Menu
Whakapā mai

Explore Levin on foot

If you’re arriving in Levin by bus, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of town at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō. Good news, you don’t need a car to enjoy a great day out here. From scenic gardens and playgrounds to eateries and boutique shops, there’s plenty to discover on foot. Here’s your guide to exploring Levin within walking distance.

For solo explorers

Queen Street East Walkway & Sponge Kitchen snack stop
Take a scenic stroll or jog along this safe and peaceful 1.8km path—perfect for clearing your head or hitting your step goal. Grab a fresh treat from The Sponge Kitchen on Oxford Street to enjoy along the way or at one of the rest stops. With distance markers every 500m, three benches for breaks, and picnic tables in nearby Waiopehu Scenic Reserve, it’s a great mix of movement and relaxation. The Queen Street East Walkway itself is about a 30-minute stroll from The Sponge Kitchen.

Coffee at The Old Courthouse Eatery & garden stroll
Enjoy a coffee or bite to eat at the Old Court House Eatery, a charming heritage café accessed via the service lane on Cambridge Street. Then wander through the nearby Nola Simpson Rose Garden and across to Thompson House Gardens—two peaceful green spaces full of blooms, trees, and local charm.

Shopping for one
Indulge in a bit of solo retail therapy with a visit to By Design Fashions on Oxford Street for curated women’s fashion, or browse vinyls, guitars, and audio gear at the friendly and unique Kings Sound Centre. Both shops offer a personalised experience and are just a short walk from the i-SITE in Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō.

Pampering pick-me-up
Treat yourself to a bit of self-care with a visit to one of Levin’s local beauty spots. Head to Caci Levin (a 6-minute walk from the i-SITE) for skin treatments and facials, or enjoy a massage, or eco-conscious skincare experience at Nation Beauty, just a little further south on Oxford Street. Both offer a relaxing escape within the heart of town.

Focal Point Cinema
Need a rainy-day option or a bit of downtime? Catch a film just a few minutes' walk from Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō.

For couples & friends

Pizza & dancing at Firebird
Head to Firebird (about a 5–6 min walk down Oxford Street) for their signature hand-crafted pizzas, great coffee, and a lively vibe. On weekends or special evenings you can boogie to vinyl or DJ sets—check their schedule to catch a live gig or dance night.

Farm Track Walk
Enjoy some fresh air together on the Farm Track, a shared 4 km return pathway at the end of Donnelly Park Road, through farmland with scenic views. Perfect for an easy scenic stroll—about a 20-minute walk from the i-SITE.

Evening idea: On Wednesdays, check out Pop Up Eats right outside Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō (5-8pm) for lots of tasty food truck fare.

Families (Kid-friendly)

While some of these options might require a little forward thinking—like packing togs or a scooter—they’re sure not to disappoint and will keep the little ones busy.

Levin Adventure Playground
A must-visit for families, this rainbow playground has everything from climbing frames to a flying fox, making it a firm favourite for all ages.

Jubilee Park Splash Pad
Especially popular in summer, the splash pad is a great place to cool off and have some fun.

Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō
Explore the Youth Space with foosball, table tennis and pool, or dive into one of the many free kids' programmes and activities, or simply get cosy with a quiet read.

Levin Aquatic Centre (if you’ve brought your togs!)
Indoor pools and a toddlers' area make this a great wet-weather backup or post-playground stop.

Levin Skate Park
Bring scooters or skateboards for this purpose-built park conveniently located in-between Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō and Levin Aquatic Centre.

Kennedy Park & Pump Track
A bit further out but still walkable, this spot features a small playground and a dedicated pump track for kids on bikes or scooters.

 

Looking for more places to grab a bite or cuppa?

Whether you're fuelling up for a day of exploring or winding down, Levin has plenty of great spots to enjoy a coffee, meal or sweet treat:

Obsess Café (inside New World) – Service with a smile and a super convenient stop for coffee or a snack while you're on the go.

Leaven Bakery – Famous for its handcrafted pastries and donuts, this local gem is a must-visit for a sweet pick-me-up.

The Library Café – Located within Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, it's perfect for a relaxed brunch or lunch, before having a wander around this impressive community facility.

Focal Point Cinema Café – A cosy spot to enjoy a hot drink and light meal, even if you're not there for a film.

Taper Eatery – A stylish eatery known for great coffee, hearty brunches, and Friday night dining. A favourite with locals!

Old Court House Eatery – A heritage setting serving up flavourful fare just minutes from the i-SITE.

GrounZero – A great little stop for coffee and a relaxed atmosphere, tucked away off the mai.n street

Whispers Café – A dependable choice for classic café fare and friendly service, open seven days a week.