This calm, flat beach is hidden from the open ocean and is great for families and children who want to avoid the surf. Simply splash about, have fun, relax and enjoy the scenery in this wonderfully-enjoyable bay. A boardwalk runs along the top of the beach providing end-to-end access to the beach, parking spaces and accessible changing rooms. With an accessible beach mat available during the summer months, everyone can enjoy the water at the foot of Mount Maunganui.
Accessible to visitors who:
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Visitor experience
The main entrance and pathways are step-free and accessible.
The path to the entrance is smooth and paved with a gentle slope and no steps.
The venue is accessible by public bus, with wheelchair-accessible stops less than 50 metres from the entrance.
Clear signage is displayed for the venue's entrance, which features an open storefront type access.
There are no designated drop-off or loading zones, nor a reception desk near the entrance.
Level entry is provided from accessible parking onto the beachside boardwalk.
Visitors can easily step away if they experience sensory overload.
Tactile floor markings for blind and low vision are present on all pedestrian crossing access ways to the boardwalk.
However, hearing loops, tactile exhibits, braille signage, or large-print materials are not available.
As an open-air beach, the venue does not offer structured sensory experiences or audiovisual content.
Events are held at this open-air venue.
These events do not use audiovisual equipment, such as screens, speakers, or projectors.
The venue is not staffed.
Therefore, there is no staff available to unlock restrooms in an emergency or assist visitors with mobility support during emergencies.
Staff have not received training on assisting people with disability during emergencies.
Wheelchair & Mobility Scooter Access
The main entrance and pathways offer step-free access.
Paths to the entrance are smooth and paved, featuring gentle slopes and no steps.
A spacious boardwalk runs along Pilot Bay with several level entry access points.
A slight tripping hazard exists where surfaces transition from pavement to wooden plank boardwalk.
Accessible Parking
Two designated accessible parking spaces are available at the Salisbury Wharf end of Pilot Bay.
There is adequate room to transfer to a wheelchair, and parking has a level entry to a footpath.
The parking is within 20 metres of the main entrance, well-lit, and can accommodate vehicles up to 2.2 metres high.
Accessible Restrooms
Clearly labelled accessible male and female restrooms are available.
Restroom doors, toilets (450-480mm height), grab rails, basins, taps, mirrors, soap dispensers, and hand drying facilities are all accessible for wheelchair users.
Transfer space is available on the left side of the toilet.
However, there is no emergency call button and staff cannot unlock restrooms in an emergency.
Blindness & Low Vision
A safe, step-free footpath to the entrance is available.
Tactile floor markings are present on pedestrian crossing access ways to the boardwalk.
However, the entrance lacks tactile ground surface indicators and pathways do not use colour contrast for guidance.
Deafness & Limited Hearing
No hearing loops or assistive listening devices are available.
Emergency alerts use the mobile phone system to notify visitors.
Neurodiverse Support
Visitors can easily move away if experiencing sensory overload in this open-air environment.
The spacious boardwalk offers opportunities for finding quieter areas.
Service Animals
Information regarding whether service animals are welcome on the premises is unavailable.
Details on whether service animals can access all spaces at this venue are not provided.
