Activity Category: Location

Esplanade Playground and Skatepark, Kaikoura

There’s a small playground, skatepark and, if you have your own equipment, a tennis court just opposite the skatepark. Between the 3, there’s something for everyone to let off steam outside, whether you’re staying locally or just passing through. The playground has toilets just next to it and a small grassy…

Ohau Point Seal Colony, SH1 Marlborough

***Sadly this particular seal colony isn’t accessible for humans or seals, after the earthquake in the area November 2016. There are still seals along the coast to the north and south of Ohau Point** The best place to see seals is just south of Kaikoura from Point Kean car park. There are…

The Store, Kekerengu, Marlborough

The Store is recommended as a good cafe with lots to keep kids of all ages occupied. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch from a menu (until about 3pm) in addition to cabinet food (available till closing time). Child-sized portions are available for some of the menu items (e.g. nachos…

Soldiers Memorial Park, Greytown

This is a great playground in its own right, with lots of equipment and within the bush setting of the local camping ground. But if there’s an adult in your party who wants to look at the Greytown shops, this playground is close by for another adult to take the bored…

Lake Ferry Hotel, Wairarapa

This is a very scenic spot to have lunch or dinner overlooking Lake Onoke, the Rimutuka ranges and out towards the South Island on a clear day. Their claim to fame is to be the southern most hotel on the North Island! Lunch and dinner are at set times and…

Everest Bistro, Featherston

This is good for takeaway coffee (Flight!) and baked goods but also a popular choice as an eat-in cafe. It has a good range of homemade cabinet food like pies, quiches and sausage rolls, as well as a full menu. There’s a selection of scoop ice-cream that your kids will…

Clareville Bakery, near Carterton

This award winning bakery is a great spot for morning or afternoon tea, breakfast or lunch. The food looks amazing and I’m sure that most kids would be able to see something in the cabinets that would appeal. There’s also a full and varied menu. As well as the food,…

Carrington Park, Carterton

This park offers the best playground in the Wairarapa, south of Masterton. There’s a good range of playground equipment for different ages as well as a skatepark, a concrete basketball court and grass field with football posts for ball games, picnics and general running around. Around the outside of the field…

Clip ‘N Climb, Christchurch

With 38 different climbs available in this indoor climbing space, there’s plenty of variety. The unique clip-in automatic belaying system, means the climber is gently lowered down when they let go, which is great for first time or inexperienced climbers. While there is no lower age restriction for rock climbing, you do need…

Blue Penguin Colony, Oamaru

Blue Penguins come ashore to their nests every evening at dusk (check what time the sun is setting here). Dress warmly and head down to the viewing stands to watch this spectacle, which can last from 60 – 90 minutes. There is commentary during the viewing. Cameras aren’t allowed. It’s…