Kowhai Park is Whanganui’s most celebrated playground — and arguably one of the most memorable in New Zealand. The park is packed with themed equipment unlike anything at a standard suburban reserve: a giant octopus with swings hanging from its tentacles, a dinosaur back slide, a whale tail slide, a spiral slide inside a clock tower, a pirate ship and a castle. Entry is free, and it has been a staple of family visits to Whanganui for decades.
Practical Information
| Location | Kowhai Park, near Anzac Parade along the Whanganui River |
|---|---|
| Entry | Free |
| Hours | Open daily, daylight hours |
| Equipment | Themed slides, pirate ship, castle, octopus swings, water play, skate/bike park |
| Facilities | Toilets, BBQ area with covered shelter, picnic tables |
| Water play | Fountains available (seasonal — summer months) |
| Also nearby | Tot Town miniature railway (separate attraction within the park) |
| Managed by | Whanganui District Council |
About Kowhai Park Playground
Kowhai Park sits along the Whanganui River close to Anzac Parade and has been entertaining Whanganui families for generations. The playground equipment is genuinely unusual — rather than standard climbing frames, the park features large custom-made themed structures that children can explore, climb, slide and swing on.
The centrepiece is a giant octopus — children can climb over the eyes, enter the head and look out from inside, while swings hang from the massive tentacles. Slides include a studded dinosaur back, a whale tail, a spiral slide inside a clock tower, and one themed after the Old Woman’s Shoe from the nursery rhyme. A full-sized pirate ship and a castle add more spaces to explore.
Water play fountains operate in summer. A skateboard and bike park is also within the reserve for older children. The BBQ and covered shelter area (beside a giant pumpkin structure) is a popular spot for family gatherings. Toilets are on-site.
The Tot Town miniature railway operates nearby within the park on weekends and public holidays — a separate family attraction worth combining with a playground visit.
What Visitors Say
“Kowhai Park is unlike any playground I’ve seen anywhere in New Zealand. The octopus with the swing tentacles alone makes it worth the visit — my kids didn’t want to leave.” — Discover Whanganui visitor
“World famous in New Zealand — and after visiting, I get why. The theming is incredible and it’s all free. The dinosaur slide and pirate ship were the big hits with our kids.” — Kids on Board visitor
Where to Learn More
Discover Whanganui — Kowhai Park is the official tourism guide to the park and its features.
Whanganui District Council — Kowhai Park has facilities and park information.
Kids on Board — Kowhai Park has a family-focused review with photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kowhai Park free?
Yes — entry to the playground is completely free. There are no tickets or charges for any of the equipment.
What is the famous octopus at Kowhai Park?
The octopus is a large custom climbing structure. Children can climb over the eyes, stand inside the hollow head and look out, while swings hang from the giant tentacles.
Is there water play at Kowhai Park?
Yes — water play fountains are available during the summer months. Check conditions on the day.
Is there a skate park at Kowhai Park?
Yes — a skateboard and bike park is within the reserve, suited to older children and teenagers.
What is the Tot Town Railway at Kowhai Park?
Tot Town is a miniature railway that operates within the park. It runs on weekends and public holidays — check locally for current timetables.
Are there BBQ facilities at Kowhai Park?
Yes — there are BBQ facilities with a covered eating area near a large pumpkin-themed structure. Toilets are also on-site.
Kowhai Park is one of Whanganui’s most-visited family attractions. See Playgrounds in Whanganui for more playground options across the district. For a quieter playground within a scenic reserve, Virginia Lake Playground is fully fenced and part of the beautiful Rotokawau reserve.