The beach at Waikanae is long, wide and sandy. Great for strolls, buckets and spades and even, if the tide is out, kids riding bikes! If it’s warm enough, the sea is great for boogie boarding but there aren’t any lifeguards so you’ll really need to supervise kids in the water…
The waterfront at Pukerua Bay is a great place for lots of outdoor activities. On a sunny day you might want to park near a beach, take out your swimming things, bucket and spade and while away your time. In any season though you can also go for a walk –…
Taking kids to a place displaying glass sounds nerve wracking but as well as a gallery and shop, this family firm of glass makers and artists has a glass blowing factory which is fascinating for kids. Glass is blown most days and kids are able to watch the whole process. It…
An accessible lookout point from the centre of Wellington is at the top of Mount Victoria. The view from the top is great on a clear day with lots of photo opportunities. You can drive up to the top, through the winding streets of Mount Vic and Roseneath. You can…
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…
There are lots of interactive exhibits at this museum, which helps to keep kids entertained and engaged. You can pick up an ‘I Spy’ activity sheet (free) if you intend to have a general explore of the museum or head to one of the specific kids’ areas like Planet Warriors…
Escape the city to this peaceful haven of over 20 hectares of trees, pasture, lake and birdlife right on the edge of the city. The trees were all planted by one couple who then gifted their land to the people of Hamilton. There’s an extensive network of paths throughout the…
Mount Kaukau is the highest point in Wellington City and can be seen, on a clear day, from all over the city with it’s television transmitter tower at the top. From the top on a clear day, you get views all over the Wellington region and out to the South Island.…
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…
