THE BIGGEST PLAYGROUND IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISHPHERE
04 AUGUST 2022
The splash pad is super welcoming in summer
Fun, Fun and More Fun
The Margaret Mahy playground is situated in the city centre in Christchurch, New Zealand and it's the largest playground in the southern hemisphere.
On the last evening of our epic South Island trip, we absolutely had to stop off at the playground for a play as we had read such awesome things and seen the photos! It was almost dark by the time we arrived and we were flying back to Auckland the next day, so we had to head to the campground before it got too late so we could pack our bags.
Despite being so late (around 5:30pm), it was still packed! We didn't even get to go on half of the attractions which was a shame but we'll definitely be heading back again very soon to spend more time and go during the day. Before it got too dark, huge lights came on to the playground so you can play into the night! Not sure if they turn off at a certain time or if they're on till sparrow's fart.
The highlight of the playground was the huge metal slide set up on a hill. The girls spent aaages sliding down and we even had a go too. It was one of the most popular parts of the playground but despite its popularity, there wasn't much of a wait as the kids almost flew down once they got to the top.
What was really cool about the playground was how the design flowed together. There weren't stairs to get up to every slide and there are so many elements that even when it's packed, the kids had plenty to play on without having to wait in a line. You definitely need to keep an eye on your kids as it's such a huge place and they get so excited and run off to the next thing they see that they forget all about ya (until they're hungry, of course!).
The playground sits on the edge of the Avon River and in autumn it's surrounded by red, yellow, orange and brown leaves that have fallen from the trees. It was a real treat that we got to visit that time of the year but of course it was getting dark, so we didn't get to spend any time along the river.
We had to visit again in December 2022 when we were visiting Christchurch again and this time we had lots of sunshine and the splash pad was in full force thankfully, as it was SUPER hot.
On the last evening of our epic South Island trip, we absolutely had to stop off at the playground for a play as we had read such awesome things and seen the photos! It was almost dark by the time we arrived and we were flying back to Auckland the next day, so we had to head to the campground before it got too late so we could pack our bags.
Despite being so late (around 5:30pm), it was still packed! We didn't even get to go on half of the attractions which was a shame but we'll definitely be heading back again very soon to spend more time and go during the day. Before it got too dark, huge lights came on to the playground so you can play into the night! Not sure if they turn off at a certain time or if they're on till sparrow's fart.
The highlight of the playground was the huge metal slide set up on a hill. The girls spent aaages sliding down and we even had a go too. It was one of the most popular parts of the playground but despite its popularity, there wasn't much of a wait as the kids almost flew down once they got to the top.
What was really cool about the playground was how the design flowed together. There weren't stairs to get up to every slide and there are so many elements that even when it's packed, the kids had plenty to play on without having to wait in a line. You definitely need to keep an eye on your kids as it's such a huge place and they get so excited and run off to the next thing they see that they forget all about ya (until they're hungry, of course!).
The playground sits on the edge of the Avon River and in autumn it's surrounded by red, yellow, orange and brown leaves that have fallen from the trees. It was a real treat that we got to visit that time of the year but of course it was getting dark, so we didn't get to spend any time along the river.
We had to visit again in December 2022 when we were visiting Christchurch again and this time we had lots of sunshine and the splash pad was in full force thankfully, as it was SUPER hot.
Peek-a-boo, I see you
Margaret Mahy
The kiwi author of many popular children's books, Margaret Mahy (1936-2012), was the inspiration for this project. Her books are fascinating and all kiwi kids were brought up with them.
Margaret wrote over 100 picture books, novels and short stories, many of which have been translated into more than 16 other languages!
She has won many awards for her books including the Hans Christian Andersen award in 2006, which is the highest recognition available to a writer of children's books.
I remember reading the books when I was a kid and loved the illustrations too.
Margaret wrote over 100 picture books, novels and short stories, many of which have been translated into more than 16 other languages!
She has won many awards for her books including the Hans Christian Andersen award in 2006, which is the highest recognition available to a writer of children's books.
I remember reading the books when I was a kid and loved the illustrations too.
Hi ho, hi ho, it's up the rope stairs we go
Mahoosive slide for the kiddies!
The rope bridge across to the huge spiral slide
Earthquake Restoration Project
The initial inspiration for the playground was by designer Catherine Hamilton and the rest of the vision of the playground came from the ideas of over 6000 children in the Canterbury area and it's based on the elements from the books written by Margaret Mahy and Elsie Locke. It cost over $40m NZD to build and buy the land!
The features of the playground include a climbing slope, a huuuge slide, trampolines, a flying fox, tunnels, climbing nets, a spinny thingy (yes, a helpful description I know!) and soooo much more that we didn't discover. There is a fenced off area for kids under 5 which is fantastic. In summer the best part would be the water play area which includes sprinklers and water cannons!
The playground is part of the restoration project to recover from the devastating earthquakes that hit the city between 2010 - 2011 and the most severe aftershock that occurred on 22 February 2011 that took many lives and destroyed so much of the beautiful city.
The features of the playground include a climbing slope, a huuuge slide, trampolines, a flying fox, tunnels, climbing nets, a spinny thingy (yes, a helpful description I know!) and soooo much more that we didn't discover. There is a fenced off area for kids under 5 which is fantastic. In summer the best part would be the water play area which includes sprinklers and water cannons!
The playground is part of the restoration project to recover from the devastating earthquakes that hit the city between 2010 - 2011 and the most severe aftershock that occurred on 22 February 2011 that took many lives and destroyed so much of the beautiful city.
There's loads of space at Margaret Mahy
Thank goodness for shady spots in summer!
The girls racing on the flying fox
Sienna contemplating going on the swing, but the splash pad won this time
Splish, Splash I Was Taking A... Er...Shower
There is a whole area of water play at the Margaret Mahy playground and our Dec 2022 visit was made even better by the kids cooling off in the water! It was an insanely hot December and the sun was beating down on us, so in they went.
The water turns on and off randomly at the splash pad, I think it's meant to be a bit of a thrill for the kids as they don't know when it will be turned on again and they squeal in delight when they get soaked once they come back on again.
There are two giant water guns (screwed down of course!) that the kids can spin around and try and soak each other with. I'm pretty sure the parents get a bit more soaked than the kids on the splash pad do!
There are also rivers and more water pumps next to the splash pad that the younger kids really seem to enjoy playing in.
The water turns on and off randomly at the splash pad, I think it's meant to be a bit of a thrill for the kids as they don't know when it will be turned on again and they squeal in delight when they get soaked once they come back on again.
There are two giant water guns (screwed down of course!) that the kids can spin around and try and soak each other with. I'm pretty sure the parents get a bit more soaked than the kids on the splash pad do!
There are also rivers and more water pumps next to the splash pad that the younger kids really seem to enjoy playing in.
Bella having a go on the water pistol
Sienna using the water pump
Even the big kids love the playground
Know Before You Go
- During the week, especially in the afternoon, is meant to be the quietest time to visit
- There are free BBQs to use at the playground
- There are toilets at the playground
- Sometimes there are food trucks on site and even ice cream trucks (could a kid wish for any more?!)
- The playground is lit up at night
- Bring coins for pay & display parking if you can't get any free parks on Armagh Street
- Remember to bring spare clothes or a towel if the kiddies are going in the splash pad!
- There are food, ice cream and drink trucks at the park (unsure of times or days!)
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
177 Armagh Street, Christchurch
There is free but limited parking on Armagh Street. If you can't find any here then you will need to park on the main road or a side street. Some roads require pay & display so take some coins with you
There is free but limited parking on Armagh Street. If you can't find any here then you will need to park on the main road or a side street. Some roads require pay & display so take some coins with you
Conclusion
We all had an absolute blast at the playground and were lucky enough to find a spot right outside in the free parking area. There are features on the playground for all ages, for all year round. It's definitely a place you could spend a whole day at, playing, picnicking and playing in the water area on a really hot day.
Gallery of Margaret Mahy Playground
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
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