Hairy Maclary and Friends Sculpture
Life-sized bronze statues of Hairy Maclary & his friends, bringing beloved children's book characters to life on Tauranga's waterfront.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and great for photos
Hairy Maclary and Friends Sculpture
Best Time
Peaceful and great for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Life-sized bronze statues of Hairy Maclary & his friends, bringing beloved children's book characters to life on Tauranga's waterfront.
"Awesome Hairy Maclary statues that are great to photograph with your kids."
📸 Photo Opportunities
These life-sized bronze statues are perfect for memorable photos with kids and book lovers alike!
📚 Bring the Books!
Enhance the experience by bringing the Hairy Maclary books to read aloud with the sculptures.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 520 reviews
Type
Sculpture
Website
tauranga.govt.nzHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hairy Maclary Sculpture
Waterfront
Life-sized bronze statues of the iconic Hairy Maclary and his friends, perfect for photos and sparking imagination.
Interactive Animal Hunt
Around the sculptures
Kids love searching for and naming each of the characters, making it an engaging activity for all ages.
Waterfront Access
Adjacent to sculptures
Enjoy steps leading down to the estuary for a refreshing dip of your feet on a warm day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Must-See for Book Lovers
Combine with Playtime
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Opportunities
These life-sized bronze statues are perfect for memorable photos with kids and book lovers alike!
📚 Bring the Books!
Enhance the experience by bringing the Hairy Maclary books to read aloud with the sculptures.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some exploring and playing, so wear comfy shoes for walking and climbing.
💧 Water Play Fun
The waterfront access is great for a quick splash, so consider bringing a change of clothes.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Opportunities
These life-sized bronze statues are perfect for memorable photos with kids and book lovers alike!
📚 Bring the Books!
Enhance the experience by bringing the Hairy Maclary books to read aloud with the sculptures.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some exploring and playing, so wear comfy shoes for walking and climbing.
💧 Water Play Fun
The waterfront access is great for a quick splash, so consider bringing a change of clothes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Hairy Maclary and Friends Sculpture, calling it a brilliant and charming attraction, especially for families and fans of the beloved children's books. The life-sized bronze statues are a hit for photos and interactive play, with many appreciating the adjacent park and waterfront access.
"Great park and playground for kids. Heaps of climbing things, swings and water play stuff. Awesome Hairy Maclary statues that are great to photograph with your kids"
Paul Edgerley
"Brilliant sculptures - if you've read the books to your kids you and they will love them - if not read your kids the books!"
richard marjoram
"The kids had the best time ever. Loved naming the animals and searching out each one. You can spend quite a bit of time searching and playing as an activity before you even get to the playpark next door. Suitable for various ages too. Different heights mean our 1 yo and 5 yo both had fun climbing and playing around the statues."
Mairi Orr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sculpture is located in Tauranga, New Zealand, along the waterfront. It's easily accessible by car, with nearby parking options. Many visitors arrive on foot as part of a stroll along the scenic waterfront.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the waterfront, though they can get busy during peak times. Consider arriving early or exploring nearby streets if the main lots are full.
Absolutely! The waterfront is a popular walking route, and the Hairy Maclary and Friends Sculpture is a key attraction along the way. It's a pleasant walk from many central Tauranga locations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Hairy Maclary and Friends Sculpture is a free public art installation. You can visit and enjoy it anytime without purchasing a ticket.
The sculpture is accessible 24/7 as it's an outdoor public art piece. You can visit at your leisure, though daytime offers the best light for photos.
There is no admission fee. The sculptures are a wonderful free attraction for families and book enthusiasts in Tauranga.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the life-sized bronze statues of Hairy Maclary and his friends, take photos, and enjoy the waterfront views. It's also a great spot for kids to 'hunt' for each character.
Yes, it's very child-friendly! Kids love interacting with the statues, and the nearby playground makes it a perfect family outing. The different heights of the statues cater to various ages.
Definitely! The sculptures are designed for interaction and make for fantastic photo opportunities. Many visitors pose with their favorite characters.
Yes, there's a fantastic park and playground right next door, and the waterfront offers lovely walking paths. You can also find restaurants nearby for a post-visit meal. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. However, the sculptures are charming at any time of day, and capturing kids' reactions is always a highlight.
You can take classic portraits with the characters, fun action shots of kids playing, and scenic shots incorporating the waterfront. It's a versatile spot for creative photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit