A fun-filled day is being promised for children and the young at heart as Tauranga City Council celebrates the opening of the new waterfront playground.

On Saturday, December 14, people are invited for some free family fun at the city centre waterfront.

There will be plenty of activities for the kids, including face painting, colouring stations, and places to write letters to Santa (who is dropping by to say, ho ho ho hello!), said a statement from Tauranga City Council.

There will also be a free sausage sizzle, plus ice creams to keep the kids fuelled-up and ready to explore.

Council said the highlight of the day will be the much-anticipated opening of the new waterfront playground, which boasts an impressive 8-metre-tall waka tower structure.

There are several ways to access the waka tower, from the elevated pathway with connecting bridges, to rope climbing for kids who are seeking a bit more adventure.

Those who reach the top will be rewarded with a stunning view of the moana and a chance to spot the local marine life.

There are four different playground zones to discover - the waka tower structure; a nature trail zone for climbing and balancing; the elevated pathway etched with the Milky Way and Matariki stars; and a water play zone with troughs and water pumps. You can also shoot some hoops on the basketball half-court right next door.

If you need a rest from all the fun, you might like to take a break in the freshly opened Northern Waterfront Reserve.

Conveniently located adjacent to the new playground, this lush green space is perfect for relaxing and taking in the stunning views of Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour.

Mayor Mahé Drysdale is excited to see these spaces opened for the community in time for summer.

“It’s fantastic to see our residents out and about, walking, cycling and enjoying the recently-opened Masonic Park, Southern Waterfront boardwalk and Northern Waterfront Reserve.

“I’m looking forward to seeing lots of excited kids at the Whānau Fun on the Waterfront event, enjoying their new playground and the other nearby attractions.

“Now we have a waterfront we can all be proud of. There’s something for everyone in these new recreational spaces in the city centre and I’ll certainly be bringing my family and friends along to enjoy them over the summer months.”

What: Whānau Fun on the Waterfront Where: Tauranga city centre waterfront When: Saturday, 14 December, 10.00am to 12noon Coming to join the fun? You will find plenty of free weekend parking options in the city centre:

To find out more about , head to: www.whatsontauranga.co.nz/whanaufunWhānau Fun on the Waterfront