This adventure park is situated on the banks of the Wairoa River, ten minutes away from Tauranga city. Pedallos, kayaking, rocking climbing, ropes course or beach volleyball are all waiting for you at Waimarino Adventure Park. Paddle around Waimarino in a double or single kayak. Want to take the whole family for a gentle, relaxing float? The Pedallos are probably for you. With slides and diving boards for the younger ones these are very easy to pedal around. For something different in the evening, let their guides lead you onto Lake McLaren at dusk. Paddle into the night and discover the magic of the enchanting glowworm canyon. Take a picnic hamper for after all that exertion or enjoy a barbecue near the warm pool.

With four pools, an indoor wave pool, toddlers pool and hydroslide, Baywave is a great place for the children to have fun in the water. They also have a café offering café style meals and a variety of hot foods for children, including wedges, pies and pizzas and ice cream. Kids Klub operates during school holidays, with pool games and activities for children between 5 and 13 years of age (bookings are essential). Little Splashes childcare will look after children between three months and five years from 9 to 11 and 11 – 1 (weekdays only)

Longridge Fun Park has animals and thrills! For the more adventurous try jet boating along the Kaituria River and enjoy the native bush and birdlilfe. The Jet Boat takes you 12.5 km along the Kaituna River where you can spot native birdlife and waterfalls along the way. The boats seat up to 25 people and the 360 degree spins are customised according to age. Take the children on a ‘you drive’ 4WD course of 12 challenges, (full current driver’s licence essential and minimum age 18 months). Or, for a gentler experience, the guided farm and Kiwifruit tour will take you through the farmland and forest where you can learn about Kauri trees and feed the various farm animals on the way.. Finish up with a home made ice cream at café 360. Check the website for full details.

This 35 acre animal park is located within the beautiful McLaren Falls Park. Children are able to feed and play with a host of farmyard animals and see the unusual Tibetan yaks, giant African ostriches, Texas longhorns, several breeds of sheep, deer, goats, birds, pigs and horses from the mighty shire to cute miniatures. There are also pony rides, flying foxes and a playground. A shop sells essentials like pies and ice creams, or bring your own picnic to enjoy at the picnic tables set up in the park.

Graeme Butler has 19 years experience of finding dolphins and taking people into the water with them. His 18 metre boat has been specifically modified to provide a safe, dolphin friendly encounter, allowing practically anyone to see wild dolphins close under the water, and conditions are assessed on the day to make sure it is safe for children to go into the water. They offer a guarantee that if they don’t find dolphins or whales you can go again at no extra charge. Prices include wetsuits, snorkel gear, tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

At Kiwi 360, we celebrate the incredible Kiwifruit and the rich culture that surrounds it. We are proud to live in the Kiwifruit Capital of the world! Ride the kiwikarts through the orchards and end up in the old Magic Kingdom Playpark. There is a café for food and souvenirs.

This privately owned park with delightful gardens, lily ponds and secret paths is on the edge of Tauranga Harbour and features a wide range of native and colourful birds. Exotic pheasants, peacocks and doves follow you and you are encouraged to hand-feed the emu, ducklings and doves. There is a café for lunch offering light meals, sandwiches, pies and soup, home baked scones and cakes.

This huge pictorial maze is set in 12 acres of maize. The maze takes approximately 45 minutes to complete with over 8 kms of paths and bridges. Trivia and joke signs are set up throughout the maze. On the last Saturday night of each month from December to April children and brave parents may like to try the Grimmer Scary Tales – loosely based on the fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm, this is aimed at under 16s (under 12s should be accompanied by an adult). Prepare to be scared (but in a fun way!) A laser light show runs continuously in the picnic area and for the really young children, fairy tale movies are played on the big screen outside while the older ones are in the maze.