Activity Category: Outside

Minogue Park, Lake Rotokaeo, Hamilton

The playground opened in 2015 with several different pieces of equipment especially suited to younger kids like the mini trampolines, set into the matting. There’s also 2 mini tunnels set into the grassy hills, dual flying foxes, a mini spider web climbing rope and a bike track goes all round the…

Hamilton Lake Domain (Rotoroa) Playground

This playground is popular for its big fort-like structure with bridges, a steep and decently long tunnel slide, bucket swings and water channels that can be turned on/off and kids can try to redirect or dam up the flow. There should be something for all ages at this playground. It’s worth…

Westburn Reserve Mini Road Bike Park, Burnside, Christchurch

On the West-side of Christchurch CBD, the mini road has road signs, roundabouts, stop junctions etc for kids to practice their road safety skills when riding. Any wheel-based ride on from bikes, to trikes to scooters work well on the smooth concrete. They’ll also get good practice using their brakes…

Leith Valley Glow Worms, Dunedin

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This is an after dark trip that kids of all ages can enjoy if they’re allowed to stay up! The glow worms are on a cliff face and further round in a cave – approximately a 15 minute walk in each direction. It’s a good idea to wear gumboots as it…

Fernland Spa Thermal Mineral Springs, Tauranga

There are hot pools at The Mount but these pools are recommended as being less busy and therefore a more tranquil and less commercial experience. There is one main outdoor pool that is surrounded by Punga Ferns and is heated to approximately 37/38 degrees. There are also 8 private indoor…

Staglands, Upper Hutt

A popular destination for Wellington families as a day trip, especially on sunny weekends and during the school holidays, this place has a range of farmyard animals, in more natural settings than your average zoo. The best thing though is that the kids can interact with the animals if you pick…

Iceinline, Alexandra

****Closed until winter 2018**** Open in the winter months only, this ice rink claims to be the biggest outdoor rink in the Southern Hemisphere which means there should be plenty of room for novice skaters to learn what to do without getting in everyone’s way! There is a heated lounge…

Hairy Maclary Sculptures and Waterfront Playground, Tauranga

If your kids have ever been into Hairy Maclary books, it’s worth stopping at the sculptures on the waterfront which bring all the main characters of Lynley Dodd’s most famous books to life. The bronze sculptures can be climbed on and provide a good photo opportunity. Just nearby there’s also the…

The Mount walks and beaches, Mount Maunganui

Walking around the base of The Mount (Maouo) should be doable for all ages. It’s 3.4km and the path is suitable for buggies. For access points and toilets, please see the map here. You can also walk and push a buggy to the top but it’s very steep and takes…

Scooter and skatepark, Tauranga

The skatepark has the usual ramps enjoyed by skateboarders, kids on scooters and BMX riders but right next to it is also a little concrete area marked out with painted lines for younger kids to follow tracks. It’s basic (no road signs or speed humps like some mini road systems)…