New Avalon skatepark draws in more skaters than the one it replaced, Mayor says | RNZ News

# Avalon Park, Lower Hutt: A Practical Guide to Wellington’s Most Versatile Family Park

Address: 61 Taita Drive, Avalon, Lower Hutt 5011, New Zealand.

Avalon Park is a rare “everything-in-one-place” green space: a destination playground built with accessibility in mind, a brand-new skatepark drawing riders from across the region, miniature train rides and mini-golf on weekends, and space to picnic, wheel, and wander. If you’re planning a Wellington trip with kids—or you just want a low-friction outdoor day—this park is an easy win.

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## What’s here (confirmed)

– Accessible destination playground with wide paths and inclusive design choices; equipment spans climbing frames, slides, in-ground trampolines, and a popular water-play zone. City Council
– Motutawa Avalon Skatepark (opened Dec 2024) — a modern, purpose-built facility that replaced the older Melling skatepark; it’s seeing heavy use and was designed to cater to different skill levels. City Council
– Miniature train & mini-golf (Lions Club) typically operating 1–4 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (weather dependent); a small fee applies. Hutt Lions Club
– Beginners’ cycle circuit with varied surfaces and intersections—handy for new riders to practice safely. City Council
– BBQs, picnic tables, seating, and public toilets within the park. City Council
– Model boating pond used by local hobbyists (care with children near water). City Council

> Note on hours & fees: The park grounds are open public space. Specific attractions (train/mini-golf) have limited hours and operate only in fine weather. Always check the Lions’ channels for the day’s status. Hutt Lions Club

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## Playground highlights (and why kids don’t want to leave)

– Water-play engineering station: Hand-pumps, gates, and channels that reward experimentation—bring a change of clothes.
– Climb-and-slide structures + in-ground trampolines: Good spread for different ages; supervision still essential on higher features.
– Layout for flow: The playground’s scale means fewer bottlenecks, and accessible routes tie zones together—useful for prams and mobility devices. Wellington

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## The new Motutawa Avalon Skatepark: what riders should know

Lower Hutt’s replacement of the ageing Melling facility delivered a state-of-the-art concrete park in Avalon with bowls, rails, curbs, and smart “run-up/roll-away” spacing that reduces collisions. The design also integrates mana whenua artworks and naming to reflect the Motutawa Pā history. Security cameras, seating, and drinking water are part of the build.

– Status & timing: Opened December 2024; by February 2025 it was already out-drawing the old location. City Council
– Features called out by the project team: mini bowl, multiple quarter pipes, mixed rails, a five-sided funbox, shelters, fountain, and furniture. Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi

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## Trains, mini-golf, and “extra” weekend fun

Avalon’s miniature railway is a community fixture. Volunteer-run trains circle the lawns most fine weekends and public holidays from 1–4 pm; the adjacent kiosk handles mini-golf and refreshments. Operations can pause for weather or staffing—check before you promise a ride to your kids. Hutt Lions Club

> There’s a parallel note from the Hutt Valley Model Engineering Society indicating public running on fine Sundays (1–4 pm). Taken together, expect weekends/public holidays, but verify on the day.

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## Practical planning (parking, toilets, and low-friction logistics)

– Toilets: Marked on the Hutt City Council’s map; there’s a facility on/near Taita Drive/Fairway Drive at the park. City Council
– Picnics & BBQs: Free electric barbecues and picnic tables are available—great for longer stays. First-come, first-served. City Council
– Terrain & access: Paved paths connect play zones; the council lists the playground as accessible. If you’re traveling with a pram or wheelchair, the circulation network is one of the park’s strengths. City Council
– Wayfinding tip: Set your map pin to 61 Taita Drive for the central playground, or aim for Fairway Drive if you’re targeting the skatepark side.

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## Safety & inclusivity notes

– Water + wheels: The boating pond and water-play area mean wet surfaces—non-slip footwear helps. Keep close supervision around open water. City Council
– Skatepark etiquette: The new facility was designed with zoned lines for flow; riders should scan, call their line, and yield to smaller users. This is explicitly highlighted by council/media coverage of the design intent.
– Low-sensory breaks: The lawns around the play zones give quick “reset” spaces if anyone in your group needs a breather.

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## Suggested itineraries that actually work

Short stop (60–90 minutes): Hit the playground, then grab a train ride if it’s operating (1–4 pm on weekends/public holidays). Finish with a picnic at the BBQ tables. Hutt Lions Club

Half-day active session: Start at the beginners’ cycle circuit for rider practice, shift over to the skatepark once it warms up, then cool down at the water-play zone. Toilets and drinking water are within easy reach. City Council

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## Nearby connections (if you want to make a full day of it)

– Shared paths & cycle links: The city’s Community Connections projects are actively improving walk/bike links through Avalon and Taitā, making it easier to tack the park onto a car-free day. City Council

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## What’s changed recently (so you don’t run on old info)

– Skatepark relocated & opened Dec 2024; it’s Motutawa Avalon Skatepark now, not the older Melling facility. If you see older references to “Block Road” sessions, that’s outdated. City Council
– Facilities list keeps growing: Council highlights the accessible playground, new skatepark, cycle circuit, BBQs, model train, mini-golf, and the boating pond—all still current. City Council

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## Quick facts (useful at a glance)

– Location for maps: 61 Taita Drive, Avalon, Lower Hutt 5011.
– Skatepark name/opening: Motutawa Avalon Skatepark, opened Dec 2024; highly popular by early 2025. City Council
– Weekend attractions: Lions miniature train & mini-golf, typically 1–4 pm; charges apply; weather dependent. Hutt Lions Club
– Amenities: Accessible playground, BBQs, picnic tables, toilets, beginners’ cycle circuit, model boating pond. City Council

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## Final call

If you’re compiling a Wellington-region itinerary and need guaranteed family mileage, Avalon Park is a strong anchor: it’s free to enter, built for inclusivity, and now pairs a flagship playground with a new-build skatepark that holds genuine appeal for teens and adults. Layer on weekend extras—train rides, mini-golf, and BBQs—and you have a day that scales with energy and weather.

> Data confidence: Facilities, attractions, and accessibility are confirmed from Hutt City Council pages; skatepark status and features are supported by council updates and national news reporting. Train hours are published by the Lower Hutt Lions and may vary with weather and volunteer capacity—check day-of to avoid disappointment. City Council

If you need a tailored family day plan that strings Avalon Park together with nearby walks and low-stress food stops, say the word and I’ll map it out with current opening times.