Looking for new activities to get the whānau out and about? South Auckland is now home to 4 fresh new playgrounds, each offering something a little different and catering to all sorts of play. From sports parks to neighbourhood play spaces, here are some options where you can burn off energy with tamariki, spark their imagination or simply enjoy a day outdoors with friends and whānau.
1. Ti Rakau Park
Having a picnic or a play, Ti Rakau Park provides for the whole whānau.
Right in the heart of Pakuranga, you’ll find Ti Rakau Park, which offers access to a small but colourful and mighty playground where the whole whānau can enjoy some down time.
Located near the Pakuranga Community Centre and Rugby League Club, this playground, that is partially fenced along the road and car park, offers a wider variety of play from balancing, climbing and crawling to spinning, swinging and even sound play! There’s also a nature trail to explore and a wheelchair accessible swing for inclusive play.
Beyond the play area, older kids can enjoy the large sports park that’s buzzing with possibilities and caters to all sorts of recreational activity with its cricket pitch, practice nets and wide green spaces for organised sport and everyday recreation. Across the street, the park continues with a dedicated youth area that offers outdoor fitness equipment, high swings and a hangout area with colourful, unique seating options.
Families will also find practical amenities throughout the park like picnic tables and seating, perfect for a relaxed lunch break. With trees, wide open spaces and easy access from surrounding streets, it’s a flexible and well-connected destination just a short walk away from the town centre and local library.
Bring the kids down to Cyclamen Park for a play.
Ngā Puna / Cyclamen Park, named after the many sacred springs in the Pūkaki area, has recently reopened after upgrades that community feedback helped to shape, resulting in a vibrant and welcoming space for the local neighbourhood and beyond.
This spot offers a fully fenced park and playground with plenty of play to keep all ages entertained, from sway play bridges, slides and nature play to a winding covered slide, climbing net and wall, high swings and even a fun role-play café space to let the imagination run wild.
An open grassy space alongside the playground offers more opportunities for recreational fun and kick-about space for ball games. And for those who prefer the spectator side to sport, there’s shaded picnic tables for family members to come together for a well-deserved break or enjoy some kai.
From slides to swings, there is so much fun to be had at Rock Daisy Reserve.
Just a few blocks away, rocking a new look and name, you’ll find Te Āhiki / Rock Daisy Crescent Reserve.
Te Āhiki means the footstep and refers to the vulcan deity Mataaoho who created the volcanic craters of Tāmaki Makaurau. It’s also symbolic of the steps forward this spot has taken to transform a previously quiet area into a whānau friendly hub of activity thanks to community input.
The new and improved playground caters to kids of all ages from low play options, seesaws and interactive play panels to the more adventurous side of play with climbing equipment, wobbly ladders, net spinners, monkey bars and more. Plus, accessible paths, picnic tables and benches and a communication and sign language board to support inclusive play.
Open grassy areas also provide space for kids to run around, while the large trees offer natural shade for those after a quick break or a spot to wind down with a good book.
Come try out your dunking and hooping skills at Clarks Beach Recreational Reserve.
Further south, at Clarks Beach, you’ll find Ngahere Ki Uta, which translates to ‘forest inland from the coast’, and offers a sprawling space for recreation right next to the local golf course.
Little marine enthusiasts will rejoice here, as the playground follows an ocean theme with sea creatures featured throughout. Tamariki can explore the towers, slides and fireman pole, plus the standout feature, the Saturn carousel, a four-person rotating swing. Older family members can enjoy the nearby skate park, basketball court and open grassy areas for more recreational play.
Whether you’re after wide open fields, climbing challenges, nature and sound play, or a relaxed local hangout, these South Auckland playgrounds are guaranteed to offer an entertaining outdoor experience. Consider your next outing sorted! Just pack a picnic and enjoy these inviting and fresh new community spaces.