Middle Earth Adventure Park
📍 Waitārere Beach, Manawatu-Wanganui
Community-built adventure playground near Waitārere Beach with a flying fox, zipline, boat and jet-ski swings, climbing ladders and a forest den-building area. Equipment is not safety-rated; parental supervision applies.
What an incredible place to bring children. So many opportunities for play. Assault courses and climbing and swings. The flying fox is awesome. Forest area for building dens. John has outdone himself and should be so proud of what he has been able to offer the community.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
A rare find — a free, community-built adventure playground where children move between the flying fox, forest den area and assault course with genuine freedom. The effort local volunteers have put in is visible in every structure.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →32 Google reviews
Jamie Clayden
6 years ago
“What an incredible place to bring children. So many opportunities for play. Assault courses and climbing and swings. The flying fox is awesome. Forest area for building dens. John has outdone himself and should be so proud of what he has been able to offer the community.”
Elizabeth S
2 years ago
“Such a good find! Ladders, zipline, boat and jetski swings, climbing frames, mixed in so well with nature and feeling like you're somewhere else... Not safety rated, so a bit of caution doesn't hurt - younger kids would need supervision but definitely a fun experience.”
donna rigg
7 years ago
“Great place for the kids to run wild and build huts out of branches. The effort put in from the locals is amazing. Take a picnic”
Tatjana Manabe
2 years ago
“Absolutely magical! Use all equipment at your own risk, seating for parents and hours of fun for the kids.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Middle Earth Adventure Park was built by a local resident and community volunteers in bush surroundings near Waitārere Beach. Equipment includes a flying fox, zipline, ladders, boat and jet-ski swings, climbing frames and an assault course woven through the trees. A separate forest area has branches and materials for den-building. The park is free to use. Equipment is not officially safety-rated — use at your own risk and supervise young children closely. Seating for adults is available on site.
