There’s a small playground, skatepark and, if you have your own equipment, a tennis court just opposite the skatepark. Between the 3, there’s something for everyone to let off steam outside, whether you’re staying locally or just passing through. The playground has toilets just next to it and a small grassy…
***Sadly this particular seal colony isn’t accessible for humans or seals, after the earthquake in the area November 2016. There are still seals along the coast to the north and south of Ohau Point** The best place to see seals is just south of Kaikoura from Point Kean car park. There are…
With 38 different climbs available in this indoor climbing space, there’s plenty of variety. The unique clip-in automatic belaying system, means the climber is gently lowered down when they let go, which is great for first time or inexperienced climbers. While there is no lower age restriction for rock climbing, you do need…
The tram is a great way for little legs to see the central areas without getting too tired. Good for everyone if it’s raining as the 17 stops take in many of the central tourist sites along the route. The driver gives a running commentary and actively involves the kids onboard during…
This pool, to the south west of the CBD, offers a good selection of water fun features. There is a 25m lap pool, 20m x 20m wave pool, a rapid river and preschool area including bubble pit and fountains. Bubble time for preschoolers is on at 9am on Sundays. There’s…
This is the largest playground in the Southern Hemisphere so there has to be something for everyone! There’s lots of different equipment for all age groups – sliding, swinging, balancing, climbing, jumping – your kids will only be limited by their imaginations. There’s a separate toddler area as well as…
This is a relatively easy walk to the local viewpoint which can be enjoyed even by relatively young kids, although it is a steady uphill climb. The summit sits at 550m and the most direct route zigzags up through open parkland, past ponds and then through forest, from Hanmer township. It…
A weekend market runs every Saturday during the summer from Labour Day weekend to Anzac Day weekend. It’s a small market but has stalls that change frequently and a focus on those selling homemade NZ products from the local community. There are lots of treasures for slightly older kids to look…
This is a big swimming pool complex with slides and pools of varying temperatures that kids LOVE! It’s not a cheap day out but the kids will have a great time and talk about it for months to come! Some TOP TIPS to make it as cheap as possible are: if you’re…
This is a little (or big) boys delight, although girls love it too! Filled with planes and helicopters to look at and get into, it makes for an excellent half day adventure. It has interesting exhibitions, that are usually geared to kids 5+, but that younger ones can also enjoy.…
