Parks and Reserves in the District

Please note: The Reg Brett Reserve and Jim Barker Memorial Playground will be temporarily closed for essential repairs from 13 July to the end of August 2026. The damage was caused by the February floods. This closure includes the skate park and basketball court. The repair work and duration will be weather-dependent. We appreciate that having the Jim Barker Memorial Playground closed during the school holidays may be frustrating for some families and visitors. We understand that the playground is a much-loved community facility. The repairs are essential and require the playground to be closed while the work is carried out. We want to complete the repairs as soon as possible so the playground can be reopened for the community to enjoy. We encourage people to visit our other parks and reserves, including Windsor Park, which has a children's playground.

Parks and Reserves in the Ōtorohanga community

  • Ōtorohanga Domain (sports ground for cricket and soccer)
  • Island Reserve (sports ground for rugby)
  • Windsor Park (active recreational area - children's playground)
  • Reg Brett Reserve (Jim Barker Memorial Playground, skateboard facility and basketball court): Temporarily closed for repairs (13 July to end August 2026). Weather may impact the duration of the repairs.
  • Huiputea Reserve (lake and walkways)
  • Rotary Park / Bob Horsfall Reserve (walkways)

There are also a few small, passive ornamental or historic reserves, these include:

  • World War I Park (housing the Community's war memorials)
  • World War II Park
  • Bert McKenzie Reserve

Parks and Reserves in the Kāwhia community

  • Foreshore and Omimiti Reserves, which includes a children's playground and skateboard facilities
  • Kāwhia Domain (used for sports)

In addition to these areas for active recreation in the urban communities, there are a number of other small, passive reserves in the rural areas.

Rural reserves

  • Tom French Grove
  • Puti on SH31
  • Aotea

Organised Events on Council Reserves

It is possible to obtain permission to hold events on some Reserves, provided that the nature and timing of the event is appropriate.

Enquiries should be directed to Council's Customer Services team or you can apply for permission using this Request Form.

If your event involves selling goods or fundraising in a public place you may be required to apply for a Trading in a Public Place Permit. To find out more about this process please see our Other Licences page.

Camping on reserves is generally not permitted.

Ōtorohanga District Council administers a number of parks and reserves which the people of the district are able to enjoy for education and recreational purposes.

The land is managed by Council under the Reserves Act 1977.

Under the Act, the Council can:

  • allow certain games, sports and other recreational activities to take place.
  • permit temporary events, including entry charges.
  • erect structures and buildings as necessary to support outdoor recreation.
  • allow campgrounds, parking and mooring places.
  • grant leases for camping, outdoor recreation activities, building and structures that enable the public to obtain greater benefit and enjoyment of the reserve.

Note: Horses are not allowed on Council reserves.

To find out more about applying to hold an event please see our Events page.