The Pohe Island Destination Playground at William Fraser Memorial Park is one of Northland’s largest and most inclusive play spaces — an award-winning development on the Hātea River that has become a genuine family destination in Whangārei. A 7-metre tower with dual rope bridges and tube slides anchors a sprawling play environment featuring water features, embankment slides, sensory zones, and a continuous rubber surface that makes the entire main area wheelchair and pushchair accessible.
Practical Information
| Location | William Fraser Memorial Park, Pohe Island, off Port Road |
| Entry | Free |
| Open | Year-round |
| Surface | Continuous poured rubber throughout main play area |
| Facilities | Accessible toilets, drinking fountains, open park grounds |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible carousel, inground wheelchair-accessible trampolines, continuous rubber surface |
What’s at the Playground
The centrepiece is the Pohe Island Tower — a 7-metre bespoke structure with dual towers linked by two rope bridges suspended at different heights, and two tube slides descending from different levels. It is visible across the park and draws children immediately.
Surrounding the tower is a wide range of complementary equipment: embankment slides built into mounded terrain, climbing nets and ropes, stepping logs, and tunnels through mounds. Interactive water features offer play in warmer months. Acoustic music panels and a sensory sandpit provide quieter, more focused play options.
The inclusive design is thorough rather than tokenistic. A wheelchair-accessible carousel and inground wheelchair-accessible trampolines allow children with mobility equipment to participate in the same features as other children, rather than being directed to separate adapted equipment. The continuous poured rubber surface across the entire main play area removes the step-over-bark problem that makes older playgrounds difficult to navigate with wheels.
The Setting
The playground is set within William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island, alongside the Hātea River. The park provides open space around the playground and the river backdrop adds to the atmosphere. The island is also home to the Pohe Island Bike Park — a free pump track and circuit — making the two facilities a natural combined outing for families with older children.
What visitors say
“The best playground in the north. The tower is spectacular and the inclusive features are genuinely excellent — my son who uses a wheelchair was able to access almost everything.” — parent review via Wanderlog
“We drove from Auckland specifically to bring the kids here and it was worth it. Allow at least two hours — they won’t want to leave.” — visitor via Top10
Where to Learn More
Useful links
Whangārei District Council — Pohe Island Destination Playground — official playground information
Accessible Playgrounds NZ — Pohe Island — detailed accessibility features and equipment listing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pohe Island Destination Playground free?
Yes. Entry to the playground and park is free.
Is the playground fully wheelchair accessible?
The main play area has a continuous poured rubber surface, wheelchair-accessible carousel, and inground wheelchair-accessible trampolines. It is one of the most comprehensively accessible playgrounds in Northland.
How old is the playground suitable for?
The playground is designed for a wide range of ages. The tower and embankment slides suit older children; the sensory sandpit and quieter zones suit younger children and children with sensory needs.
Are there toilets at the playground?
Yes. Accessible toilets and drinking fountains are available at the playground.
Is there parking at Pohe Island?
Yes. Parking is available at William Fraser Memorial Park on Pohe Island, off Port Road.
What else is on Pohe Island?
The Pohe Island Bike Park — a free pump track, 800m circuit, and MTB skills area — is on the same island, making it easy to combine both in one visit.
The Pohe Island Destination Playground is one of Whangārei’s top family attractions — see the Whangārei parks guide for more. The Town Basin Playground is the other major city play space, a short drive away at the waterfront.