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Set near the Surf Life saving club, nested among the sand dunes, Waimea makes for a good alternative to the other cafes in Waikanae if you fancy a change or are based at the northern end of Waikanae. There are tables both outside and inside with an indoor fire place…
Just off SH1 this is a good spot if you need a break from the car or are looking for an alternative to the beach in Otaki. The large fortress in the centre of the playground has ropes, a wooden bridge, twisting tunnel slide at one end and a preschooler…
This central park and playground is a hub for the local community when time away from the beach is needed. There’s a large grassy area for running around, picnics, kite flying, ball games etc. There’s also lots of playground equipment, some aimed at preschoolers including swings, small slides, an abacus and others aimed…
Once a shop, now a cart on a trailer, the gelato and sorbet served by It’s Quite Cool is still delicious! Great choice of flavours and extremely friendly servers. They’ll even sell a kiddie size to adults that just don’t want a huge ice cream. There are tables, chairs and…
This chasm walk is not for the faint hearted but is a lot of fun for those up for a bit of an adventure! The chasm is only accessible via a farm trailer ride which you need to prebook (a couple of days before should be fine during school holidays)…
A short bush walk winds downhill ending in a beach from which you can see Split Apple Rock in all it’s glory! It’s a nice beach for sand play or paddling although you can’t actually get to the rock without a kayak or boat but you can admire it from…
On the Miramar Penninsular, to the east of Wellington airport, there are a series of bunkers that were built to protect the city. Many of these date from the second world war but the bunkers at Fort Balance were used from 1885 as a defence against the Russians who were…
Only open in the summer months, these outdoor pools are great on a warm, calm day! With 3 different pools and a splash pad there is something for everyone. The splash pad doesn’t have any standing water so is safe for littlies of all ages. There are buckets, fountains and…
This is an easy access reasonably spectacular set of waterfalls between Havelock North and the coast. In the summer, it’s a popular swimming spot as a fresh water alternative to the sea for cooling down. There are no life guards on duty here though so please take extra care to…
Tucked at the Eastern end of Golden Bay and roughly 15 minutes drive from Takaka, this is a quintessential golden sand beach. Waves for boogie boarding, course sand for playing in or take advantage of it’s length and go for a stroll, it’s worth bypassing the other beaches along the…
