Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park is one of South Auckland’s most popular green spaces — a 10-hectare park in Manurewa that sits adjacent to the Manukau town centre, MIT campus, and both the Manukau bus and train stations. It gained national attention in 2023 when its destination playground opened with the tallest play tower in Aotearoa, but the park offers considerably more than the playground, including a skate park, basketball courts, and shaded picnic areas within easy reach of central Manukau.
Practical Information
| Location | Hayman Park, Manurewa, Auckland (off Lambie Drive) |
|---|---|
| Entry | Free |
| Hours | 6am–9pm in summer; 6am–7pm in winter |
| Parking | Small carpark off Lambie Drive (paid near playground: $1.50 first hour); free parking at lower end of park opposite Bunnings on Lambie Drive |
| Public transport | Short walk from Manukau train and bus stations |
| Toilets | Yes — two accessible toilets with baby change facilities near the playground |
| Playground | Destination playground with tower, flying fox, skate area, accessible equipment |
About Hayman Park
Hayman Park has been a central green space for the Manurewa community for many years, offering sports fields, shaded lawns, and walking paths across its 10 hectares. In 2023, Auckland Council completed a major investment in the park’s north end with the opening of a destination playground that quickly became one of the most-visited in the region.
The play tower stands 12.9 metres tall — the tallest in Aotearoa at the time of opening. It features three climbing walls, rope bridges, tunnels, and multiple slides integrated across all levels, with rubber matting throughout to allow wheelchair and stroller access to every part of the structure. The design prioritised universal access from the outset, with ground-level musical instruments including chimes and a xylophone for children who prefer sensory play or are reliant on caregivers.
Stage 2 of the playground upgrade added a flow bowl and pump track for older children and teens, along with flying foxes and additional accessible play features. The result is a playground that genuinely works for a wide range of ages and abilities in a single visit.
Skate Park and Courts
Beyond the playground, Hayman Park has two basketball half-courts and a skate park — facilities that serve the older teen and young adult population of Manurewa alongside the families using the playground. The skate area has long been a gathering point for the local community. The flow bowl added in Stage 2 extended the park’s appeal for skaters and BMX riders looking for a more varied terrain.
Getting There
The park’s proximity to Manukau train station makes it one of the more public-transport-accessible parks in South Auckland. The station is a short walk from the playground, making it a viable day trip from elsewhere in Auckland without needing a car. For those driving, parking near the playground is paid (metered at $1.50 for the first hour), while free parking is available at the lower end of the park off Lambie Drive, opposite Bunnings. The paid carpark does fill up on weekends.
What visitors say
“The playground is absolutely incredible — my kids didn’t want to leave. The tower is huge and there’s so much to do at every level. Rubber matting makes it easy to push a pram right up to the equipment.”
“Best playground in Auckland, full stop. The skate bowl is great for older kids too. Easy to get to by train from the city.”
Where to learn more
Auckland Council — Hayman Park: official park page with map, facilities list, and contact details.
Our Auckland — playground opening story: background on the design, accessibility features, and community intent behind the 2023 playground.
TripAdvisor — Hayman Park reviews: visitor accounts from recent visits.
FAQ
Is Hayman Park free to visit?
Yes — entry to the park and all its facilities including the playground, skate park, and basketball courts is free. Parking near the playground is paid (metered), but free parking is available at the lower end of the park off Lambie Drive.
What are the park’s opening hours?
Hayman Park is open 6am to 9pm in summer and 6am to 7pm in winter. Toilets close at 9pm.
How old is the playground suitable for?
The playground caters to a wide age range. The main tower and climbing structures suit school-age children, while ground-level sensory play and accessible equipment works for toddlers and children with mobility needs. The flow bowl and pump track suit older children and teens.
Is the playground wheelchair accessible?
Yes — rubber matting extends across the entire playground area, allowing wheelchairs and strollers to reach every part of the equipment. The park was designed with universal access as a core requirement.
Can I get there by public transport?
Yes — Manukau train station is a short walk from the playground. Buses also stop at Manukau bus station adjacent to the train station.
Is there parking at Hayman Park?
There’s a small paid carpark near the playground (metered at $1.50 for the first hour, $2 for the second, up to 6pm on weekdays). Free parking is available at the lower end of the park on Lambie Drive opposite Bunnings, though it means a slightly longer walk to the playground.
Hayman Park is part of the Auckland suburbs network of green spaces across the city. For more parks and outdoor spaces near Manurewa, see Auckland parks and reserves.
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