Last updated July 2026
Kopupaka Reserve in Westgate is a major public open space that integrates stormwater management with recreation in west Auckland. The reserve anchors the Westgate Town Centre development and features walking paths, a playground, skatepark and open grass areas. It won World Landscape of the Year at the 2016 World Architecture Festival for its overall design. The playground later received Playground of the Year at the 2021 New Zealand Parks Awards. The landscape incorporates six stormwater wetlands and revegetated stream corridors while referencing traditional Māori weaving in its timber structures.
Practical Information
| Location | Corner of Maki Street and Kokano Road, Westgate, Auckland |
| Size | Approximately 26 hectares |
| Wetlands | Six stormwater wetlands |
| Awards | World Landscape of the Year 2016 (World Architecture Festival); Playground of the Year 2021 (New Zealand Parks Awards) |
| Playground | Destination playground with climbing equipment, flying fox, water play, sandpit, swings, slides, trampolines and edible plantings |
| Other facilities | Skatepark, open grass areas, shared pathways, fitness equipment, barbecues, picnic tables, seating, toilets |
| Streams | Revegetated corridors of Tōtara Creek and Sakaria Stream |
| Design reference | Timber structures reference harakeke (flax) weaving of kete and hinaki |
| Access and rules | Free entry; dogs must be on leash; smokefree; alcohol banned in some areas |
About Kopupaka Reserve
Kopupaka Reserve forms the central public open space for the Westgate Town Centre development in west Auckland. Designed by Isthmus Group, the reserve combines functional stormwater infrastructure with community recreation spaces. It was developed on former farmland and opened progressively, with the main landscape elements completed around 2016.
The reserve is structured around six stormwater wetlands that treat runoff from the surrounding urban development while creating habitat and visual interest. Walking paths connect the wetlands with revegetated riparian corridors along Tōtara Creek and Sakaria Stream. Open grass areas provide space for picnics and informal play, and a skatepark adds another active recreation option.
The design integrates mātauranga Māori through timber structures around the wetland ponds. These forms draw from traditional harakeke weaving techniques used for kete (baskets) and hinaki (eel traps). The overall project demonstrates how engineered wetlands can support both environmental outcomes and high-quality public space.
The Playground
The destination playground was added after the initial reserve development and opened around 2021. It features a wide range of equipment including a flying fox, water play areas, sandpit, swings, slides, climbing structures and trampolines. Edible plantings and herb gardens surround the play space, supporting educational opportunities about food sources. The playground received Playground of the Year at the 2021 New Zealand Parks Awards for its vibrant design and integration with the surrounding landscape.
Access and Facilities
Visitors can enter the reserve from Maki Street or Kokano Road. The site includes toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and fitness equipment. The playground has partial shade from trees but is not fenced. Dogs are permitted but must remain on leash at all times. The reserve is smokefree, and alcohol is prohibited in designated areas under Auckland Council bylaws. A pond near the playground requires supervision of young children.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the large, well-equipped playground and the variety of play options that keep children engaged for extended periods. Many note the clean facilities, open spaces for running around, and the pleasant setting with wetlands and paths.
Visitors often describe the reserve as a worthwhile destination playground with good parking access and a mix of active and passive recreation areas. Reviewers highlight the skatepark and barbecue facilities as useful additions for groups.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council – Kopupaka Reserve: Official park page with current facilities, access details and rules.
Isthmus – Kopupaka Park: Designer project page with details on the landscape concept and wetland integration.
World Architecture – 2016 Award Coverage: Information on the World Landscape of the Year win and design features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kopupaka Reserve located?
Corner of Maki Street and Kokano Road in Westgate, west Auckland.
How large is Kopupaka Reserve?
Approximately 26 hectares.
How many stormwater wetlands are there?
Six stormwater wetlands form the core of the landscape design.
What awards has the reserve received?
World Landscape of the Year 2016 at the World Architecture Festival and Playground of the Year 2021 at the New Zealand Parks Awards.
Is the playground fenced?
No, the playground is not fenced but has partial shade from nearby trees.
Are dogs allowed at Kopupaka Reserve?
Yes, but dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
What facilities are available?
Playground, skatepark, toilets, barbecues, picnic tables, seating, fitness equipment and open grass areas.
Is entry free?
Yes, Kopupaka Reserve is a free public park managed by Auckland Council.
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