Playground Specialists Christchurch & Canterbury
We aim to create a wide variety of spaces that nurture children in different ways, offering opportunities to explore, discover, learn, and be creative. A playground should ignite a child’s imagination, inspire fun, and foster positive connections with people and the natural world. That’s what every Natureflow playspace is designed to do.
Together with Woodland Escape, we develop designs that make efficient use of spaces to reflect the individual needs of each early childhood centre, their unique tamariki and whānau, and the natural environment around them. Sometimes simple interventions done well can provide amazing outcomes for kids. Our designs are a beautiful blend of natural and rustic — organic and clean lines, curved shapes, organised yet unconventional.
What we build
We specialise in nature play environments for preschools, schools, and community spaces, including:
- Nature play areas and forest school environments
- Natural sandpits and water play
- Mud kitchens and sensory play spaces
- Small world play environments
- Bike paths and loose parts play areas
- Custom timber structures and whare
We also complete general landscaping projects for private residential clients, and have had the privilege of working on several community projects for the Christchurch City Council. Most of our work is in the Canterbury region, though we’re happy to work anywhere in the South Island — and have completed projects as far south as Dunedin and Bluff.
How we work
Every project starts with a free initial consultation. We take the time to understand you, your space, and what you’re hoping to create. From there we’ll put together a proposal covering initial ideas, a draft timeline, and costs.
From concept through to construction, we work closely with you at every stage. Our concept design process involves developing a scale plan and accompanying documentation, with plenty of opportunity to refine the design before anything is built. Once construction begins, you’re always welcome on site — we believe in open communication throughout, and love the moments when children get to engage with the process too.
For playground projects, we complete a safety inspection before opening and resolve any items identified, so you can be confident the space meets NZ Playground Safety Standards (NZS 5828:2015) and Ministry of Education guidelines for early childhood environments.
Why choose us?
- NZ playground safety standards and MoE guidelines. We have an in-depth understanding of the Ministry of Education guidelines for early childhood playgrounds and NZS 5828:2015.
- Safe, fun and educational. Built to last with natural, non-toxic materials.
- Community conscious. We value a co-creative process that includes children, parents, and staff.
- We listen. We genuinely value input and will incorporate your ideas. Interactions with children on site are a joy — and help them connect to their new environment early on.
- Healthy environments. Macrocarpa and hardwood specialists. These materials require no chemical treatment and offer a higher quality, longer-lasting finish — better for your community and better for the people building it.
