Often considered to be one of the best and most spectacular of the thermal parks, it can get busy with tourist groups, especially if the weather is good. It is a big outlay for a whole family but Waiotapu is actually one of the cheaper thermal parks in Rotorua and if your kids…
One of the smaller lakes in Rotorua, people of all ages swim in it but be warned that outside of the summer months, it’s cold! Try your hand at trout fishing if that’s what your family are into or there’s a small playground and beach area at Boyes Beach. There is also…
This is a wildlife park with a few extras thrown in! In terms of animals you can expect to see natives like kiwi, kea and tuatara, or see a life-sized model of the extinct Moa. There are trout in the river with a viewing window so even small children should…
There are lots of geothermal parks in and around Rotorua that are generally very expensive to enter. If you just want to get a quick taster (perhaps your time is limited?) or want to know if your kids are sufficiently interested to pay entrance fees into a bigger, more varied…
This is on the corner of a busy intersection (with no real barriers) with fairly steep, shiny skate ramps, so for those reasons, it’s probably best for those that are reasonably confident on their skateboards or scooters. There are toilets onsite and limited parking just near these. Some shade provided by big…
The equipment here is fairly traditional – swings, slides, monkey bars, things to climb and balance on but there’s a reasonable range including a section for younger kids (not fenced or sectioned off). As a whole, there should be something for a good range of ages. There’s also a large grassy…
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…
This ice cream shop is a bit of an institution in Mount Maunganui so in the summer, beware, there can be long queues (although most seem to think the wait is worth it)! The cones are freshly made and available in 2 different sizes, while regular cones come in 4 different…
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…
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…
