A trip to the gannet colony on Cape Kidnappers is a great experience for people of all ages. While the tractor trailer journey is currently suspended, you might want to consider visiting the gannets by 4WD minibus instead. There is no walking required and the tours depart at the same…
The Grounds at Waitangi include the Treaty House, the Carved Meeting House, The Ceremonial War Canoe, The Museum of Waitangi and outside locations of The Flagstaff, Te Ana o Maikuku/Hobson Beach and the path leading from the beach to the lawn known as Nias Track. Altogether the Waitangi Treaty Grounds…
This playground and mini road is set within a large park area just off the Oneroa Cycle and Walkway. The equipment is set out in individual areas which would be tricky with young children who wanted to be at different sections but great for self-managing children as an adult could…
This is one of the largest skateparks in the Wellington region. It’s a good place to take kids that are still getting the hang of a scooter or skateboard as there’s space to make mistakes and even some decent flat surfaces, as well as lots of different levels of ramps.…
If you’re at the township of Waikanae, rather than the beach area or if you just fancy a change from sand and sea, this playground and skatepark are a good option. Just round the corner from Waikanae Pool, the playground has a decent size structure of monkey bars, slide, rock…
If you have the use of a boat or kayaks at Lake Taupo, it’s worth going out to Mine Bay in the North East corner of the lake to see the huge carving of Ngātoroirangi, an ancestor of the artist, Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell, who completed the carving in 1980. Only accessible by water,…
One of the larger rivers flowing into Lake Taupo, the Tongariro River to the south is very popular with anglers in search of trout. Anyone can have a go, so long as you have the right fishing licence but if walking or cycling is more your family’s thing, then there’s…
Between Turangi and Kuratau, just off SH41 is a long, old wharf dating back to the 1880s when goods were shipped across Lake Taupo rather than being transported by road. Today the wharf is 260m of walkway out onto Lake Taupo and a very peaceful place to spend a couple…
This popular summer pool gives a great alternative to the beach if you’re still wanting water action but perhaps without the salt and sand. Set within a large grassy area there’s plenty of space and some shade provided by big old trees. There are some tables and benches dotted around…
This walk is not for all families. A good level of fitness is required and planning needs to happen. First off, this is a 19.4km walk that reaches 1,886m at the Red Crater summit so checking the weather forecast is a must and you will need to postpone your plans…
