Last updated May 2026
The Westshore Beach Playground at Ferguson Avenue, near the Westshore Surf Club, had a beach-themed makeover in 2023 — community-designed and now featuring a flying fox, basket swing, in-ground trampoline, sandpit and upgraded carousel, plus gull-proof bins, comfortable seating, and shade sails. The playground sits within a 19.4-hectare strip reserve flanking the Westshore foreshore, making it one of the few Napier playgrounds with direct seaside positioning.
Practical Information
| Location | Ferguson Avenue, Westshore, Napier — near the Westshore Surf Club |
| Reserve | 19.4-hectare strip reserve flanking the Westshore foreshore |
| 2023 makeover | Community-designed beach theme; opened after substantial renewal |
| Equipment | Flying fox, basket swing, in-ground trampoline, sandpit, upgraded carousel |
| Comfort features | Gull-proof bins, comfortable seating, shade sails |
| Beach access | Steps to Westshore Beach immediately adjacent |
| Facilities | Toilets at the Westshore Surf Club / reserve facilities |
| Cost | Free |
| Parking | Free on-street and reserve parking |
About Westshore Beach Playground
The Westshore Beach Playground is one of Napier’s most-visited summer family destinations — combining a recently-renewed playground with direct access to Westshore Beach, one of the safer family swimming beaches on the northern Hawke’s Bay coast. The 19.4-hectare strip reserve flanks the Westshore foreshore from the surf club area along the beach, providing a substantial linear green space with the playground as its central family-attraction node.
The 2023 makeover reflected community input — Napier City Council ran a design consultation with Westshore residents and families, and the resulting beach-themed playground incorporates equipment that nods to the coastal setting. Standout pieces include the flying fox, the basket swing, the in-ground trampoline, the sandpit, and the upgraded carousel. The practical extras — gull-proof bins (a coastal-playground necessity), comfortable seating and shade sails — were added at the same time.
The playground sits next to the Westshore Surf Club, with the surf-lifesaving operation through the summer months providing a substantial safety presence on the adjacent beach. Combined visits — playground in the morning, beach swim, picnic in the reserve — make this one of the most popular Napier family-day-out destinations.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers consistently rate the post-2023 Westshore Beach Playground as a substantial upgrade on the previous equipment — the flying fox, in-ground trampoline and basket swing get the most enthusiastic mentions, alongside the shade sails (a critical addition for an exposed coastal site). The combination of a renewed playground with direct beach access makes Westshore one of the most-visited Napier summer family destinations.
The most common practical tip is to come early on summer weekends — the playground fills quickly from late morning onward, particularly during school holidays. Bring towels and swimsuits for the adjacent beach (the safer family-friendly swimming option on the northern Napier coast), plus the standard sunscreen and water. Toilets at the Westshore Surf Club area.
Where to Learn More
Napier City Council — Westshore Beach Playground — official council page with playground details.
Napier City Council — Westshore Playground Renewal project — project page covering the 2023 community-designed renewal.
Napier City Council — playgrounds directory — full Napier playground directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Westshore Beach Playground?
At Ferguson Avenue, Westshore, near the Westshore Surf Club — directly adjacent to Westshore Beach.
When was Westshore Beach Playground renewed?
The community-designed beach-themed makeover happened in 2023.
What play equipment is at Westshore Beach Playground?
Flying fox, basket swing, in-ground trampoline, sandpit, upgraded carousel, plus gull-proof bins, seating and shade sails.
Can I swim at Westshore Beach from the playground?
Yes — the beach is directly adjacent and is one of the safer family-friendly swimming beaches on the northern Napier coast, particularly when the Westshore Surf Club is patrolling.
Is the Westshore Beach Playground free?
Yes — completely free, open daylight hours year-round.
Are there toilets at Westshore Beach Playground?
Yes — at the Westshore Surf Club / reserve facilities nearby.
How big is the Westshore strip reserve?
19.4 hectares flanking the Westshore foreshore.
For more Napier playgrounds, see the playgrounds hub. The wider swimming hub covers Westshore Beach safety information.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
