There is a Black Peak mobile gelato truck that takes up residence at the bottom of the mountain road up to Cardrona Skifield in the busy winter periods and after a hard day on the slopes, it can be a very welcome sight! The more permanent Black Peak is in…
This is a novel way of getting kids outside, even if it’s a grey day, exploring the Queenstown Wharf and having a blast! The Spy Mission depends on the adult(s) setting it up in a way that means the kids are completely taken in – it’s worth buying the material and…
This is a great first overnight tramp for kids as it’s short (roughly 4km oneway), with a comfortable, cosy cottage at the end. The Sign of the Packhorse Hut sleeps 9 people, so grab some like minded friends, book the whole place and show your kids the joy of overnight…
Away from the throngs of people that can crowd the centre of Taupo at certain times of the year, this playground was replaced in 2016 and has a pirate ship at its centre. With opportunities for climbing, sliding and lots of role play especially with the steering wheel. There’s a…
The Maitai river runs so close to the city centre of Nelson that it’s a great alternative to pavements for getting around without the disturbance of cars. The path is suitable for buggies, bikes and scooters and there are lots of places to join and leave the track. If you’re going to…
This is a good sized skatepark for serious people on wheels! There are 2 bowls, rails, ledges and flat banks allowing kids to practise tricks and watch others. For those not into skateboarding, there are fields surrounding the skatepark that are marked out as football pitches during the season. Lots of space…
Whether or not this hill is in the exact centre of NZ is certainly debatable but nevertheless, if you can encourage your kids to the top, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world! (for more on the reason for the centre of New Zealand name, look at this…
Reopened in April 2017 after major renovations, this playground now has a big water course running through it. Great for kids who like water play! They can man wheels to control the flow, change the direction and use the shutters to manage the dams. Around the water course, there’s a mini…
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…
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 &…
