Play is being celebrated and encouraged across Tauranga next week, with a range of fun, family-friendly activities on offer as part of Play Week Aotearoa 2025.
Running 20 – 26 October, this national initiative led by Sport New Zealand in collaboration with Tauranga City Council and Sport Bay of Plenty encourages people of all ages to engage in play, so children and adults can experience the benefits such as movement, connection and wellbeing.
As part of the planned events in Tauranga, adults are encouraged to challenge their workmates and take part in lunchtime games at Red Square in the city centre throughout the week or play board games at Pāpāmoa Library. Children and their whānau can explore the Historic Village at Bub's Play Day on Thursday, 23 October, jump on the Halloween Trail at Tauranga Library on Saturday, 25 October, or check out Tutarawānanga – Yatton Park on Sunday, 26 October for Nature Play Day.
People keen to celebrate Play Week in their own time can take on the play trail through the city centre anytime by downloading a map from the What’s on Tauranga website. There’s also a downloadable inclusive activity card, developed in collaboration with Parafed Bay of Plenty, which offers play challenges for all abilities to enjoy at home, school, or out in the community.
With Tauranga being home to awa (water), ngahere (forest), whenua (land), maunga (mountain), and the moana (sea), our city’s natural environment also offers diverse settings for play.
Deputy Mayor and Mauao/Mount Maunganui Ward Councillor Jen Scoular says some people may think play only relates to playgrounds and sports field but there are many other ways to experience play – not just during Play Week, but every week.
“We have Mauao and McLaren Falls right on our doorstep for wonderful options to explore the outdoors, especially now that summer is approaching, and daylight hours are longer. These outdoor options really add to the diverse range of playgrounds. walkways, skateparks, and sports courts and fields available across Tauranga,” says Jen.
“Play adds joy, it is fun, and it is great for our physical and mental health. Play can build friendships and a life-long love of being active and learning new skills. I encourage the people of Tauranga across all ages to make time for play in their lives and celebrate different ways to do that over Play Week.”
The full programme of events for Play Week Aotearoa 2025 can be found at: whatsontauranga.co.nz/play-week-2025
Play Week Aotearoa 2025
20 – 26 October 2025