Making waves: A spectacular seaside destination
Set on the dramatic coastline of Ngāmotu / New Plymouth, the Kawaroa Destination Playground is making waves as a truly spectacular seaside playspace. Stage One, officially opened in December 2024, is already captivating families with its unique mix of custom play equipment inspired by the local culture and landscape, and crafted by Playground Centre.
First pitched by Taranaki philanthropist Bryce Barnett in 2020, the vision for a destination playspace was brought to life by the Taranaki Foundation in partnership with mana whenua Ngāti Te Whiti, New Plymouth District Council, and NP Partners. It represents a significant community milestone and a legacy asset that will be treasured and enjoyed for generations to come.
A playscape inspired by land and sea
The design celebrates Kawaroa’s iconic environment, blending the heritage of the pōhutukawa-lined park with the sounds, smells and textures of the sea. The result is an imaginative coastal play journey, from hillside to shoreline, where children can explore, climb, slide, swing and discover at every turn.
Playground Centre was proud to collaborate on the playground equipment design and manufacture, supplying a range of bespoke equipment and timber elements that reflect the stories of the place.
Key features of Stage One include:
- Bespoke pōhutukawa-inspired play structures
Custom Pōhutukawa Stepping Poles, carved climbing/seating logs, and a striking Custom Steel Pōhutukawa Rope Net Climber capture the character of New Plymouth’s much-loved “New Zealand Christmas Tree” — creating sculptural, playful features that tie the space to its natural setting. - Seaside-inspired climbing and sliding
From a Log and Net Climbing Stack to tunnels through mounds, scramble nets and chute embankment slides, the play equipment echoes the nearby rocks, seaweed and marine life and makes the most of the sloping seaside site. Hidden sculptural elements – crabs, pāua and kina – add to the sense of discovery. - Family fun for all ages
Classic play favourites include a 4 Bay Timba Swing with an Expression Seat, wave slides, and timber seating for rest and relaxation. The design layers in sensory and educational aspects, plus walking and bike tracks, ensuring wide appeal for the whole community.
Designed through partnership
Stage One of the Kawaroa Destination Playground is the product of strong collaboration. From concept to completion, the project team worked together to weave local culture and a connection to the natural environment into every detail. The result is an incredibly vibrant, one-of-a-kind and inclusive playspace that is a proud reflection of New Plymouth’s people and place.
What our team says
“Stage One of Kawaroa Destination Playground is one of the most inspiring projects we’ve been part of. It’s a bold design that truly celebrates the coastal environment and cultural identity of Ngāmotu / New Plymouth. We’re thrilled to have played a role in helping bring this vision to life.”
– Daniel Timmins, Group Sales Manager, Playground Centre
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