Discover Warkworth’s Shoesmith Reserve Playground
- By Auckland for Kids
- Published
- Topics: North Auckland playgrounds, Warkworth places
Warkworth has always been a New Zealand community that values the opinions and creativity of its youth. The large playground at Shoesmith Reserve saw students from Te Kura o Puhinui | Warkworth School actively participate in the playground’s design in collaboration with Ngati Manuhiri, the local iwi and the Rodney Local Board. The playground is not just a play space, but a testament to community collaboration, nature-inspired artistry, and a commitment to creating a fun space for kids of all ages to enjoy. The playground has a giant tower, slides, balancing beams, swings, inground trampolines, warping wall and climbing equipment, carousel and more fun play equipment.
The playground’s central theme revolves around the story of “Tāne and the Baskets of Knowledge”. This is Tāne’s epic battle with the insect world to retrieve three baskets of sacred knowledge from the heavens. Tāne’s struggle against his brother Whiro’s army of insects is vividly illustrated throughout the playground. The art features Tāne on the climbing tower and various bugs such as the spider | wetakatipo, centipede | te hara and the dragonfly | kapowai in the playground.
This not only adds an educational element but also provides an opportunity for kids to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region while they play.
Auckland for Kids Tips about Shoesmith Park Playground
Suitable for all ages including toddlers, pre-schoolers, kids and teenagers.
Bike and scooter friendly wide concrete park.
Large play tower with a see-saw and slides.
Wheelchair accessible carousel.
Benches around the park.
Picnic tables perfect for family gatherings.
Drinking fountains.
Public toilets.
The playground is partially fenced along the road to make it safer for children.
There is no shade at this playground, so remember to put on sunscreen in summer.
Sports fields for rugby, football, cricket and athletics track which vary depending on the sports season.
The Warkworth Tennis and Squash Club is also located on the reserve.
Where is Shoesmith Reserve and Playground in Warkworth?
You can find Shoesmith Reserve and Playground in Shoesmith Street in Warkworth, North Auckland. The Playground is right next to Warkworth Primary School so is busy straight after school gets out each day. You can also access the reserve from Mahurangi Street, Hill Street, Brown Road. There is limited car parks available on Shoesmith Street between Shoesmith Hall and the Warkworth Football Club, however we found there is plenty of street parking nearby.
Are there more fun things to do with kids near Warkworth's Shoesmith Playground?
More family-friendly places to discover nearby to Shoesmith Playground and Reserve if you have longer and want to make this a family day out include:
Have a hot chocolate with the kids at Chocolate Brown in Mill lane in Warkworth.
Go for a walk along the Mahurangi River on Warkworth’s Sesquicentennial Boardwalk Walkway. This short walk starts right in the town centre by the bridge and leads to a small waterfall. There is only a few steps so it’s easy for the little kids too!
Check out the Children’s Playground in Warkworth which is fun for young kids overlooking the Mahurangi River and then admire the boats tied up on the Warkworth Town Wharf.
In summer go swimming at the Cement Works and admire the ruins too!
Visit Parry Kauri Park. If the kids are too little for a long walk with lot’s of steps you can still see the large old kauri trees at the beginning of the path.
Check out the Warkworth & Districts Museum which is in Parry Kauri Park.
Go for a bush walk on the loop track in Kowhai Park.
Take the kids to play mini golf at The Range in Warkworth. They also have baseball and softball batting cages, indoor crick machines and an air rifle range.
Head to Matakana and check out all the fun things to do their with you family.
Visit Brick Bay Sculpture Trail in Snells Beach with the kids to check out their outdoor sculpture lined trail.
Visit Sheepworld to see sheepdog demos, shearing and animal feeding plus the kids can learn all about New Zealand’s wool history.
