Most Hawkes’ Bay beaches are quite dangerous for kids due to the undercurrent but beaches both north and south of Napier sometimes have a lagoon at a river mouth which can be safer for family swimming. This is the case at Ocean Beach although kids will still need to be actively…
Activity Category: Hastings
Waimarama Beach, near Havelock North
Most Hawkes’ Bay beaches are quite dangerous for kids due to the undercurrent but beaches both north and south of Napier sometimes have a lagoon at a river mouth which can be safer for family swimming. This is the case at Waimarama beach although kids will still need to be…
Off The Track, Havelock North
This is a popular family friendly restaurant and it pays to book for weekend and public holiday tables. The menu is full of favourite family-friendly staples, done well and there’s a good selection on the kids’ menu including some of the adult meals done as a kid-sized portion. The thing that…
William Nelson skatepark, Hastings
This is a world class skatepark designed for multiple ages and levels of kids with skateboards, BMX bikes, or scooters. Some say it’s the best skate park in the country, but you can let your kids decide! The designers have thought about younger kids too by including a small playground with…
Cornwall Park, Hastings
There are various things to do in Cornwall Park during cooler months, although the attractions are quite small so may not fill more than an hour. There’s an aviary, a Chinese garden and playground with a small but interesting selection of equipment (wobbly bridge, monkey bars and obstacle courses. Swings including…
Bay Espresso Cafe, Hastings
There are 4 branches of this cafe around Hawke’s Bay all serving Bay Espresso’s own locally roasted coffee but this recommendation is for the original cafe as it’s the only one the reviewer has been to. They do a great breakfast with a good selection of choices on the menu,…
Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market, Hastings
There is a great family friendly atmosphere at the Sunday Farmers’ Market at the Show Grounds in Hastings. This is a weekly event held no matter what the weather is like. It’s inside during the winter and outside in the summer. The stalls are filled with food and drinks that are locally…