1 / 2Whoa! Studios
π Henderson, Auckland
NZ's only family-accessible film studio, with a custom playground (including a hand-crafted crochet climbing net), live theatrical shows for kids, and The Grounds restaurant. Three minutes' walk from Henderson train station with free parking on site.
I took my three year old son and the service was excellent. I didn't need a booking which made it easier to just pop in. It's only over the road from Henderson Train Station so it's handy if you need to take public transport. They gave us a table and customised our order to suit us (vegan and gluten free). Then I got him a park pass ($7.50) and took him to the playground. He absolutely loved it, especially the crochet style maze. They have a parents room so was easy to take him to the bathroom. Then finally we finished up with a sorbet choc ice cream! Already making plans to meet my friends with kids for a playdate in a couple of weeks' time!
π Family Action Verdict
Best for kids 2β12. Reviewers single out the playground β particularly the crochet climbing net β and call out staff flexibility around dietary needs (halal, vegan, gluten-free all accommodated). With a sit-down restaurant, parents' room, and unusual urban playground, the whole family can stay put.
βΉοΈ What to Know Before You Go
π¬ What Families Are Saying
View all reviews β872 Google reviews
Holly Roberts
2 years ago
βI took my three year old son and the service was excellent. I didn't need a booking which made it easier to just pop in. It's only over the road from Henderson Train Station so it's handy if you need to take public transport. They gave us a table and customised our order to suit us (vegan and gluten free). Then I got him a park pass ($7.50) and took him to the playground. He absolutely loved it, especially the crochet style maze. They have a parents room so was easy to take him to the bathroom. Then finally we finished up with a sorbet choc ice cream! Already making plans to meet my friends with kids for a playdate in a couple of weeks' time!β
Teejan Nasr
4 years ago
βIβve only recently been able to finally check this place out, I heard the food is amazing, and I was not disappointed. Everything in there was halal but we ordered a bunch of vegetarian food. I highly recommend the vegetarian dumplings they were delicious! The kids (3 year old and under 1) had a blast in the playground. We were not able to try the theatre yet but we had an awesome time through and through. We just had to purchase tickets for the kids to be able to play on the playground, and we found out about that later π .β
Mark Robotham
5 months ago
βBoys loved it and want to go back Busy place, lovely atmosphere. Staff are great. Sit back, have a munch and cold drink watching your kids have fun playing, what else do you want.β
Karine Valverde
a year ago
βIt was an amazing experience for us. The play area was very good the kids loved. We did have a great time with our friends. The restaurant looks really cozy and relaxing.β
Reviews from Google
Overview
Whoa! Studios in Henderson is NZ's only family-accessible film studio. Its custom-built Whoa! Zone playground features a hand-crafted crochet climbing net by Japanese artist Toshiko Horiuchi Macadam. Live theatrical shows run in the on-site theatre, including Custard's World (script by BAFTA-winning Wallace & Gromit writer Bob Baker) and seasonal productions. The Grounds restaurant serves family meals alongside the play space. Three minutes from Henderson train station, free parking, parents' room on site.
