Mair Park has a children’s playground at the Rurumoki Street car park end of the reserve — a riverside play area set within one of Whangārei’s most pleasant green spaces. The playground is modest in size but the setting is excellent: the Hātea River runs alongside, a footbridge crosses to the Parihaka Scenic Reserve tracks, and the broader park provides picnic areas, BBQ facilities, and easy access to the Hātea River walkway network.
Practical Information
| Location | Rurumoki Street car park, Mair Park, Whangārei |
| Entry | Free |
| Open | Year-round, daylight hours |
| Facilities | Playground, toilets, BBQ, map board, car park |
| Dogs | On leash |
| Managed by | Whangārei District Council |
About the Playground
The Mair Park playground is at the Rurumoki Street car park, alongside the public toilets and a BBQ area. A wooden shelter houses a large map board that displays the walking track options through Mair Park and the Parihaka Scenic Reserve — useful for families planning to combine playground time with a walk.
The Hātea River runs just below the car park level at this point — above the reach of the high tide and sheltered enough to be a calm, safe spot. A footbridge over the river connects directly to the Parihaka Scenic Reserve tracks and the upper sections of the Hātea River walkway. The playground suits younger children while older children and adults can explore the track network above.
Walking From Mair Park
Mair Park is the midpoint of the Hātea River walkway, connecting downstream to Town Basin and upstream toward AH Reed Memorial Kauri Park and Whangarei Falls. The footbridge at the park gives access to the Parihaka Scenic Reserve tracks — including the Ross, Drummond, and Dobbie tracks to the 241m summit. For families, the combination of playground, riverside picnic, and the option of a short walk through native bush makes Mair Park one of the most complete family stops in the district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the playground free?
Yes. The playground and all facilities at Mair Park are free to use.
Where exactly is the playground?
At the Rurumoki Street car park, at the main entrance to Mair Park from the road. The playground, toilets, BBQ, and map board are all clustered at this end of the reserve.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome in Mair Park on a leash.
Can I walk to Parihaka from Mair Park?
Yes — a footbridge at Mair Park crosses the Hātea River to the Parihaka Scenic Reserve tracks. The Ross and Drummond tracks to the 241m summit begin on the other side of the bridge.
Is there parking at Mair Park?
Yes. There is free car parking at the Rurumoki Street entrance to Mair Park.
What other facilities are at the playground?
Public toilets, a BBQ area, and a track map board are all at the Rurumoki Street car park. Picnic areas are available throughout the broader park.
Mair Park sits on the Hātea River Walkway — the footbridge here gives direct access to Parihaka Scenic Reserve. See the Whangārei parks guide for more reserves across the district.
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