The only authentic Spanish and South American restaurant in Auckland with live music at weekends with a student and children’s lunch menu from $10.50 and a Kids Combo which includes choices for the less adventurous child such as fish and chips and mini hot dogs, plus a dessert and drink – all for $9.50.

Named after the famous Iguacu Falls on the Argentina/Brazil order, this restaurant provides a children’s menu with colouring in, games and brainteasers and the kids can choose to Build Their Own Burger, graze on the Wild Thornberry’s Platter or sample Shrek’s Mixed Green Salad with Nuts. Between 11 and 3 pm on a Sunday the private dining room becomes a Kid’s Club where children can choose to watch classic movies on a wide screen tv, colouring in or play games while parents can relax and listen to live jazz or blues.

The gardens have a giant chess board, a brick boat, sandpit and play area to keep the children amused. Highchairs and changing room provided. The kids’ menu includes honey and soy chicken, tempura fish as well as pizza.

A short drive from the city over the harbour bridge is Gumdiggers, located in one of Birkenhead’s most historic buildings. Gumdiggers are open for evening meals and have a selection of smaller main courses available for children.

Only 40 minutes north of Auckland and in close proximity to Warkworth vineyards and beaches is the Honey Centre where kids can enjoy the live bee display as well as the café style meals and honey and fruit ice creams.. Also on site is a one hour sheep ‘n’ show presentation.

This popular café is a great place for an evening meal. The kids’ menu features healthy options like the hero burger and chief mini drums and the first drink and ice cream dessert is free. Colouring in sheets and highchairs are provided.

A family friendly café with a play area and a children’s playhouse plus plenty of grass for the children to run around. The kids’ menu has the usual hamburger, chicken tenders and chicken burger but also offers poached egg with soldiers and mini platters for the more health conscious.

With orders taken on an electronic handheld device which are sent to the kitchen by radio signal, your dishes will be cooked and brought to your table immediately. The restaurant is modelled on those in Japan which have been popular for hundreds of years which means you don’t wait for everyone to be served – just tuck in when the dishes arrive at your table. The kids’ menu is available to those twelve and under and features specialties such as deep fried breadcrumbed chicken breast or grilled chicken breast served on rice or noodles. The website has an extremely useful list of which menu items are suitable for those on restricted foods like diabetics or those intolerant of wheat and gluten, lactose or shellfish. High chairs, colouring work book and crayons provided..