Last updated June 2026
Riverland Family Park is a family activity park on Anzac Parade in Whanganui East, situated on the eastern bank of the Whanganui River directly beside Kowhai Park. It provides paid activities including go karts, mini golf, bungy trampolines and bike hire, with free entry to the grounds. The park serves as a convenient base for families combining paid attractions with the adjacent public playground. Its riverside setting offers views across the river and easy access to shade and picnic areas.
Practical Information
| Address | Anzac Parade, Whanganui East (beside Kowhai Park) |
| Opening hours | Tuesday–Friday 1pm–4pm, Saturday–Sunday 10am–4pm (subject to seasonal changes and weather; check website for updates) |
| Cost | Free entry; activities priced individually |
| Phone | 027 931 6188 |
| ri*****************@***il.com | |
| Facilities | Café/food options, picnic areas, parking |
| Website | riverlandfamilypark.co.nz |
About Riverland Family Park
Riverland Family Park occupies a riverside location on the eastern bank of the Whanganui River, immediately adjacent to the public Kowhai Park. The park focuses on family-oriented paid activities that suit a range of ages, from young children to adults. Go kart options include club karts for ages 7–10, action karts for ages 10 and older, and double karts that pair an adult with a child under 7. An 18-hole mini putt course is available for all ages.
Additional activities include bungy trampolines suitable for participants weighing 10kg to 60kg and bicycle or e-bike hire for exploring nearby riverside paths. Closed shoes are required for some activities such as the club karts and bungy trampoline. The park supports group bookings including school outings, birthday parties and team-building events. Safety is prioritised, with visitors encouraged to review guidelines on the official website.
The on-site café and picnic facilities support longer visits. The location provides river views and direct adjacency to Kowhai Park, allowing families to combine paid activities with free playground time in one outing.
Kowhai Park Playground
Kowhai Park is a large public playground on Anzac Parade in Whanganui East, featuring statues of fairytale characters and animals throughout the grounds. Children can slide down a brontosaurus, swing on an octopus, see-saw with a snake or picnic in a pumpkin. A disability swing is available, and a flying fox offers river views. The Tot Town Railway operates on weekends, passing through a tunnel and past moa statues.
The park includes a skate park, barbecues, drinking fountains, toilets and shade areas suitable for picnics. It is maintained by Whanganui District Council and remains free to access at all times. The riverside woodland setting provides a relaxed environment that complements the adjacent paid activities at Riverland Family Park.
What Visitors Often Say
Families describe Riverland Family Park as a well-maintained and good-value spot for go karts and mini golf, noting the convenient location next to Kowhai Park for a combined half-day outing. Reviewers highlight the variety of age-appropriate activities and the riverside setting as practical for visitors with children.
Visitors to Kowhai Park praise the imaginative playground features, shade and picnic facilities, often mentioning it as a long-standing favourite for generations of local families. The combination with Riverland is frequently recommended for a full morning or afternoon of play.
Where to Learn More
Riverland Family Park Official Website: current activity details, pricing, opening hours and booking information.
Whanganui District Council – Kowhai Park: official details on facilities, features and access at the adjacent public playground.
Discover Whanganui – Kowhai Park Guide: additional context on the playground and its role in local family activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Riverland Family Park?
On Anzac Parade, Whanganui East, on the eastern bank of the Whanganui River directly beside Kowhai Park.
What activities are available at Riverland Family Park?
Club karts for ages 7–10, action karts for ages 10 and older, double go karts for adults with children under 7, 18-hole mini putt, bungy trampolines (10–60kg), bicycle and e-bike hire. An on-site café and picnic areas are available.
Is entry to Riverland Family Park free?
Yes, entry to the park grounds is free. Individual activities are charged separately; current pricing is listed on the official website.
What are the opening hours for Riverland Family Park?
Tuesday to Friday 1pm–4pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am–4pm. Hours may vary with seasons, school holidays or weather; check the website for the latest information. The park is typically closed on Mondays outside special periods.
What age range is Riverland Family Park suitable for?
Activities cater to children from around 7 years for go karts, with options for younger children via doubles or other features, and adults for action karts and e-bikes. Bungy trampolines have a 10–60kg weight range.
Can Riverland Family Park be combined with Kowhai Park?
Yes, the two sites sit directly adjacent on Anzac Parade, making the combination a common choice for families seeking both paid activities and free playground time.
Are there any accessibility features at Kowhai Park?
Kowhai Park includes a disability swing and is described by the council as accessible, with toilets, shade and picnic facilities available.
Is the Tot Town Railway at Kowhai Park operating?
The railway runs on weekends; confirm current status on-site or via council information as operations can vary.
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