The playground at Rotokawau Virginia Lake Reserve is a compact, fully fenced play area tucked within Whanganui’s most popular urban parkland. It’s a quieter, more relaxed option than the themed spectacle of Kowhai Park — suitable for younger children looking for a safe, shaded space while the rest of the family enjoys the lake walk, café or aviary that surround it.
Practical Information
| Location | Rotokawau Virginia Lake Reserve, off Memorial Avenue, St Johns Hill, Whanganui |
|---|---|
| Entry | Free |
| Fenced | Yes — fully fenced playground |
| Access | Via Babbage Place car park, or from behind the bird aviary |
| Equipment | Climbing frame, slide, swings |
| Picnic tables | Two tables in shade within the play area |
| Nearby facilities | Café, aviary, toilets, BBQ, lake loop walk |
About the Playground
Virginia Lake Reserve — known formally as Rotokawau Virginia Lake — is Whanganui’s best-known urban park, sitting about five minutes from the city centre off Memorial Avenue. The playground is a smaller feature within the broader reserve, positioned near the bird aviary and accessible from the Babbage Place entrance.
The playground is fully fenced, making it well-suited to younger children, and includes a standard climbing frame, slide and swings. Two picnic tables sit in shaded spots within the play area. Waste bins are located just outside the fenced area.
The real draw is the combination: a visit to the playground slots naturally into a wider walk around the lake, a stop at the aviary (which has free entry), a coffee at the lake café, or a look at the Winter Gardens conservatory — all within the same reserve.
What Visitors Say
“A nice little fenced playground within the reserve. Not the biggest, but my toddler was happy and we could relax at the picnic tables while she played. The whole lake area is gorgeous.” — Tots in Tawhero visitor review
“Perfect stop as part of a lake walk — kids played on the equipment while we had coffee from the café nearby. The fencing is reassuring for younger ones.” — Google review
Where to Learn More
Whanganui District Council — Rotokawau Virginia Lake covers the full reserve including the playground, aviary and facilities.
Discover Whanganui — Rotokawau Virginia Lake is the official tourism guide to the reserve.
Tots in Tawhero — Virginia Lake Playground Review has a detailed family-focused review of the play area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Virginia Lake playground fenced?
Yes — the playground is fully fenced, making it suitable for younger children.
What equipment does the Virginia Lake playground have?
The playground has a climbing frame, slide and swings, with two shaded picnic tables inside the fenced area.
How do I get to the playground?
Enter the reserve via Babbage Place (car park), or walk from behind the bird aviary. Signs within the reserve point to the playground area.
Is there a café at Virginia Lake?
Yes — a café is located within the reserve and is open to visitors. Toilets, a BBQ and picnic areas are also available.
Is there anything else to do at Virginia Lake?
Yes — the reserve includes a 2km lake loop walk, a free bird aviary, the Art Deco Winter Gardens conservatory, a café and picnic facilities. It’s a full half-day outing for families.
Virginia Lake Playground is part of the wider Rotokawau Virginia Lake Reserve. See Playgrounds in Whanganui for other family-friendly play spaces across the district. For Whanganui’s most elaborate themed playground, Kowhai Park is just minutes away.