Barnett Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Barnett Park?
What makes it 74% Kids-Friendly: Older children get a playground, a flat sports field for ball games and short scenic walks, all free. Steep upper tracks and no on-site staff or rentals limit ease for some families.
Positives:
- Free Facilities: All play areas, BBQs, toilets and parking are free to use.
- Easy Access: Parking, toilets and water fountains sit close to the playground.
Challenges:
- Limited Shade: Playground and picnic areas have little cover—bring hats.
- Uneven Paths: Tracks can be steep and rocky; not suitable for strollers.
What is Barnett Park?
- A public park and sports ground on the Port Hills overseen by Christchurch City Council, featuring open turf fields, picnic areas, and a children’s playground
- A rolling hillside landscape adorned with pine stands, regenerating native shrubland, and exposed limestone formations overlooking the Heathcote Estuary
- A trailhead hub for unsealed tracks—most notably the Barnett Park Cave Loop and Eastenders Track—that connect to Summit Road and the wider Port Hills network
What is so special about Barnett Park for with kids?
- Free playground with swings, seesaws and a big slide
- Gas BBQs and picnic tables for an easy lunch
- Open fields perfect for ball games or kite flying
- Short family-friendly walk to a limestone lookout
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to play, picnic and do a short lookout walk without overtiring kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Barnett Park
Playground Adventure:
Use the two-stage play area with swings, seesaws and a big slide.
Tip: Bring extra socks and supervise younger kids on higher frames.
Picnic & BBQ:
Cook lunch on the park’s free gas barbecues and sit at picnic tables.
Tip: Arrive early to claim a clean BBQ spot and pack cleaning wipes.
Short Lookout Walk:
Follow the Cave Loop track to the first limestone viewpoint.
Tip: Wear closed shoes and carry water; skip stairs if children tire.
Field Games & Kite Flying:
Run, kick a ball or fly a kite on the open turf sports fields.
Tip: Bring your own ball or kite; fields dry quickly after rain.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Barnett Park
- Arrive Early: Get a parking space near the toilets and playground before 10 AM.
- Plan a Loop: Start with the lookout walk then finish with a picnic and games on the field.
Reviews of Barnett Park
Matt Kennedy
Awesome hike in redcliffs with an amazing ocean view from the cave at the top. I recommend choosing a less busy time to go as it can get a bit noisy in the cave during peak hours.
Jackson Ramland
What an awesome walk with amazing views. Well worth the visit bring the camera and take it all in. Dog friendly so you get to enjoy with your family pet. Must do in chch.
MegaHagley
An awesome walk. Great to take the kids out and away from the screens. We are a bit slower, so took us about 50 minutes to get up to the cave.
Jo Dancing
Great weather today. So went for a walk. Barnett Cave Loop walk. Slightly adventurous given the wet underfoot conditions, but well worth it when you reached the top!
Craig Towers
A great walk. We headed up via the RHS. Starts gently then for the next third goes up a bit steeper. The final third flattens off. Good views going up and from the cave itself. The walk down is pretty steady on LHS (as you look from the bottom). Less rocks etc than going up on the RHS. There is a toilet block at Football club. ( needs a clean)
When is the best time to visit Barnett Park (Christchurch, New Zealand)?
In summer pack sunscreen, hats and plenty of water. In winter paths get muddy—wear waterproof boots. Spring and autumn can be windy; bring a windbreaker.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Car parking | NZD 0 |
| BBQ and playground use | NZD 0 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 0 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Barnett Park
Address: 200A Main Road, Redcliffs, Christchurch 8081, New Zealand
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About Barnett Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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