For some people, visiting Hawkes Bay is synonymous with checking out a winery or two! The problem with visiting a winery with kids though is that often there’s little to keep the kids occupied while the adults enjoy a glass of the local beverage and that isn’t very enjoyable for…
Not all wineries in New Zealand cater well for kids, so it’s lovely to go somewhere where the adults can sit back and sample the wine and/or eat while the kids are happily occupied in a playground. Aimed at younger kids, the playground is fully gated and has a couple…
This is an easy access reasonably spectacular set of waterfalls between Havelock North and the coast. In the summer, it’s a popular swimming spot as a fresh water alternative to the sea for cooling down. There are no life guards on duty here though so please take extra care to…
Set in the centre of Havelock North this bright, airy cafe provides delicious food whether you want to sit and enjoy it at a table, or take away from the counter/bakery for a picnic elsewhere. Owned and run by parents to 5 kids, Maina will always be child-friendly. Food is…
If you need to be inside burning some energy, this trampoline park is a good place to come. The space is split into an area for under 10s with trampolines, a box for climbing on and jumping off at a height smaller kids can manage and a mini foam pit.…
Reopened in April 2017 after major renovations, this playground now has a big water course running through it. Great for kids who like water play! They can man wheels to control the flow, change the direction and use the shutters to manage the dams. Around the water course, there’s a mini…
Splash Planet is fairly well known by summer visitors to the Hawkes’ Bay region and is generally a firm favourite with locals. It’s most talked about for the slides and water features but there’s also a whole section of the park dedicated to ‘dry rides’ which is great for younger kids who might…
Kairakau is a beach settlement made up of baches, a tennis court and a holiday camp. There are no shops although an ice cream van visits during the summer. Take your provisions with you as the closest shops are at least 30 minutes away. Like most Hawke’s Bay beaches, the…
3km from Havelock North village, this gallery, cafe and old fashioned sweet shop is set in huge grounds with a sculpture garden, indoor and outdoor seating and plenty to keep kids entertained. It’s important to note that the inside cafe area is also a gallery-shop and kids need to be…
This is a lovely place to come for a special family meal out. The restaurant at the winery is open and airy with friendly staff that are willing to accommodate kids. There’s a kids’ menu (pizza and fish and chips) which comes with an ice cream for dessert and colouring in for…
