Last updated May 2026
Tūī Glen Reserve at 2 Claude Brookes Drive in Henderson, West Auckland, has one of the most distinctive playground designs in Auckland — a tree-top theme with three large towers that elevate kids to canopy level alongside the reserve’s mature trees, a colourful eagle’s nest play piece, a series of pipe slides, a basket swing, a small sand play area beside the towers, and a double flying fox. The playground was deliberately designed to reflect the natural landscape and tree-rich heritage of the reserve. Accessible toilets, mobility parking, picnic tables, a jetty and a barbecue round out the facilities.
Practical Information
| Address | 2 Claude Brookes Drive, Henderson, West Auckland |
| Design theme | Tree-top — towers elevate play to tree-canopy level, reflecting the reserve’s mature-tree heritage |
| Headline equipment | Three large tree-top towers, colourful eagle’s nest, pipe slides, basket swing, double flying fox |
| Other | Small sand play area beside the towers; separate toddler section |
| Accessibility | Accessible toilets, mobility parking, inclusive equipment, accessible pathways |
| Other facilities | Picnic tables, seating, BBQ, jetty |
| Shade | Generous tree-canopy shade through the play area |
| Cost | Free |
About the Playground
Tūī Glen Reserve has one of the more distinctive playground concepts in the wider Auckland area — the equipment is built around a tree-top theme, with three large towers deliberately elevated to bring children up to the level of the surrounding mature trees’ canopy. The towers are the central feature, with a colourful eagle’s nest play piece, a series of pipe slides descending from various heights, and a basket swing among the equipment. The design intent was to reflect the natural landscape and tree-rich heritage of the reserve rather than dropping a generic playground onto the site.
The double flying fox is one of the bigger thrill pieces in West Auckland playgrounds — two parallel lines mean siblings can ride together without taking turns. A small sand play area sits beside the large towers for younger children, and a separate toddler section means very small kids have age-appropriate equipment too.
Accessibility
The playground includes inclusive equipment and accessible pathways through the play area. Mobility parking is provided alongside the standard car park, and the toilets are accessible. For families with children of mixed ages and abilities, the playground works well as a single destination because of how the different age-appropriate sections are laid out.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Tūī Glen Reserve — official council park page with current facility list and access information.
Playground Centre — Tui Glen Reserve project page — playground designer’s project page with detail on the tree-top design concept and the equipment list.
Auckland for Kids — Tui Glen Playground — family-focused review with photos of the towers, flying fox and surrounding facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tūī Glen Reserve?
2 Claude Brookes Drive, Henderson, West Auckland.
What is unique about the playground design?
Three large towers are elevated to tree-canopy level — the playground was designed around a tree-top theme to reflect the reserve’s mature-tree heritage.
Is there a flying fox?
Yes — a double flying fox (two parallel lines) so siblings can ride together.
Are there facilities for younger children?
Yes — a small sand play area beside the towers, and a separate toddler section.
Is the playground accessible?
Yes — inclusive equipment, accessible pathways, accessible toilets, mobility parking.
Are there BBQs and a jetty?
Yes — picnic tables, BBQ and a jetty alongside the playground.
For more West Auckland playgrounds see the Playgrounds in Auckland guide.
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