Surrounded by a pest proof fence, this is a great place to get into the bush and escape the noise of the city while trying to spot lots of native birds. Even with noisy kids, you should spot something! Walks of lots of different lengths are possible with various stopping points/distractions…
Activity Category: Cafes
Boundary Tap & Kitchen Bar, Raumati Beach
This is essentially a pub with a decent sized menu for both adults and kids (including a drink and activity pack for kids). The food is reasonably good and the service is consistently friendly. Families who go there like that there’s a play pen for younger kids and, if the…
The Village Cafe, Whatawhata, Hamilton
Only 12 kilometres from the centre of Hamilton this cafe has a real rural feel about it. The outside space is a children’s play area in the true sense of the word with tyres used in various ways for climbing and balancing skills and a kids’ playhouse complete with white picket…
Cafe Agora, Frankton, Hamilton
In the suburb of Frankton, this cafe is very community minded being owned and operated by a Church. Open throughout the week and on Saturdays, they serve breakfast and lunch, with a kids’ menu that includes a lunchbox. They also have free fluffies (one for every purchase) and a big…
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…
Copenhagen Cones, Mount Maunganui
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…
Drexel’s Breakfast Restaurant, Christchurch
An American styled diner serving American and Tex Mex breakfasts all day (there’s also a lunch menu that kicks in at 11am but it’s the breakfasts that this place is famous for). The kids’ menu is usually a hit with options like pancakes and waffles served with syrup and cream…
Americanos Breakfast Restaurant, Wellington
An American styled diner serving American and Tex Mex breakfasts all day (there’s also a lunch menu that kicks in at 11am but it’s the breakfasts that this place is famous for). The kids’ menu is usually a hit with options like pancakes and waffles served with syrup and cream…
Cafe and Sweet Shop at Birdwoods Gallery, Havelock North
3km from Havelock North village, this gallery, cafe and old fashioned sweet shop is set in huge grounds with a sculpture garden, indoor and outdoor seating and plenty to keep kids entertained. It’s important to note that the inside cafe area is also a gallery-shop and kids need to be…
Long beach cafe, Waikanae
This is a popular hub with locals and visitors throughout the day. There are a couple of different menus ensuring food is available the whole time they’re open from breakfast to lunch to dinner and snacks. It can pay to book a table at any time but especially over public…