Last updated May 2026
Barry Curtis Park at 163 Chapel Road in Flat Bush is a 94-hectare reserve — one of New Zealand’s largest public parks, with no comparable greenfield park established since the Auckland Domain in the 1840s. The destination playground combines accessible, inclusive equipment for all ages with nature-based play zones: a low play module with low slide, swings and water play for younger children, and a high play tower with covered slides, a wooden obstacle course and nets for older kids. Shade sails cover the junior play area and picnic area. Gates open 7am to 9pm summer, 7am to 7pm winter.
Practical Information
| Address | 163 Chapel Road, Flat Bush, south-east Auckland |
| Park size | 94 hectares (230 acres) — one of NZ’s largest public parks, biggest greenfield Auckland park since the Auckland Domain in the 1840s |
| Junior play | Low play module with low slide, swings, water play area |
| Senior play | High play tower with covered slides, wooden obstacle course, nets |
| Inclusive design | Accessible equipment across age ranges; accessible ramps and wide flat paths |
| Shade | Shade sails over junior play area and picnic area |
| Other facilities | Sports fields, basketball, accessible toilets and changing rooms, BBQ areas (covered, in adjacent Wetlands Building) |
| Parking | Multiple car parks including mobility parking |
| Drinking fountains | Near skatepark, by Chapel St carparks, near southern toilets, on John Walker Promenade |
| Gates | Open 7am to 9pm summer; 7am to 7pm winter |
| Cost | Free |
About the Park
Barry Curtis Park is, by area, one of the most significant new parks established in Auckland in over a century. At 94 hectares (230 acres), it’s one of New Zealand’s largest public parks, and no comparable greenfield Auckland park has been established since the Auckland Domain was laid out in the 1840s. The park surrounds the western part of the Flat Bush town centre development in south-east Auckland.
The destination playground is one of several elements within the wider park. The play equipment is split across age ranges and abilities: a junior section has a low play module with a low slide, swings, and a water play area; the older-kids section has a high play tower with covered slides, a wooden obstacle course, and climbing nets. The two sections are laid out so that families with mixed-age children can use both at the same time. Accessibility was designed in: accessible ramps, wide flat paths from the car park and through the play area, and inclusive equipment across age ranges.
Shade and Facilities
Shade sails cover the junior play area and the adjacent picnic area — a real plus in Auckland summers, particularly given that water play in direct sun is uncomfortable beyond very short stints. Covered BBQ areas are in the adjacent Wetlands Building, accessible toilets and changing rooms are provided near the playground, and drinking fountains are placed at multiple points around the park (including near the skatepark, by the Chapel Road car parks, near the southern toilets and on John Walker Promenade).
Gates and Access
The park is gated and operates set opening hours — 7am to 9pm in summer, 7am to 7pm in winter. This is unusual for an Auckland park but reflects the park’s size and the council’s management approach for facilities. Plan visits within the gate hours rather than relying on early-morning or late-evening access.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Barry Curtis Park — official council park page with current facility list, opening hours and access information.
Wikipedia — Barry Curtis Park — park overview confirming the 94-hectare area, position relative to other major Auckland parks and Flat Bush town centre context.
OurAuckland — Barry Curtis Park upgrade — current Auckland Council news on the ongoing park upgrade including the destination playground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Barry Curtis Park?
163 Chapel Road, Flat Bush, south-east Auckland.
How big is the park?
94 hectares (230 acres) — one of NZ’s largest public parks, the biggest greenfield Auckland park established since the 1840s.
What’s in the playground?
Two main sections — a junior area (low play module with low slide, swings, water play) and a senior area (high play tower with covered slides, wooden obstacle course, climbing nets). Inclusive equipment across both age ranges.
Is there shade?
Yes — shade sails over the junior play area and picnic area.
Are there toilets and BBQ areas?
Yes — accessible toilets and changing rooms near the playground, and covered BBQ areas in the adjacent Wetlands Building.
Are the park gates open all the time?
No — gates open 7am to 9pm in summer and 7am to 7pm in winter.
Is the playground accessible?
Yes — accessible ramps and wide flat paths run from the car park through the play area, with inclusive equipment across age ranges.
For more south Auckland playgrounds see the Playgrounds in Auckland guide.
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