Island bay is surrounded by small bays with calm, clear waters. Between the beach and the Parade is Shorland Park. Popular with local children, the park has a long slide, swings, pirate ship, junior area and basketball half-court. There are also picnic tables, changing sheds and toilets
Previously known as Chaffers, this newly re-created recreation space is close to Te Papa. The facilities include a waka launching area, a children’s playground, skateboard zone and plenty of grass to run around on.
This 330 hectare native forest overlooks Waikanae and is one of the largest remaining areas of protected kohekohe forest. The main entrance to Hemi Matenga Scenic Reserve is at Tui Crescent, where there is a small parking area by a reservoir.
LocationNear the Treehouse Visitor Centre, Botanic Gardens, Wellington
The Wellington Botanic Garden features 25 hectares of unique landscape, protected native forest, conifers, specialised plant collections, colourful floral displays, and views over Wellington city. The Botanic Gardens has a play area with a rocktopus, double-pipe tube slides, swings, slides and flying fox. There are also picnic tables, toilets and an enclosed area for small children. There are glow worms in the main garden, from the duck pond up to Glen Road; these are best spotted at night after rain and at full moon. The Botanic Gardens Café is expected to re-open in Spring 2007.
The Walk Wellington guides will take you for morning or evening walks, giving you an excellent introduction to this walkable city. Tours are at 10 am, with walks at 5.30pm in the summer on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Their morning walk features landmarks like Civic Square, the waterfront and Lambton Quay. Walks take 90 to 120 minutes and no advance booking is required.
This beach in Eastbourne is the perfect beach for relaxing and has calm waters making it safe for swimming. It is accessible by ferry and there are picnic spots and walking trails nearby.
On Oriental Bay, this beach has a play area with rope climbing equipment for older children and a climbing frame for toddlers. There are also picnic tables and toilets.
