Kai Iwi Beach Play Area

Right on the beach at Kai Iwi, this spot is a proper full-day kind of place — you’re not just popping in for half an hour. The flying fox is the big drawcard for kids, but there’s also a water feature and stream area that’ll keep the little ones occupied while you fire up one of the free BBQs. Slides, swings, a zipline, open grass to run around on — it’s got enough going on that you’re not chasing bored kids back to the car after twenty minutes. Toilets and parking are right there, so logistics are easy, and the beach itself is basically steps away if the playground loses its appeal.