Hayman Park Playground in central Manukau is South Auckland’s flagship destination playground — a $10.8 million build whose centrepiece is a 12.8-metre play tower, the highest in New Zealand. The tower includes rope bridges, rock walls, a tall spiral slide, a rooftop seesaw and motion-sensor lights on every level. Beyond the tower, the playground has a double flying fox, a tall air swing, a flow bowl, a skate park, basketball courts, a dedicated nature play area, climbing walls, musical equipment, game panels, and a separate zone for younger children. The 10-hectare park is within easy walking distance of Manukau Train Station and bus connections.
Practical Information
| Park | Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park — central Manukau, South Auckland |
| Park size | 10 hectares — central-Manukau inner-city green space |
| Project cost | $10.8 million — collaborative project initiated in 2016, delivered in two phases |
| Play tower height | 12.8 metres — the highest in New Zealand |
| Tower features | Rope bridges, rock walls, tall spiral slide, rooftop seesaw, motion-sensor lights every level |
| Standout pieces | Double flying fox, tall air swing, flow bowl, skate park |
| Other equipment | Basketball courts, dedicated nature play area, climbing walls, musical equipment, game panels, separate zone for younger children |
| Public transport | Walking distance to Manukau Train Station and bus connections |
| Nearby | MIT campus, Manukau shopping and office district |
| Cost | Free |
About the Playground
Hayman Park sits in the middle of central Manukau — 10 hectares of green space surrounded by the MIT campus, the Manukau shopping district and the city’s main public-transport interchange. The playground that opened here as the result of a $10.8 million project (initiated in 2016 and delivered in two phases) is now the largest destination playground in South Auckland and home to New Zealand’s highest play tower.
The 12.8-metre play tower is the headline piece — taller than any other play tower in the country. It includes rope bridges between levels, rock-climbing walls integrated into the structure, a tall spiral slide as the main descent, a rooftop seesaw at the very top (with the views to match), and motion-sensor lights on every level so the tower stays usable as light fades. The tower is the unmistakable South Auckland skyline marker for the wider park.
Beyond the Tower
The playground has substantial additional equipment beyond the tower. The double flying fox allows siblings to ride parallel. The tall air swing is a distinctive thrill piece. A flow bowl (a curved skating surface) and a separate skate park serve skateboarders, scooter riders and BMX users. Basketball courts, a dedicated nature play area (with natural materials and looser play), climbing walls, musical equipment (similar to the Percussion Play installations at other Auckland playgrounds), game panels and a separate zone for younger children round out the equipment list.
Public Transport Access
One of the playground’s biggest practical advantages is accessibility without a car. Manukau Train Station and the central Manukau bus interchange are both within easy walking distance of the park — for visitors from across Auckland, taking the train to Manukau and walking to the playground is a viable option. The combination of high-quality playground + good public transport is uncommon enough in Auckland to be worth flagging.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park — official council park page with current facility list and access information.
OurAuckland — First South Auckland destination playground — Auckland Council’s announcement of the playground opening with detail on the 12.8 m tower and $10.8 million project.
Auckland for Kids — Hayman Park Playground — family-focused review with photos of the tower and the wider playground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hayman Park?
Central Manukau, South Auckland — walking distance from Manukau Train Station.
How tall is the play tower?
12.8 metres — the highest play tower in New Zealand.
What’s in the play tower?
Rope bridges, rock walls, a tall spiral slide, a rooftop seesaw and motion-sensor lights on every level.
How much did the playground cost?
$10.8 million — the project was initiated in 2016 and delivered in two phases.
Is there a flying fox?
Yes — a double flying fox, plus a tall air swing as additional thrill pieces.
Can you get there by train?
Yes — Manukau Train Station is within easy walking distance.
What else is at the playground?
A flow bowl, skate park, basketball courts, nature play area, climbing walls, musical equipment, game panels and a separate zone for younger children.
For more Auckland playgrounds see the Playgrounds in Auckland guide.