swings, a slide and a bike track. Shade and parking are on site, and the equipment mix leans toward school age kids and up rather than toddlers.

Otorohanga sits on State Highway 3 a short drive north of the Waitomo Caves turnoff, so Jim Barker works well as a stretch stop either side of a cave tour. Toilets and picnic tables are on site too. It is currently the one formal playground covering Waitomo district, so any other stop nearby is more likely a school ground than a purpose built play space.