Hastings: The Most Inclusive Playground in Aotearoa New Zealand

On our return road trip from Central Otago to Auckland, we decided to take a slight detour and visit Hawke’s Bay for the first time. With the Desert Road closed for maintenance, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore a different route back to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. And what better place to stop for the night than the Art Deco coastal city of Napier?

But before reaching Napier, we took a turn toward Hastings—and for a very good reason. We knew there was a Changing Place located here, offering one of those rare opportunities for Finlay to access a proper toilet. Imagine being on a long road trip without a single suitable restroom. That’s why we always have to keep our daily travel to around 3–4 hours. Thankfully, the Changing Places NZ website made it easy to locate the facility at Cornwall Park—just a quick click to open Google Maps, and we were on our way.

First Impressions of Hastings

Hastings is just a 24-minute drive from Napier and about four hours from Wellington. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards, it’s also home to the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market, held every Sunday morning. Fresh produce, handmade cheeses, and artisanal meats make it a must-visit for any foodie. But what really stood out to us was what we discovered at Cornwall Park.

An Inclusive Playground Like No Other

As soon as we arrived, we found accessible parking and stepped into what I can confidently say is the most inclusive and accessible playground we’ve seen in Aotearoa New Zealand. Finlay immediately perked up—he thrives in environments like these. As a child, he missed out on playgrounds because all-abilities and inclusive play spaces simply didn’t exist here yet. Thankfully, that’s slowly changing with growing awareness around ableism, diversity, and inclusion.

What made this playground stand out?

• Wet-pour terrain everywhere—no frustrating bark or retaining walls blocking access.
• Brilliant circulation and contrasting colors on the ground, guiding users from one accessible space to the next.
• Climbing frames designed for all abilities, with lower sections that allow more kids (and adults) to join in.
• A variety of play equipment, from spinners and rockers to swings and sensory features.
• A wheelchair swing thoughtfully placed—not hidden away in isolation but integrated into the play area, making the user feel part of the experience rather than separate from it.

Across and away from the wheelchair swing, the designers have cleverly managed to separate the swing, which can be a hazard for toddlers, in such a way that it still allows users to feel included. This thoughtful placement also provides an option for people who may prefer to play without feeling overpowered by older children. It’s these small but significant design choices that make Cornwall Park’s playground truly exceptional.

These play elements were something I hadn’t seen before. They allowed people of all abilities to give them a go—not just by being accessible to reach, but by being designed in a way that everyone could interact with them. It was clear that real thought had gone into making sure play was truly inclusive, rather than just adding accessible equipment as an afterthought.

More Than Just a Playground

This wasn’t just a great play space—it also had a Changing Place, making it an absolute game-changer for accessible travel. For families like ours, finding a spot that’s both fun and functional is rare. Cornwall Park in Hastings delivered on both.

Inside the Changing Place, we were impressed to find a height-adjustable basin with an easy-access tap—a simple yet essential feature that makes a world of difference. These taps are perfect for Finlay, who faces challenges using his hands due to his Cerebral Palsy. But it didn’t stop there—the attention to detail in this space was exceptional.

From the sharps disposal and bins to the ceiling track hoist and shower over the height-adjustable change table, every element was thoughtfully designed. Hooks and shelves were strategically placed, ensuring both the carer and the user had everything they needed within reach.

When it comes to meeting the higher and more complex needs of the disability community, this facility is second to none.

There was even a privacy screen, offering dignity and discretion—an often-overlooked feature in accessible facilities but one that makes a huge difference for those with complex needs.

So, if you’re ever road-tripping through Hawke’s Bay, take the detour. Whether you’re stopping for a break, visiting the Farmers’ Market, or searching for an accessible playground, Hastings has something special to offer.

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Explore More Accessible Adventures

If you enjoyed this blog, check out some of our other posts on Changing Places we’ve visited and all-abilities playgrounds we’ve reviewed. We love sharing spaces that embrace inclusion, accessibility, and thoughtful design, making travel and play more enjoyable for everyone.

Stay tuned for more adventures, and as always, we’d love to hear your recommendations on must-visit accessible destinations!