The new Rotorua Lakefront Playground. Photo / Laura Smith
The new Rotorua Lakefront Playground. Photo / Laura Smith
The Bay of Plenty flaunts natural beauty and has arguably some of the best playground locations in the country. Cira Oliviers discovers a few of the best around the region.
It doesn't just have to be a place that kids are dying to visit, many playgrounds in the region area destination for the whole family to enjoy.
Boyes Beach is one of the largest beaches on Lake Ōkareka with the lake itself popular for swimming and a range of facilities adding a cherry on top of the location.
This includes a picnic area, barbecues, drinking water, toilets, showers, dishwashing facilities, and, of course, the playground.
The playground itself is modest but has everything a young spirit would want, be it working on climbing skills or having the wind rush through their hair on the swings while looking at the lake.
When the sweat is dripping, a dip in the water is a few steps away.
There is also an overnight parking area for motorhomes and campervans and a walkway that connects the lake's Department of Conservation campsite for a small fee.
Playground at Boyes Beach, Lake Okareka. Photo / Andrew Warner
Besley Park Playground
Taupō
Venturing further south, Taupō's Besley Park in Acacia Bay is where families can find a well-kept playground and surrounding grassy area, away from crowds in the CBD.
There's a ship steering wheel on one end and a mast with joining slides on another. There are two rock-climbing walls, a fireman's pole, and a staircase - a great place to kill several hours.
The playground is surrounded by tall trees and neatly-kept grass, with a field for any activities someone could want, including football goalposts.
It overlooks Lake Taupō and is near a dairy and bar.
Rotorua Lakefront
Rotorua
The Rotorua Lakefront playground only opened last month but it's already proving popular.
The playground was built as part of the wider $40 million Rotorua Lakefront redevelopment and local tamariki had input into what they wanted to see included.
It includes a slide, climbing ladders, pump track and flying fox.
There's also a large grassy area for ball games, running around or a BYO picnic.
The reserve is right on the beach, think white sandy beaches where adults can bring their toys like kayaks and jet skis, or anyone can go for a paddle.
A great day to spend the day and watch the sunset down the beach with fish and chips. There is also is a camping area if it's too good to leave.
In Ōhope, just outside of Whakatāne, is a playground in the Maraetotara Reserve with all the classics a child - or an eager adult - could want, including swings, slides, and a flying fox.
There's a pirate ship to get the creative juices flowing and a skate ramp for the kids with a bit more co-ordination.
It sits on the reserve in eyeshot of the white sand beach, a perfect spot to go for a dip or build sandcastles.
