A walk along the river in Arrowtown brings you to a partially restored small settlement of huts that were occupied by Chinese Miners who were brought over to NZ during the gold rush. For more information on what life in the Chinese settlements might have been like, see the website link. The…
A brand new BMX jump park and circuit for kids and adults alike, was opened in late 2015, although it wasn’t officially opened until later 2016. The tracks are of varying difficulty, from a paved learn-to-ride area with street signs and intersections up to a jump loop, so something for all…
If you’re after an ice cream, hot chocolate, coffee or dessert, look no further than Patagonia Chocolates, which has outlets in 3 different Central Otago locations (Wanaka and Queenstown as well as this one). There are 20 different ice cream and sorbet flavours to choose from, some have even won…
This isn’t a cheap activity but if your kids are thrill seekers and you’re on the lookout for a treat, this is an adrenaline sport that doesn’t have a lower age limit or height restrictions. Lakeland Adventures Wanaka operate jet boat rides from their base on the shores of Lake Wanaka to…
This is a great place for the whole family to enjoy – a place of illusions and problem solving that will leave all ages ‘puzzled’ at some point. Whether it’s trying to get out of the maze or wondering how a building can still be standing when it’s at such…
There’s lots to do along the waterfront in Wanaka! Hire a double Kayak or SUP so that kids can go with adults and get out on to the water. There’s more than one place to hire them from so check out which has the best deal on the day. Paddle…
This rink has been around for years and the staff are on hand to offer novices tips on how to gain balance and have a good time. At selected times of day, a section of the ice rink is available for either public ice hockey or ice bumper cars –…
This pub is regularly recommended as being extremely welcoming to families and their kids. The service gets a big thumbs up and the food is generally good too. There’s colouring and a kids’ menu but mostly the interaction by staff with the kids is what is especialy praised. TOP TIP: It…
Riverstone is reasonably well known for Riverstone Kitchen which is a good family friendly restaurant to visit with a real focus on locally grown, seasonal ingredients. There’s a kids’ menu, highchairs, small play room and baby change facilities. What you might not know though is that within this site, there are also…
Blue Penguins come ashore to their nests every evening at dusk (check what time the sun is setting here). Dress warmly and head down to the viewing stands to watch this spectacle, which can last from 60 – 90 minutes. There is commentary during the viewing. Cameras aren’t allowed. It’s…
