Waitangi Park Play Area

Honestly one of the better spots on the Wellington waterfront for families with older kids — the skate park gets a solid crowd on weekends, and the water play area keeps younger ones busy when the sun actually decides to show up. It’s right on the edge of the beach, so you’ve got a good mix of things to do without having to move the car. Grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafes, claim a shaded bench, and let the kids roam — the sandbox and slides are there if skating isn’t their thing. Petanque courts add a quirky touch that the adults tend to appreciate more than the children do.