You can spend hours at Aotea Lagoon, one of our flagship reserves in Porirua. There really is something for everyone here - including our brand new Splash Pad.
Just off State Highway 1 in Papakōwhai, Aotea Lagoon features a huge playground complete with a separate toddlers’ area, picnic and BBQ areas, and a petanque court.
The Butterfly Walkway at the north end of the lagoon features butterflies to represent change, transformation and hope. More than 128 plaques have been laid so far to commemorate children who have passed away. See the Butterflies Walkway Porirua website for more information.
The lagoon is a great spot for families to enjoy the sunshine and is wheelchair and buggy friendly, and is regularly used by joggers.
Kids - check out the miniature train - operating most Sundays (1-4pm), ride your bikes around the lagoon, tire yourselves out in the playground, or try out our Splash Pad.
Grown ups - enjoy a coffee in one of the picnic spots overlooking the lagoon, get fit jogging around the path, explore the rose gardens, take some artistic photographs of the Aotea Lagoon windmill, or boogie the evening away at one of our summer concerts.
Open from 9 am daily, families can bring a picnic, umbrella and blanket, and spend the day having a splashing good time on our splash pad. It's safe and it's free.
You can be the king or queen of the castle at Aotea Lagoon in our amazing fort and playground.
We have playground equipment to suit all ages - from crawlers and toddlers learning to walk to dare-devil tweens and teenagers eager to show their talents on the climbing rope tower.
Head to the northern end of the lagoon for a piece of the action - and be sure to bring a picnic with BBQ and tables free for use.
The Aotea Lagoon rose garden at the southern end is home to 18 varieties of roses that provide a stunning setting for summer weddings and weekend outings. The large lawn area provides a perfect backdrop to the rose garden creating a peaceful spot to relax and unwind in, and have a picnic.
If you are looking for a lovely outdoor venue for your wedding ceremony, take a look at the rose garden at Aotea Lagoon.
The intimate venue is very popular in the summer.
You can have exclusive use of the pergola, and rose garden. Check our hire fees. A refundable bond is also payable.
Get in contact with us by email to enquire about a booking.
Imagine having your very own island – you can at Aotea Lagoon! The island is available for hire and is perfect for open air events or functions under a marquee.
The island provides you with 1400m2 of flat land for events that is easily accessible by a short bridge from the middle gateway on Papakōwhai Road.
It has the added benefit of single phase power for lighting and sound systems and three phase power for portable temporary kitchen use. The cost of reasonable usage of electricity is included in the hire fee.
Read more about our parks and reserves for hire or get in touch with us by email: enquiries@poriruacity.govt.nz.
The popular miniature train service at Aotea Lagoon runs most Sundays (weather permitting) from 1pm to 4pm.
Rides cost $2.50 (children aged three and under are free).
You can buy tickets from the station at the southern end of the lagoon. Each ride includes two circuits of the park and takes about 10 minutes.
The service is run by the Lions Club of Aotea Railway.
The popular railway at Aotea Lagoon looks to have a safe future, thanks to a new operating agreement.
Join us for a party to launch Porirua’s free splash pad at Aotea Lagoon on Friday 22 December.