Long, white sand beach which is great for buckets and spades. The sea is relatively calm so great for swimming but there are no life guards on duty so you’ll need to look out for rips and supervise kids at all times. This beach is on the west coast of…
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 playground is like no other with art and sculpture being very central in the equipment, making it an awesome sight for kids and adults alike. A giant Penny Farthing that’s part of the frame for the swings; an elephant with a hut at the top. Other equipment includes a…
A huge area with something for everyone. The playground is big with a wide variety of interesting equipment to suit a range of ages. But this park offers a lot more than just a playground; other free activities include seeing the deer which like to be fed acorns (if you’re visiting…
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.…
At the Imagination Station space within Tūranga (Central Library) there’s heaps of LEGO, and plenty of DUPLO and even a table of Technic. Parents are encouraged to get creative with their kids, but there is also ample space for adults to sit back and unwind. It can be busy at…
