Last updated June 2026
Located in Queenwood, Hamilton, Tauhara Park is a large recreational reserve featuring an adventure playground, sports fields, walking and cycling paths, and a mini-golf facility. The park sits along the Kirikiriroa Stream gully and provides a shared path that links Rototuna and Chartwell suburbs through native bush. Visitors enjoy family-friendly play equipment, open spaces for sport, and an off-lead dog exercise area. The reserve is managed by Hamilton City Council and remains free to access year-round.
Practical Information
| Location | Callum Brae Drive, Queenwood, Hamilton |
| Suburb | Queenwood |
| Key facilities | Adventure playground, full-sized sports fields, mini golf and pitch-and-putt, off-lead dog area, picnic tables, disability-friendly toilets, bike paths and walkways |
| Access | Free entry; car parking available off Callum Brae Drive; shared path connects to Chartwell |
| Dogs | Off-lead exercise area available |
| Playground type | Destination playground with tube slides, flying fox, climbing nets, swings, basketball half-court |
About Tauhara Park
Tauhara Park occupies a substantial area in Queenwood with diverse landscapes that include open grassy fields, a gully system, and native bush plantings. The Kirikiriroa Stream flows through the lower gully, creating a scenic corridor for the shared walkway and bike path.
The park serves both local residents and visitors seeking outdoor recreation close to suburban Hamilton. It supports walking, cycling, team sports, family play, and dog exercise within a single reserve. Native vegetation along the stream enhances biodiversity and provides a sense of separation from surrounding roads.
Hamilton City Council maintains the park as a destination playground site with additional sporting and leisure facilities. Recent community planting events have added thousands of native plants to the reserve, strengthening its ecological value.
Trails and Shared Paths
A shared path runs alongside the Kirikiriroa Stream through the gully, offering an off-road route between Rototuna and Chartwell. Sections of the path pass through native bush, creating a pleasant environment for walkers and cyclists of varying fitness levels.
The route is signposted and suitable for pushchairs. It forms part of Hamilton’s wider walkway and bike path network, allowing users to travel between suburbs without using busy roads.
Sports and Recreation Facilities
Full-sized sports fields accommodate organised and casual play, including activities suited to large or small events. A basketball half-court sits near the playground, and a pitch-and-putt mini-golf facility operates on the Callum Brae side of the park, proving popular during summer months.
These spaces cater to team sports, casual games, and leisure activities. The fields and courts are maintained by the council for public use.
Playground and Family Amenities
The destination playground features tube slides, a flying fox, climbing nets, swings, balance equipment, and a Roktopus structure. Picnic tables and shaded areas support family gatherings and meals outdoors.
Disability-friendly toilets and ample seating make the area accessible for a wide range of visitors. The playground is designed to encourage active play for children of different ages.
Dog Exercise Area
An off-lead dog exercise area lies near the playground and sports fields. Dog owners can exercise their pets in this designated zone while supervising children or using other park facilities.
Standard dog-control bylaws apply elsewhere in the reserve. The off-lead space is a popular feature for local pet owners.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the large, modern playground with its variety of equipment and nearby picnic spots that make a full day out easy to organise.
Walkers and cyclists enjoy the stream-side path for its peaceful setting and convenient connection between suburbs, while dog owners value the dedicated off-lead area.
Where to Learn More
Hamilton City Council – Tauhara Park: Official page with facilities list, location details, and booking information.
Hamilton City Council – Tauhara Park and Mangaiti Gully shared path: Details on the walkway, bike route, and stream-side setting.
Hamilton City Council – Tauhara Park Destination Playground: Specific information on playground equipment and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tauhara Park free to enter?
Yes, Tauhara Park is a public reserve with free entry for all visitors.
Where is the off-lead dog area located?
The off-lead dog exercise area is situated near the playground and sports fields on Callum Brae Drive.
Does the park have mini golf?
Yes, a pitch-and-putt mini-golf facility operates on the Callum Brae side of the park and is popular in summer.
Can I book the sports fields?
Sports fields are available for casual use; organised events may require an event permit from Hamilton City Council.
Are toilets available?
Disability-friendly toilets are located near the playground.
Is the shared path suitable for cycling?
Yes, the shared path along the Kirikiriroa Stream is signposted for both walking and cycling.
What playground equipment is available?
The adventure playground includes tube slides, a flying fox, climbing nets, swings, a basketball half-court, and other climbing and balance structures.
Are barbecues allowed?
Barbecues are permitted in designated areas; users must follow council safety and cleanup guidelines.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.