This bike track says that it’s for BMX riders but people on all types of bikes and scooters were happily using it when we visited. The maze of tracks are all smooth concrete and cover 500m. There’s a steep downhill start before riders’ skills are tested with a series of…
Silo Park is an area on Auckland’s waterfront that is a hub of family friendly events year round from markets, to food stalls, open air cinema and music sessions (the latter 2 in the summer only). When there aren’t any events, it’s still worth checking out the playground especially if…
This 18km section of walking or cycling track is part of a much longer tramp between Petone and the Wairarapa south coast. The section starting from Upper Hutt is reasonably well suited to families as it’s only slightly inclined going up towards the summit, so a gentle ride in each…
Only 15 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland, Devonport makes a good family day trip. Plenty of cafes to choose from once you’re there, the waterfront to stroll along all the way to North Head if you want and the Navy Museum. You can follow the pathway from the ferry…
The South Coast of Wellington is a wonderful place to enjoy the rugged landscape of NZ – just so long as there isn’t a southerly blowing! Check the general weather forecast and especially the wind direction here. If it’s looking good, head out to Owhiro Bay and follow the dead…
If you’re spending more than a day in the Tasman area and you like being outside, you should probably aim to head to the Abel Tasman National Park for at least a day trip. With the use of water taxis, walking in the Abel Tasman is very do-able as you…
The market in Motueka sells lots of different things – it incorporates a Farmers’ Market where local growers and producers sell fruit and veg, freshly baked goodies and cheese. But there’s also a craft market with locally and imported handmade clothes, jewellery and toys. A section of the market is…
This playground was upgraded in 2015 and now boasts all new equipment including a bucket swing, regular swings, climbing ropes, slides of varying length for toddlers and older kids, things to balance on and an obstacle course. The equipment is in the centre of a scooter/bike path which allows kids…
Big playground with a separate, gated preschoolers’ area, a pond with ducks, a splash pad and a lagoon make up Aotea Lagoon. This is just off SH1 north of Porirua and is definitely the best playground in the area in terms of equipment, variety and space. The main feature of…
This playground is probably most famous for having a bright yellow aeroplane with a slide coming out of it, as one of the pieces of equipment! The sign says it’s for the use of kids under 14 years old. But there’s equipment suitable for all ages including a momentum swinging…
