Indie's Playground (Hill Park)

A Neighbourhood Playground That Happens to Have a Stunning View

Indie's Playground is at the end of Kawerau Avenue in Devonport, and it's a lovely spot. The playground itself is small and simple — a slide, swings, and some balance beams — but what surrounds it makes it feel special. Looking out from the playground, you get a clear view over Ngataringa Bay toward the Auckland CBD and the Harbour Bridge. On a clear evening, the sunset from here is really beautiful.

The whole place feels very clean and well maintained. The wood chip surface is tidy, the equipment looks looked after, and the grassy area beside it is green and open. It's the kind of playground that doesn't have anything fancy going on, but feels genuinely nice to be at. Come in the late afternoon if you can. The light over the Harbour Bridge and the bay at that time of day is really something.

The balance beams here are a bit different from what you usually see. They're large, solid timber beams that lead into the trees — it feels less like a playground feature and more like a little trail disappearing into the bush. My son loves them, and they kept him busy for a good stretch every time we've visited.

The Pukeko — a Bonus You Won't Expect

Every single time we've been to this playground, there have been three or four pukeko wandering around the grass nearby. If you have young kids, this is a genuine bonus — the birds are close enough to watch clearly, and they always seem completely unbothered by children running around nearby. Our kids were just as interested in the pukeko as they were in the playground equipment. It's a small thing, but it makes the visit feel a bit more special.

Every visit, the pukeko are there. Our kids spend as much time watching the birds as they do on the swings. It's become part of what makes this place feel like our spot.

Getting Bored? There's Another Playground Right Next Door

The playground connects directly to the walking tracks through Hill Park and Plymouth Reserve. If you want to make more of the visit, it's easy to extend into a short bush walk before or after playing.

Follow Plymouth Crescent all the way and you'll find a tiny secret spot that only locals seem to know about — Merwood Ln Playground. And when that one's run its course too, Bayswater Park Playground is just a five-minute walk up the road. This makes it a good option for a half-day out — some time on the equipment, then a walk through the trees with that harbour view.

There's no dedicated toddler zone, but the equipment isn't too large either. It works well for a fairly wide age range. There's no dedicated car park — street parking on Kawerau Avenue is the option, and it's usually fine as long as you avoid the busy after-work period.

Overall Thoughts

A small, well-kept neighbourhood playground with a view that punches well above its size. Come for the quiet, stay for the sunset, and leave time for the pukeko and a short walk into the reserve.

The playground is located at 44 Kawerau Avenue, Devonport, Auckland 0624.