If you’re in the CBD looking for a playground this is one option. It’s easily accessible from upper Queen St (see address). The playground has monkey bars, a basket swing, a swinging bridge, regular swings, sculptural pieces for walking over and balancing on. There are small slides and swings suitable…
This playground was upgraded towards the end of 2016 with new equipment going in. Slides still feature with 3 reasonably long tunnel slides stretching down the side of the hill. But in addition to slides, there are also swings, including a bucket swing, a seasaw, ropes for climbing along, a flying fox…
Matapouri Beach is a huge white sand beach in a natural cove that is very sheltered and great for kids. Rock pools and fishing from the rocks available from both ends of the beach. You can also walk over to Whale Bay which has a beautiful beach only accessible on…
This is a sheltered, beautiful white sanded beach. Good for kids paddling in the water. There’s a look out and small cove only accessible on foot at the end of Whangaumu St following the Ngunguru Walkway path which is narrow and high up in places, so watch little kids. Not…
There aren’t many playgrounds in the Tutukaka area but there is a fully fenced one in Ngunguru with a good range of equipment and a shade sail over part of it. There’s a grassy area outside of the fenced playground area which is good for running around, ball games etc…
Puke Ariki is home to a museum, library, tourist info and community rooms. This recommendation is for the museum which has been renovated in 2015/2016 becoming more hands on and interactive for kids. There are numerous galleries housing everything from dinosaur skeletons to a history of the first settlers, lots of taonga…
The area around Takaka is known for its limestone rock formations and this one is easily accessible to anyone who can walk (narrow paths through the rocks mean it’s not suitable for buggies, wheelchairs or at times, even backpacks). It’s a natural maze and kids seem to enjoy getting lost…
Depending what special exhibitions are on, this is generally not a particularly interactive gallery but kids still love it and there’s lots to look at including light, audio and visual exhibits. It’s worth asking for the galleries publication ‘Making the most of Christchurch Art Gallery with your kids’ and grab…
Waitangi Skate Park is home to lots of skate boarders, kids on scooters and even those on balance bikes at the weekends. It’s a great place for kids to hone their skills with older kids being very mindful of younger ones. But if your kids really lack confidence or no…
Steeped in history, this area is named because it holds the battle ground, that you can walk up to, of the last recorded battle between Maori and colonial forces in this region in 1846. Lots of options of things to do at Battle Hill Farm from camping to fire building…
