Wheelchair-friendly Adventures | Hamilton

Wheelchair-friendly Adventures | Hamilton

There are some awesome hidden-gems in Hamilton which are perfect for kids scooting around in wheelchairs. Meander along boardwalks perched beside the mighty Waikato River, or explore an urban forest that is being transformed into a home for kererū.

Here are our Top 5 wheelchair-friendly and super accessible Hamilton adventures.

Legacy Park | Temple View

Legacy Park | Temple View

Explore cute shacks overlooking a small lagoon on the outskirts of Hamilton. This small reserve has boardwalks that zigzag under mature trees leading to wooden huts. Such a cool spot for a mini-adventure to blow out the cobwebs. And, it’s ideal for kids as you can wrap this adventure up in half an hour unless you want to hang out and soak up the views.

Accessibility: Suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. Dogs on leads.
Time: Allow 30 minutes for a relaxed explore.
Location: Parking is available near Foster Road at Temple View.
Facilities: Toilets available.

Hammond Park

Kids will love the meandering boardwalk perched alongside a forested cliff face with the Waikato River surging past. This accessible boardwalk winds through regenerating bush which is home to the tiny long-tailed bat. It feels a little prehistoric in here with the trees looming over the boardwalk before it opens up across the curved bridge. The viewing platform gives you a glimpse of the river as it makes it way to Port Waikato.

Accessibility: Suitable for bikes, buggies and wheelchairs. Dogs on leads.
Time: Allow 30 minutes return.
Location: The best parking is at the end of Malcolm Street.
Facilities: No toilets.

Mangaiti Gully

This urban gully feels like it is plonked in an isolated forest – a million miles away from the bustle of inner-city life! Multiple boardwalks wind under regenerating native trees and beside small streams. Look out for the native birds and admire the restoration planting to attract more kererū by the dedicated volunteers of the Mangaiti Gully Restoration Group. Wheelchair users may need a helping hand for one steep hill. The walk can be made into a loop if you include a short section of street walking along Keswick Crescent into Helmsdale Court.

Accessibility: Suitable for bikes, buggies and wheelchairs. Dogs on leads.
Time: Allow 45 minutes.
Location: There is good parking on Keswick Crescent.
Facilities: No toilets.

Peacockes Road Esplanade

This adventure comes to life in autumn with all the colourful leaves. From the car park you can head straight down the hill - a helping hand here will probably be appreciated – or for a slightly longer adventure take the first path on your left. There are towering tree groves and views across the river to the Hamilton Gardens. Can you spy the snake in the Picturesque Garden?

Accessibility: Suitable for bikes, buggies and wheelchairs. Dogs on leads.
Time: Allow 30 minutes for a quick out and back.
Location: Parking is available at the end of Bader Street just before Norrie Street.
Facilities: No toilets.

Te Awa River Ride | Fonterra to Horotiu

The river ride’s wide flat concrete paths make this section of the trail ideal for kids in wheelchairs. Aside from a couple short steep hills, this easy adventure cruises alongside the Waikato River towards the old Horotiu Bridge. Don’t miss peering under the covered bridge where an outlet pipe attracts dozens of fish of all shapes and sizes.

Accessibility: Suitable for bikes, buggies and wheelchairs. Dogs on leads.
Time: Allow 30 minutes one-way (2.6km).
Location: Plenty of parking at the end of Meadow View Lane.
Facilities: No toilets.

 

 

 

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