This is the largest swimming pool complex in the area and if you can’t get out to the beach for any reason, it makes a good alternative. There’s a lap pool, leisure pool with waves, toddlers’ pool with waterfall feature and a beach area. There’s also a hydroslide, although it…
This is a big outlay for a large family but gives unprecedented views over Auckland and beyond, going up the tallest building in New Zealand (a grand 328 metres)! For some, their fear of heights might be challenged, whether it’s because the tower sways if it’s very windy or because…
This is an indoor maze with a difference – navigating through it, tests your senses. There are many different zones that you work your way through and each one tests a different sense. These can change from time to time but might include for instance, a room with mirrors to…
This is a large museum, spread over 3 floors, with something that will appeal to all kids and adults. Also known as the Auckland War Memorial Museum, this is actually only the theme for the top floor. The ground floor is dedicated to Maori culture and early 19th century settlers.…
This art gallery is worth checking out, especially if the weather means you want to be inside. The artwork displayed is a mixture of pieces by local, national and international artists. Some of the displays are temporary exhibitions, so it’s worth visiting even if you’ve been before. For kids there’s a children’s…
Barker’s is a household name as makers of jams, chutneys and cordials to name but a few of their products, that would be present in lots of New Zealand pantries! They have had a business just south of Geraldine since the late 1960s but to buy and taste their products, visit the…
These hot pools come highly recommended by lots of families. Unlike some other hot pool complexes in the country, the ones at Waikite aren’t treated with chemicals and come directly from the naturally boiling spring, with the only ‘treatment’ being that the water is cooled before it enters the pools.…
When you have children that need to burn some energy when the weather isn’t great, this rec centre is a great place to come. For toddlers and those 4 years and under, there’s Tinytown which is a fenced and gated area with a bouncy castle, ride ons and a range…
Only operating on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, these steam or diesel hauled trains or sometimes a railcar have been lovingly restored and make you feel like you’re traveling back in time. The 1.5km track takes about 15 minutes as a return trip and you pay once,…
This modern museum tracks the history of people settling into the Dunedin and the wider Otago area from the first Maori, to the Scottish and the Chinese settlers during the gold rush period, right up to the modern day. There are lots of different areas within the museum so you’re…
