
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.
🏆 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 →33 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Andrew Karl
8 months ago
“This review refers to the forest walk you can take by way of Forest Road, which isn't that well sign posted at all, and the signs that are there cause confusion to say the least. It did us, and another couple who arrived as we were leaving, and they asked us if this was the forest walk etc, as we did to another group...anyway. Walk through the access way beside the gate and on down the gravel road till you get to a left hand turn intersection and a straight on ahead path...we took the left hander, which turns back parallel to the other road, as every road is a grid pattern, being a forestry block etc. Once you're in the forest everything is amazing, forestry at various stages, blackberries, people walking dogs, horse riders, runners, rabbit hunters, birdlife, sounds of the beach, peace and quiet, fresh air and a great way to get some easy steps in...good times.”
Steve
4 months ago
“This is the kind playground that people used back in the oldies days.. home made, reuse, nature and imagination play! Great fun to explore and see some creative use of materials.”
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.”
📊 Commonly mentioned in Google reviews
Based on Google review tagsForestry
4 reviews
Flying fox
2 reviews
Unique playground
2 reviews
Climbing
2 reviews
Fun for kids
2 reviews
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.






