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…
A trip to the gannet colony on Cape Kidnappers is a great experience for people of all ages. While the tractor trailer journey is currently suspended, you might want to consider visiting the gannets by 4WD minibus instead. There is no walking required and the tours depart at the same…
Fully gated and right near SH2, this playground makes a good stopping point on a journey between Gisborne and Hawkes Bay. By the river with a path that is suitable for bikes, scooters and buggies, this playground can also be easily reached as part of a riverside walk/ride. There’s a…
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 playground was new in 2018 and has lots of equipment that should appeal to a variety of ages. The playground is also next to a skatepark and a half basketball court and also within the huge park with lots of flat grass (for picnics, kite flying and ball games),…
The walkway along the sea side of Napier’s Marine Parade is great for buggies, bikes, skate boards, scooters and rollerblades because it’s wide and mostly smooth concrete. Along the way there are plenty of things to stop and look at or play on making this an area you could easily…
This unassuming cafe has a surprisingly great space for kids out the back, so if you’re in or travelling through Central Hawkes Bay and looking for the kids to have a run around while grabbing a coffee, snack or full meal, check Hatuma Cafe out. The menu covers breakfast and…
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’re looking for deep fried or sugary stables, you’ll be disappointed but if you’re after a cafe serving home cooked, healthy and nutritious food this is the place for you! The menu changes with the seasons, they make their own bread every day and use herbs from their garden out…
