Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the best family parks in New Zealand. You can picnic, play, feed the ducks, walk over the swing bridge to visit the deer and then have a round of mini golf or a ride on the classic miniature train. The train runs every weekend (11am – 4pm), public holidays, and every day in the school holidays.
Cycling
You can also explore the park by bike, pop into RotoCycle and hire cycles for the whole family. They offer adult’s and children’s cycles for two-hour hire up to a whole day. They are located at the mini golf kiosk in the park. Masterton has a wide range of cycle trails – through the park, around Henley Lake and along the Waipaoa River just minutes away. RotoCycle will give you a free, cycle trail map, along with helmets, locks, baskets and even backpacks. They’re owned by the Rotary Club of Masterton South, so all profits go to the community.
Boating
You can go boating on the lake with rowboats, kayaks and pedal boats all available for hire. Lifejackets, cushions and bread for the ducks are supplied with each boat ride. The rowboats fly a pirate flag with complimentary pirate hats (or captains’ hats if preferred!). Built in the 1950s the pedal boats have been beautifully restored and all can comfortably hold 2 adults and 1-2 children with the rowboats having enough room for 4 adults, the kayaks are 2-seaters. Boats can also be arranged for groups or for pirate/princess birthday parties.
They are open every weekend and public holiday from 10am – 5pm and every day in the school holidays. You can book by calling 06 372 5843 / 027 932 3036 or email here.
Minigolf
Masterton minigolf is an 18 hole course in between the Kids Own Playground and the Croquet Club in Queen Elizabeth Park. It has a fun friendly course, great layout and easy access for wheelchairs and pushchairs. It is also available for group bookings by calling 06 378 6333.
Kids Playground
The Kids Own Playground is one of Masterton’s main attractions for children. Its construction took only six days to complete and was a community project built with the support of Masterton District Council, local businesses and service clubs. It is very popular with locals and tourists.
In 2016 the playground was extended to include some accessible friendly equipment which can be used by people in wheelchairs or children in prams. In 2020 the flying fox was replaced with a new modern mechanism.
