There are actually 2 lighthouses at Pencarrow heads, one old and up high, the other one is new and still operating. Both have helped guide boats around the rocky outcrops at the entrance to Wellington harbour since 1859. It’s an almost 7km trip out to the new lighthouse, about a…
Kawau Island, in the Hauraki Gulf to the North East of Auckland is only accessible by boat with ferries and water taxis going across from Sandspit. Kawau doesn’t have any roads or cars making it very peaceful but also problematic to get around if you don’t have your own water…
Just outside of Matakana on the road to Leigh, this is a huge space with options for all weather although most attractions are better suited to days without rain. The playground is large with various wooden structures like a pink castle, fire truck, buzzy bee ship lighthouse and then more…
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…
Luke’s is a bit of an institution in Kuaotunu as, along with the café, there’s also an art gallery and a shop making it a hub for this small community. The café also has a full schedule of live music over the summer months and most weekends throughout the rest…
With wide paths that are either sealed or shingle, the tracks in Wainuiomata Recreation Area are great for all ages and abilities of walkers and cyclists. If you park on Reservoir Road (see below for directions) there are a couple of different route options. The road to the lower dam…
This is a great family activity if you go prepared with some old pieces of cardboard (one for everyone that wants a turn is preferable!) Head to the grassy hill to the west of Harling Park armed with your cardboard, trudge to the top of the hill and enjoy a…
The Wainui Store is a convenience shop selling basic grocery items, scoop ice cream and freshly brewed coffee. It also has a selection of baking including pies and sweet treats. But it’s the fish and chips that particularly comes recommended! If you’re in the Wainui Beach area Thursday – Sunday…
Just a 5-minute drive from Wanaka, this Lavendar Farm is a lovely place to relax on a warm day. There are of course lots of lavendar plants to wonder round in the 10 acres of beautiful gardens. But there are also games dotted around like giant Connect 4 and Petanque which…
Just a couple of kilometres north of Glenorchy, this farm lets families get up close to a huge variety of animals in a beautiful setting. The area that the animals occupy is small, making it very easily accessible for kids of all ages. The animals are friendly and happy to…
