Last updated July 2026
Memorial Park is Tauranga’s central city premier park, occupying 11 hectares of harbourside land between 11th and 7th Avenues. The park offers family-friendly attractions including two large playgrounds, a miniature railway, mini golf, an illuminated fountain, a skate ramp and Humpty Dumpty. It serves as a popular spot for picnics, events and relaxation with open fields and waterfront access. Memorial elements include a cenotaph and war memorial, reflecting its post-war naming. The park remains open daily with public toilets and free barbecues available.
Practical Information
| Location | Between 11th and 7th Avenues, Tauranga, next to the harbour |
| Size | 11 hectares |
| Key Features | Two playgrounds, miniature railway, mini golf, skate ramp, fountain, Humpty Dumpty, cenotaph, fields |
| Opening Hours | Daily, dawn to dusk |
| Miniature Railway | Sundays 10am–3pm (weather permitting, with lunch break); $2 per ride |
| Toilets | Yes, at Rowing Club and rear of Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre |
| Wheelchair Access | Yes, paths are accessible |
| Barbecues | Free public barbecues available |
| Events | Markets, circuses, Anzac services and community events on Jordan Field and Memorial Field |
About Memorial Park
Memorial Park sits directly beside Tauranga Harbour and functions as the city’s main recreational green space. The 11-hectare site includes open fields, waterfront paths and a range of play facilities that attract families year-round. Two large playgrounds provide equipment for different age groups, while the illuminated fountain and skate ramp add further appeal.
The park hosts the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre and Memorial Hall, which support sporting and community activities. Two main fields, Jordan Field and Memorial Field, regularly accommodate events ranging from markets to civic ceremonies. Public toilets are located at the Rowing Club building and behind the Youth Centre near the miniature railway station.
Memorial features include a cenotaph with granite tablets listing local war dead and a later memorial unveiled in 1990 that combines earlier honour rolls. Trees planted in 1993 and 1995 commemorate Armistice and VE/VJ anniversaries. The park continues to serve as the venue for Tauranga’s official Anzac Day civic service.
History
Tauranga Borough Council began acquiring harbourside land in 1936 for recreational use, completing purchases of 11 hectares by 1940 with the initial intention of creating a Centennial Park. After the Second World War the name changed to Memorial Park to qualify for a war memorial subsidy. The sound shell opened in 1954, followed by the war memorial swimming pool in 1955 and the hall in 1957. An illuminated fountain was unveiled in 1962 and the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre opened in 1967. A new memorial combining First and Second World War names was unveiled on Armistice Day 1990.
Playgrounds, Railway and Attractions
Two large playgrounds form the heart of family visits, complemented by a rocket slide and other equipment. The miniature railway, operated by the Tauranga Model Marine & Engineering Club, runs every Sunday from 10am to 3pm (weather permitting) with a lunch break; rides cost $2. Humpty Dumpty, originally installed around 1959–1960 and restored in 2022 after vandalism, remains a popular landmark. Mini golf, the skate ramp (half pipe) and the water fountain provide additional activities. Visitors can also explore the waterfront edge at low tide or use the large fields for ball games.
Events and Access
The park regularly hosts community events including circuses, markets and fairs on the large fields near Devonport Road. Free barbecues support picnics. The site is wheelchair accessible with flat paths, and cellphone reception is reliable. Parking is available along 11th Avenue and 7th Avenue entrances. Note that the former Memorial Pools site is subject to redevelopment plans for a new aquatic centre.
What Visitors Often Say
Families appreciate the variety of play options for different ages, the short train ride and the open spaces for picnics. Many note the convenient harbourside location and reliable Sunday train service.
Visitors often mention the park’s relaxed atmosphere, the iconic Humpty Dumpty statue and the suitability for both active play and quiet time. Some comment on the good paths for walking or pushing prams.
Where to Learn More
Tauranga City Council Memorial Park page: Official details on features, facilities and current information.
Tauranga Model Marine & Engineering Club: Information on the miniature railway operations and schedule.
Pae Koroki Tauranga heritage site: Historical photographs and records of the park’s development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Memorial Park free to enter?
Yes, the park is free and open to the public daily.
When does the miniature railway operate?
The railway runs every Sunday from 10am to 3pm, weather permitting, with a lunch break around 12:30pm.
Are there toilets at the park?
Yes, public toilets are available at the Rowing Club building and at the rear of the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre.
Is the park wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the paths are generally flat and suitable for wheelchairs.
Can I have a barbecue at Memorial Park?
Free public barbecues are provided for visitor use.
What events are held at the park?
The park hosts markets, circuses, fairs and the city’s main Anzac Day civic service on the large fields.
Where is Humpty Dumpty located?
Humpty Dumpty sits within one of the playground areas and has been a park feature since around 1960.
Is there parking nearby?
Street parking is available along the 11th Avenue and 7th Avenue entrances.
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