Last updated July 2026
Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park is a large tree-lined suburban park in Manukau that serves as a central green space for the local community and visitors. The park sits adjacent to the Manukau town centre, MIT campus, and the Manukau bus and train stations, making it highly accessible. It features a destination playground with New Zealand’s tallest play tower, a skate park, basketball courts, a pond, and extensive paths across its grounds. Recent upgrades completed in 2026 restored the Puhinui Stream, improved water quality, added native planting, wider paths, boardwalks, and viewing areas. The park reopened on 25 April 2026 following these enhancements.
Practical Information
| Location | 15R Davies Avenue, Manukau, Auckland (access from Davies Avenue, Ronwood Avenue, and Lambie Drive) |
| Entry | Free |
| Hours | Open daily; specific hours not listed on official sources |
| Parking | Street parking available; limited paid off-street options near playground area |
| 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 12.8-metre play tower, flying foxes, skate elements, accessible features, and natural play space |
| Dogs | Must be on leash at all times |
About Hayman Park
Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park functions as the primary public open space in the Manukau City Centre. It offers sports fields, shaded lawns, walking paths, and a central pond surrounded by established trees. The park spans approximately 10 hectares and provides opportunities for picnics, relaxation, and community gatherings.
The park underwent significant upgrades completed in early 2026. These included restoration of the Puhinui Stream to create habitats for native wildlife, improved stormwater treatment, extensive native planting, and new infrastructure such as wider paths, boardwalks, seating, and viewing platforms. The park reopened to the public on 25 April 2026.
Sealed accessible paths run around the perimeter and past the pond. A 1.3-kilometre path loops the outside of the park. The site supports a range of activities suitable for families, older children, and teens.
Playground Features
The destination playground opened in 2023 and includes a 12.8-metre-high play tower, the tallest in New Zealand at the time of opening. The structure features multiple platforms across four storeys, three climbing walls, rope bridges, tunnels, slides, and flying foxes. Rubber matting covers the ground to support wheelchair and stroller access throughout the play area.
Ground-level elements include musical instruments, sensory play options, and an inclusive carousel. Stage 2 additions incorporated a flow bowl, pump track, additional flying foxes, and further accessible features. The playground caters to a wide range of ages and abilities with both challenging and sensory elements.
Skate Park and Courts
The park includes a skate park with mounds, ramps, ledges, and rails that has served the local community for many years. Two basketball half-courts provide additional active recreation options. The flow bowl and pump track added during playground upgrades extended opportunities for skaters, BMX riders, and older children.
Getting There and Access
Manukau train station lies a short walk from the playground and other facilities, supporting easy access by public transport from across Auckland. Street parking is available around the park boundaries. Some limited paid off-street parking exists near the playground area, with additional options mentioned near Davies Avenue.
What Visitors Often Say
The playground tower offers plenty of activities at every level and the rubber matting makes it straightforward to navigate with prams or wheelchairs. Families appreciate the variety of play options for different ages in one location.
The skate park and flow bowl provide good terrain for older kids and teens. The park’s location near the train station makes it convenient for day trips without a car.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park: official page with facilities, access details, and updates on recent upgrades.
Our Auckland — playground opening: details on the 2023 playground design and community focus.
Our Auckland — 2025 upgrades: information on the wetland restoration and reopening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hayman Park free to visit?
Yes, entry to the park and all facilities including the playground and skate park is free.
When did the playground open?
The destination playground opened in 2023, with Stage 2 additions following shortly after.
How tall is the play tower?
The main play tower reaches 12.8 metres, making it the tallest in New Zealand at the time of opening.
Is the playground accessible?
Yes, rubber matting allows wheelchair and stroller access across the playground area, with ground-level sensory and inclusive features included.
Can I reach the park by public transport?
Yes, Manukau train and bus stations are a short walk from the playground and other facilities.
What recent changes have occurred at the park?
The park reopened on 25 April 2026 after upgrades that restored the Puhinui Stream, added native planting, wider paths, boardwalks, and viewing areas.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in the park.
Are there toilets available?
Yes, two accessible toilets with baby change facilities are located near the playground.
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