6 minute read
Travelling on a Budget with Kids
NORTH ISLAND
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MANGAWHAI ACTIVITY ZONE (MAZ) – NORTHLAND – FREE
With a playground, skate park, pump track and flying fox that runs along the edge of the native bush, this facility is also full of walks and bike tracks. You can grab a coffee from the on-site kiosk and sit back as the kids have a blast.
TI POINT REPTILE PARK – LEIGH, AUCKLAND
With expansive ocean views, this small park houses the country’s largest and most diverse collection of reptiles including American alligators, gentle giant tortoises, turtles, iguanas and the famed tuatara.
SHEEPWORLD – WARKWORTH, AUCKLAND
Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just a field full of sheep. You’ll be greeted by the sight of bright pink sheep in the front paddocks, the shearers put on a hilarious demo show and everyone gets the chance to feed a hungry little wiggling lamb. After you have patted all the fuzzy farmyard friends, take a stroll to visit eels for feeding time.
WENDERHOLM REGIONAL PARK – WAIWERA, AUCKLAND – FREE
An ideal place to catch up with friends and family. Set up for the day on the flat grassy area, perfect for a game of cricket and a picnic. Climb the ancient pōhutukawa trees, take a paddle in the estuary or hit the usually calm beach, ideal for little swimmers. With heaps of walks and the historic Couldrey House to visit, you’d best get there early to fit it all in.
SILO PARK AND WYNYARD QUARTER – AUCKLAND CBD – FREE
Well-designed spaces include a water play area (to get a little wet), splashing pool (to get a lot wet) and a playground with swings and sculptures that can be climbed on and into, with a basketball court nearby too. In the summer months, enjoy the free open-air cinema and music sessions. Along the North Wharf, you will also find interactive public artworks and electric bikes and scooters for hire.
Silo Park, Auckland © Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
FUN ZONE – WHITIANGA, COROMANDEL
Out in the fresh air, there’s a whole heap of activities to experience here. The kids can choose from archery, kidz quads, soccer golf, paintball target shooting and outdoor lazer tag.
© Fun Zone – Whitianga, Coromandel
WAIKATO MUSEUM – HAMILTON
Your budding Elon Musk will love the new science gallery – Exsite. Jam-packed with interactive, science-based activities: play a tune on the Musical Pipes, get the machine moving by connecting gears on the giant Gear Wall, or tell a colourful story at the Colour Our World activity table.
EXTREME EDGE – HAMILTON
The crazy coloured and themed indoor climbing walls have varying challenge levels for climbers aged three and up. A perfect rainy-day activity.
TE AWA RIVER RIDE – NGĀRUAWĀHIA TO FONTERRA TE RAPA, WAIKATO – FREE
Peddle along the wide open paths for this 10km stretch, through lush countryside and giant pine trees, before letting off any leftover steam at the purpose-built sprawling bike skills park.
MIND JUNCTION – TAUPŌ
From mirror and optical illusions to space, magnets and sound experiments, the Discovery Centre is ideal for inquisitive minds. Figure out the giant maze, get in a round or two of mini-golf, or hang out at the awe-inspiring Lego display.
HUKA PRAWN PARK – TAUPŌ
Open on the weekends, this riverside park stretches over six hectares providing prawn-themed fun around every corner. It’s best to visit on a warmer day and pack a towel to get the most out of their water-based activities: they have water cannons, paddleboards, pedalos, swan boats, water weights and bikes to name a few.
© Huka Pawn Park, Taupō
BURIED VILLAGE OF TE WAIROA – LAKE TARAWERA
This is New Zealand's most visited archaeological site, where stories of the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption come to life with a new virtual reality experience. Check out the award-winning Museum of Te Wairoa exhibition and the collection of 130-year-old excavated taonga.
NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM, WAIOURU
The Kids HQ is a new interactive play area for families, located within the museum. Children can play in a space which takes them on a journey from palisades to pill boxes, as well as a number of hands-on activities including puzzles and a store full of authentic army uniforms from different periods to dress up in.
SOUTH ISLAND
OHAU POINT SEAL COLONY– KAIKŌURA – FREE
With easy access to view the seals, you won’t be able to contain your squeals of delight as the tiny young seal pups playfully climb in and out of the water and onto the rocks.
Seal pup, Ohau Stream, Kaikōura © Neil Protheroe
MARGARET MAHY PLAYGROUND – CHRISTCHURCH – FREE
Whoever designed this place really knows what kids want. Spread over more than two hectares of land, it is one of the biggest playgrounds in the southern hemisphere. This gold standard playground has it all, from a giant family-sized slide to tunnels, climbing walls and towers, a flying fox and sandpit. It’s also worth checking out the Instagramable giant swing (aka #chchswing) across the road for older kids.
Margaret Mahy Playground, Christchurch © AATP
CHILDREN’S BAY RHINO WALK– AKAROA – FREE
Perfect for families, this 4km return walk is accessed from the picnic spot at Children’s Bay. The sometimesmuddy trail winds its way through the native mānuka with plenty of birdsong to keep you company and is broken up by various sculptures to pique your interest.
NEW ZEALAND MUSEUM OF TOYS AND COLLECTIBLES – CHRISTCHURCH
Unlike many museums, the ‘look with your eyes and not your hands’ rule does not apply; all toys that are here are to be played with. The broad range of toys and collectibles is ever-changing and increasing with each incoming generation’s contribution.
TEKAPŌ ICE SKATING – TEKAPŌ
Wear a few pairs of pants for a soft landing at this full-sized, outdoor scenic skating rink. Skates and helmet are included in the ticket price and little penguin buddies are available to help keep novice skaters upright and on their feet.
Tekapō ice skating © Christchurch
