A total of 81% of those surveyed said they had used the recreational area in the past 12 months, more than had used the district's sports fields (50.5%), the Waitaki Aquatic Centre (46.8%) or the Forrester Art Gallery (47.9%).
And 79% of people who frequented the harbour recreational area also said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the facilities.
Council corporate services manager Carolyn Carter was "delighted" with the popularity of the harbourside park, and said further developments were on their way.
A "huge" new mouse wheel was due to be installed next week, followed by a 9m high "rocket slide" later in the year.
"We are aiming to have the park substantially in in time for the school summer holidays, so the children can enjoy a wonderful art park and a huge playground."
Mrs Carter said the council had spent $580,000 on the park and the surrounding area in the 12 months to June 2012.
However, due to the high amount of "quality" volunteer work supplied by local groups, costs had been reduced and the council was working "well within budget," she said.
"There has been a lot of sweat put in by volunteers, as well as council, and everybody has been coming to the party.
"So many volunteers and help have come through that rather than spend the money and just go and do, we have got much better quality products by either using local people, which saves us money, or by using local firms who have built a product at almost half the price but twice the quality - they have done an amazing job.
"We want this as much as possible to be done locally, for the local community."
