Playground · Henderson

Whoa! Studios Urban Playground

4.4876 Google reviews

Younger kids (4–8)Older kids (9+)Outdoors

How muchTe utu: $5–$7.50
Their siteHe pārongo atu anō: whoastudios.co.nz
Last checkedI tirohia: Last checked 10 Aug 2026

Get directions

LocationTe wāhi

Henderson

Directions Website

What it is

The centrepiece of Whoa! Studios' Urban Playground is the Whoa! Web — New Zealand's only hand-crafted crochet climbing net, made by Japanese artist Toshiko Horiuchi Macadam using 70 kilometres of coloured nylon over two years. Suspended from a 12-metre shaded structure, kids weave upward through layers of net to reach the top before finding their way back down again, which takes considerably longer than it sounds.

Alongside the net sits the Whoa! Zone, a custom-designed adventure playground built by the studio's own set designers. Children can clamber up a six-metre rocket ship, navigate mission control, cross a drawbridge into a castle, and commandeer a pirate ship in search of treasure — all without leaving the one site.

The playground sits within the broader Whoa! Studios complex, which also runs live theatre performances. Children holding a show ticket on the same day get park access included, making it a natural full-day outing for families. On-site food options are available; outside food is not permitted except baby food and formula.

What other parents say

Teejan Nasr5 years ago

I’ve only recently been able to finally check this place out, I heard the food is amazing, and I was not disappointed. Everything in there was halal but we ordered a bunch of vegetarian food. I highly recommend the vegetarian dumplings they were delicious! The kids (3 year old and under 1) had a blast in the playground. We were not able to try the theatre yet but we had an awesome time through and through. We just had to purchase tickets for the kids to be able to play on the playground, and we found out about that later 😅.

Karine Valverdea year ago

It was an amazing experience for us. The play area was very good the kids loved. We did have a great time with our friends. The restaurant looks really cozy and relaxing.

Read 3 more reviews ↓

Korina Kellingham2 years ago

So I only came here for the park, rather than the theatre, I've been waiting a while for something to pop up, but it's still the Xmas show and it's February. So we just came for the obstacle course and the playground. Obstacle course is deflated though, I wish the website reflected that. Nothing worse than setting a 4yr old expectations wrong. Paid for our 3 kids, but I notice no one else is wearing a wristband and nothing is policed, feel a bit ripped off. Entry is wide open, so making sure your kids don't escape the grounds is a thing. In short, this place is really a restaurant with a cool park outside it. The kids had a bit of fun

Alfredo Jr Fallarme2 years ago

We had the most incredible time at the Urban Playground, an unique playground offering movie-like attractions. From a majestic castle to a rocket ship, a thrilling pirate cove, and even a striking crochet net, the Urban Playground offers an experience unlike any other in NZ. My son was absolutely enthralled by the extraordinary playground.

Mark Robotham9 months ago

Boys loved it and want to go back Busy place, lovely atmosphere. Staff are great. Sit back, have a munch and cold drink watching your kids have fun playing, what else do you want.

Reviews from Google.