Island View Reserve Playground

If you’re heading to Whangamatā beach with kids in tow, this reserve is worth knowing about. The climbing structure keeps primary school-age kids genuinely occupied, and the zipline draws in pretty much everyone — little ones, older kids, even the odd teenager who pretends they’re too cool for it. There’s a big open grass area that’s handy when someone inevitably wants to kick a ball around or just run off some energy. Toilets on site, which honestly makes all the difference after a morning at the beach. A solid local spot that earns its regular crowd.