Kāwaroa Destination Playground
An Epic Coastal Playground
Kāwaroa Park in New Plymouth is now home to one of Aotearoa’s biggest and boldest playgrounds, a landmark destination where play, coastal landscape and cultural storytelling come together. Perched above the reef for which the park is named, the space is designed to welcome all ages and abilities with high-quality equipment built to withstand the coastal environment.
This transformative project conceived by local philanthropist Bryce Barnett and led by the Taranaki Foundation, with generous support from local donors, Ngāti Te Whiti and the New Plymouth community. It’s a lasting legacy, a space for play, movement, learning and connection.
Playground People were proud to deliver the key school-age and youth-focused play features, including the striking Matariki-themed tower. Designed in collaboration with Ngāti Te Whiti and New Plymouth District Council landscape architects, the custom tower’s vertical supports are each named for the stars of Matariki and Puanga, bringing local whakapapa and astronomy into the heart of the playground.
Kompan’s dynamic and inclusive equipment adds energy and movement throughout the space. Highlights include the Cocowave swing, Universal Carousel, inclusive Twister, 1.5m² trampoline, and a range of swings and climbing features designed for a variety of physical abilities.
The Warrior Zone adds challenge for older kids, teens and adults with a compact obstacle course featuring a Ninja Agility Wall, competition Timer, and a Kompan Robinia Combi unit for bodyweight training and calisthenics.
Adding to the storytelling experience are a series of interactive interpretive signs and kinetic-powered audio features that play native bird songs, encouraging exploration and discovery throughout the park.
Come down, test your strength in the Warrior Zone, climb to the stars in the Matariki tower, and experience one of New Zealand’s most inspiring coastal play destinations.
