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…
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…
The Orongorongo track is part of the Rimutaka Forest Park and compromises several different walks that are great for kids just starting out on their tramping adventures! The paths are really well maintained and apart from an initial climb up from the Catchpool car parking area, they’re relatively flat with…
Only open in the summer months, these outdoor pools are great on a warm, calm day! With 3 different pools and a splash pad there is something for everyone. The splash pad doesn’t have any standing water so is safe for littlies of all ages. There are buckets, fountains and…
The good thing about this mountain bike park is that with 14 graded tracks, there are trails to suit most levels. If your family is new to mountain biking, the Wetland Loop is a great trail to start with but there are lots of other routes that would suit riders who are…
One of the best things about this reserve is that it can be blowing a northerly/north-westerly gale in the rest of Wellington but you’d never know it here as it’s well sheltered. The other great thing is that there’s plenty of space with a few key things to do as…
Italian food is often a good ‘go to’ for families with pizza or pasta being enjoyed by lots of kids. The food at La Bella is authentic, tasty and generally comes quickly. Add to this the staff who are friendly and happy to have children dining, it all makes for…
Opening in late 2016 after a major upgrade (that has seen only 2 pieces of ‘old’ equipment remaining), Avalon Playground now boasts some of the most diverse and interesting equipment of any playground in the Wellington region. Equipment is spread out over quite a wide area making keeping track of several…
If you’re looking for a cafe that has both great food AND entertainment for the kids, look no further than this cafe on the waterfront in Petone. In the old rowing club building, the menu is stocked with all the popular breakfast staples including a full cooked breakfast, eggs benedict,…
This is the biggest island you can see in Wellington Harbour. It was used as a quarantine for those with infectious diseases and later as a quarantine for animals (right up until 1995). The island allows you to do some lovely walks as well as visit the old quarantine buildings…
