McPhee Park
Long Grass Place, Hāwea Flat
Key Features
- 1.8m slide and 1.5m double slide
- Cantilever basket swing
- Two-bay swing set with baby and belt seats
- Timber climbing modules with nets, monkey bars, and bridges
- Jungle net and angled net climb
- Wobbly bridge, ladder, and fireman’s pole
- See-saw, springers, and spin feature
- Stepping logs and balance beams
- Fantail bird cutout and interactive abacus
- Shade sails for key play areas
- Accessible seating and rest zones
A New Community Hub for Hāwea Families
The new McPhee Park playground at Hāwea Flat brings a much-needed play space to a growing community. Developed in partnership with Queenstown Lakes District Council and supported by the Hāwea Community Association, the project aimed to fill a long-standing gap in the local landscape. It’s a safe, inclusive place for kids of all ages and abilities to connect, play, and explore.
Tucked into the reserve at the corner of Long Grass Place and Loach Road, the playground makes the most of its setting. With carefully protected trees, open sightlines, and shaded seating areas, it’s a place where families can gather, relax, and let the kids run free.
Designed with Care, Built to Last
This was a site that called for thoughtful design. From the outset, the brief was clear: protect the existing trees, make it low-maintenance, and create something that blends into the natural feel of the park. The result is a timber-based playspace full of movement, texture, and discovery.
The equipment mix was chosen to suit a wide age range, from toddlers through to older kids, with inclusive elements throughout. The layout encourages exploration and shared play, with zones that cater to climbing, spinning, balancing, swinging, and imaginative play.
Shade sails were installed over key play areas to provide relief on hot days, and a mix of wet-pour rubber, concrete, and natural mulch surfacing ensures safety, durability, and visual warmth.
A Space Built for the Community
The opening of McPhee Park in August 2025 was more than just a ribbon cutting, it marked a win for the Hāwea Flat community. Locals had long called for a high-quality playground in the area, and this project delivered.
The playground was the result of a collaborative effort between Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Hāwea Playground Committee—an initiative formed by the Hāwea Community Association to help address the shortage of local play spaces. Their advocacy led to funding being brought forward from year three of the Long Term Plan into the current financial year, accelerating delivery.
The space now serves as a focal point for families, caregivers, and neighbours to come together. Whether it’s a quiet visit after school or a busy weekend morning, McPhee Park offers a space where kids can be kids and the community can stay connected.
Special thanks go to the Hāwea Community Association for their support and leadership throughout the project, and to Councillor Lyal Cocks for his role in securing funding. Diana Manson, who worked tirelessly in the early stages and continued to support the project behind the scenes, is also acknowledged for her dedication.
As a nod to Diana’s contribution, a pīwakawaka—her favourite bird—was incorporated into one of the climbing frames, quietly keeping watch over the play space.
The opening event was also attended by councillors Quentin Smith and Craig Ferguson, Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board chair Simon Telfer, and board member John Wellington.
Playground size:
640m2
Construction period:
May 2025 – August 2025
Equipment material:
Timber + Steel Fixtures
Surfacing:
Wet-pour rubber, concrete, woodchip mulch
Shade structures:
Yes (multiple)
Accessibility:
All ages and abilities
Material Quantities:
1500kg of Recycled rubber for Shockpad
250kg of Recycled Rubber for the top coat
1400kg of TPV used
Areas Surfaced
PNP – 75m2
Concrete – 150m2
Playground Chip - 415m2
Length of the bike track:
90m around the outside with 3 speed bumps.
Connect with our team to design a vibrant playground, select top-tier equipment, explore safe surfacing, choose complete packages, or add shelters. Your ideas drive our creations.