Activity Category: Manawatu-Whanganui

Dannevirke Domain playground

The theme for this playground is a Viking ship, the ends of which sit between a huge structure of playground equipment including tunnels, climbing walls, bridges, and a double metal flying fox. In other parts of the playground there are swings, including a bucket swing and preschooler swings. There’s preschool equipment…

Fountaine Square playground, Woodville

If you’re travelling through Woodville, on either SH3 or SH2, this large grassy area just off the highway makes a good place to stop if the weather allows. Even though the State highway is so close, the surrounding streets are quiet and there’s a toilet block at the Pollen &…

Walk/cycle track through Foxton Beach

Although you can’t do a loop that’s all off road, this track is still great for all ages. You can take in 2 playgrounds, see wetland birds, go as far as you want and then turn around or complete a loop by using the pavements. It’s fine for bikes (including balance…

Playground & Skatepark, Foxton Beach

This playground lies right in the centre of Foxton Beach and is a real hub for families in the settlement. The playground itself has equipment for all ages. There are seesaws, swings, slides (including a smaller one for preschoolers), ropes for walking along, a very wobbly bridge, wooden posts for…

Little White Rabbit Cafe, Foxton Beach

This bright, friendly cafe seems to cater well for both locals and those visiting Foxton Beach. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (the latter from Thursday – Sunday only) the menu is short but should have something for most people. There’s often live music on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons…

Gumboot throwing, Taihape

Where else in the world can you go to throw a gumboot other than Taihape? Gumboot throwing began as a competition in 1985 but you don’t have to attend the annual event (the Tuesday after Easter) to have a go, as there’s a gumboot throwing lane just waiting for you!…

The Lido Aquatic Centre, Palmerston North

The indoor and outdoor facility means that there’s water action for all weather at the Lido. Inside there is a leisure pool, 25m lap pool, 2 hydroslides, toddlers’ pool and dedicated teaching pool. Outside there’s a 50m pool, separate leisure pool, 2 hydroslides and a dive well. There’s also an…

Memorial Park, Palmerston North

While the local council are planning upgrades for this park, it is already popular among local families for the wide range of activities available here. There’s lots of open space for running around, ball games etc. Bring your skates or scooter to practise at the skating rink, bring togs and splash…

Kowhai Park, Whanganui

This is a playground that, young or old, can’t fail to put a smile on your face. Whether you’re looking to break a journey or staying in the area, it has been around and much loved by kids for decades. The playground reopened in early 2016 after being damaged by flooding…

Cafe Cuba, Palmerston North

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This is a popular cafe for breakfast, lunch and treats for local families, although they’re also open for dinner. There’s a full menu with the usual breakfast meals like eggs benedict, a build your own breakfast with eggs and extras, granola, a breakfast burger etc. The kids’ menu covers the usual favourites; waffles,…