There are lots of geothermal parks in and around Rotorua that are generally very expensive to enter. If you just want to get a quick taster (perhaps your time is limited?) or want to know if your kids are sufficiently interested to pay entrance fees into a bigger, more varied…
This is on the corner of a busy intersection (with no real barriers) with fairly steep, shiny skate ramps, so for those reasons, it’s probably best for those that are reasonably confident on their skateboards or scooters. There are toilets onsite and limited parking just near these. Some shade provided by big…
The equipment here is fairly traditional – swings, slides, monkey bars, things to climb and balance on but there’s a reasonable range including a section for younger kids (not fenced or sectioned off). As a whole, there should be something for a good range of ages. There’s also a large grassy…
Native New Zealand species are in abundance here due to the protection given to them by the world’s longest pest-proof fence. These include, native species of birds, bats, frogs and reptiles as well as tuatara and giant weta. There are well maintained walking tracks which you can enjoy by yourself or…
This is a series of bike tracks and areas to suit different ages and abilities of bike riders (balance bikes, trikes and scooters are all acceptable here as well as regular bikes). There is an awesome mini-road set up with traffic lights, stop and give way signs. There’s a fenced off…
The area around Cambridge is home to multiple producers, many of whom sell what they grow and make at this local Farmers’ Market every week. It’s a great place to pick up meat, dairy products, bread and other baked items, fruit and vegetables and a coffee. Especially good if you’re…
Lots on offer here for outdoor fun. There’s a good playground (several slides, swings, obstacle course including monkey bars), although it’s near the main road with no fencing so kids with a tendency to run off, will need to be carefully monitored. Miniature trains also run on Sundays, weather permitting, including a…
This park on the edge of the Waikato River, has a large water feature in the form of a summer pool, made up of 3 separate pools – very popular with kids of all ages. Note the warning sign near the pools though, advising that due to the natural location, kids…
This is New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction (apparently!) but don’t let that put you off taking your kids there for a look. To find out more about why the Huka Falls exist, check out the website link under contacts. This link also has info on the various walks available…
The army museum makes a good stopping off point if you’re driving along the SH1 or SH49 around Waiouru, especially on a rainy day if the kids just need a break from the car. There’s a lot of information to take in, so it might pay to look at the website to select a…
