Last updated July 2026
Motutawa Avalon Park in Lower Hutt is a six-hectare regional park on the banks of the Hutt River featuring one of New Zealand’s most extensive modern playgrounds. The playground opened in 2016 and draws families from across the Wellington region with its wide range of equipment suitable for toddlers through to 12-year-olds. Additional attractions include a miniature railway and mini golf operated by the Lower Hutt Lions Club, along with a new skate park, cycle circuit and other facilities. Entry to the park and playground is free, though charges apply for the train and mini golf. The park is managed by Hutt City Council and located at 61 Taita Drive, Avalon.
Practical Information
| Location | 61 Taita Drive, Avalon, Lower Hutt 5011 |
| Access | Car parking available; bus services to Lower Hutt area |
| Entry | Free for park and playground; charges apply for miniature railway and mini golf |
| Playground | Opened 2016; accessible; equipment for toddlers to 12-year-olds including dual flying fox and large climbing tower |
| Other activities | Lions Club miniature railway (weekends, public and school holidays 1pm-4pm weather permitting); mini putt golf; beginners’ cycle circuit; model marine boating pond; skate park (opened December 2024) |
| Facilities | Public toilets, free electric BBQs, picnic tables, drinking water, open lawns, pétanque piste, tennis court, links to Hutt River Trail |
| Managed by | Hutt City Council |
About Motutawa Avalon Park
Motutawa Avalon Park occupies six hectares between the suburb of Avalon and the Hutt River. It serves as a major family destination with the 2016 playground as its centrepiece, described by the council as one of the most extensive and modern playgrounds in New Zealand. The park also includes open lawn areas, historical information panels and the Smiling Windmills sculptures.
The playground caters to a broad age range with dedicated spaces that help separate younger and older children. Features include a dual flying fox, large climbable tower with slides, swings and other climbing structures. Shade structures provide some protection during summer months.
Beyond the playground, the park supports a variety of activities including a beginners’ cycle circuit with different surfaces and intersections. A model marine boating pond is available for supervised use by the Model Marine Boat Club. The site also features a public tennis court and free pétanque piste.
A new upgraded skate park near Fairway Drive opened in December 2024, adding another attraction for older children and teenagers. The park connects to the Hutt River Trail for walking and cycling opportunities beyond the immediate grounds.
Miniature Railway and Mini Golf
The Lower Hutt Lions Club operates a miniature railway that loops through the park. It runs from 1pm to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and school holidays, weather permitting. Children under two ride free and older children pay a small fee per ride.
Mini putt golf is also run by the Lions Club with additional sales of ice cream and drinks. These paid attractions complement the free playground and make the park suitable for a full family outing.
Access, Parking and Getting There
The park is located at 61 Taita Drive in Avalon. Ample parking is available on site. Public bus services reach the Lower Hutt area with connections possible to the park vicinity. The site is approximately 15-20 kilometres from central Wellington, a drive of around 25 minutes depending on traffic.
Dogs and Park Rules
Dogs are permitted only on-lead on designated sealed paths marked with yellow signs and at the north end of the park past the treeline. Dogs are prohibited in the main playground, skateboard area, bike and scooter area next to the train tunnel, on the bridge over the duck pond and on the pathway around the pond (with limited exceptions for access).
What Visitors Often Say
Families praise the scale and variety of the playground, noting it keeps children of different ages entertained for hours with its range of equipment and separate toddler zones. Many highlight the miniature railway as a favourite repeat attraction and appreciate the picnic and BBQ facilities for extended visits.
Visitors frequently comment on the park feeling like a destination rather than a local playground, with the new skate park and cycle circuit adding extra appeal. Reviewers often mention returning regularly and recommend it for family days out in the Wellington region.
Where to Learn More
Hutt City Council – Motutawa Avalon Park: Official page with current facilities, rules, bookings and alerts.
Lower Hutt Lions – Miniature Railway: Details on train operations, schedule and pricing.
Hutt City Council – New Skatepark for Avalon Park: Information on the upgraded skate park opened in December 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Avalon Park Playground free?
Yes, entry to the park and playground is free. Charges apply for the miniature railway and mini golf.
When does the miniature railway operate?
The Lions Club miniature railway runs 1pm to 4pm on weekends, public holidays and school holidays, weather permitting.
Is there a dedicated toddler area?
Yes, the playground includes spaces and equipment suitable for under-fives alongside more challenging features for older children.
What other activities are available?
Mini golf, a beginners’ cycle circuit, model boating pond, skate park, tennis court and pétanque are available in addition to the playground.
Are dogs allowed at Avalon Park?
Dogs are allowed only on-lead on designated sealed paths and at the north end past the treeline. They are not permitted in the playground or certain other areas.
When did the playground open?
The Motutawa Avalon Park Playground opened in 2016.
Is the skate park new?
A new upgraded skate park at Avalon Park opened in December 2024.
How do I book facilities?
Bookings for park facilities can be requested online via the Hutt City Council website.
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