Bay of Plenty, Family Activities

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  • Big Kanu Evening Glow Worm Tour

    Join this evening glow worm kayak tour from Tauranga to enjoy a magical sunset and twilight kayaking tour to an enchanting glow worm canyon lit up by the luminescence of the glowing creatures. This three-hour tour begins with delicious New Zealand fine wine and cheese as the sun sets over the rolling hills of Lake McLaren Falls Park.

    At dusk, you'll be led by expert guides on a gentle kayak to a glow worm canyon as day turns to night. Lit up by the glow of the worms, this peaceful kayaking tour will give you a close look at the fascinating creatures in a darkened cave. Learn interesting facts about glow worms and their life cycle as you paddle through the caves. This three-hour evening glow worm kayak tour involves 1.5 hours of paddle time and no experience is necessary.
    Suitable for all ages.

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  • Scenic Lake McLaren Kayak Tour

    Explore the beautiful Lake McLaren and in New Zealand's Tauranga region with a guided scenic kayaking tour. Departing at 9am, this 3-hour tour takes you from Waimarino to the shoreline of Lake McLaren. From here you'll climb into a double sea kayak (single available upon request) to embark on a water adventure that will keep you completely dry.

    With the help of a full safety briefing from your experienced tour guide, you'll embark on an adventure to explore this beautiful lake. All members of the group are provided with life jackets, waterproof splash jacket, a spray skirt for the lid of the kayak so your legs stay dry and a dry bag for your camera.

    A scenic, relaxing and enjoyable experience, there's no better way to explore Lake McLaren within the Tauranga region. A must-do tour for all ages, you'll paddle past beautiful flora and fauna as well as into the Mangapapa Canyon, a deep canyon surrounded by towering cliffs.

    An incredible journey that will provide you with some amazing photo opportunities, this tour is suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness and children of all ages, with those under 5 years of age able to sit on an adult's lap for free.

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  • Ages 7+

    Adrenalin Forest

    Take a walk in the treetops! This is an adventure park in the heart of the forest, testing your agility and balance in a safe and controlled, but of course, super-fun environment! ... read more

  • Ages 8+

    The Cave Papamoa

    The Cave Virtual Reality Studios - New Zealand’s best venues for VR, Virtual Escape Games, Esports, Sim Racing, Solo & Multiplayer Gaming, Corporate Events, Private Studio Hire and... read more

  • Waimarino Adventure Park

    Located on the bank of the Wairoa River, Waimarino Adventure Park is a haven for all things recreational. There is a range of things to see and do at the Adventure Park, sure to suit a range of ages and adventure levels. You can kayak on the river, jump off the water trampoline, get high with the climbing wall, speed down New Zealand's only kayak slide, have a go on the Tarzan Swing, run towards the slip 'n' slide or relax in the warm thermal pool to name a few. There is so much to do you can easily lose a whole day trying all of the fun and exciting activities they have available.

    The perfect destination for those looking to get outside and have some old fashion fun, Waimarino Adventure Park has it all! With this one day pass you can gain access to the park and all of its exciting attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy (even the young ones). From October to April the park is open everyday - with the exception of Christmas Day - from 10am until 6pm and during the week only, with limited activities available, between May and September from 10am until 5pm.

     

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  • Dolphin and Wildlife Half Day Cruise

    The Bay of Islands is home to a collection of native wildlife, all of which, you can experience firsthand during a half-day wildlife cruise from Tauranga. Step aboard the spacious vessel for an amazing marine encounter with sea birds, dolphins, penguins, seals, turtles and even whales (seasonal).

    Passenger numbers are limited for your comfort so you have the freedom to explore the spacious vessel and get the best views and photographs possible during the Bay of Islands wildlife cruise. Join the aquatic adventure from Tauranga Waterfront Jetty at 9 am daily.

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  • Katikati Bird Gardens - Tauranga

    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.  This is ... read more

  • Rocktopia - Mt Maunganui

    Rocktopia represents adventure and fun for the entire family, a place where you can connect, be encouraged, have fun and enjoy problem solving scaling up one wall to another.  Suitable for all ages and abilities, there are 26 climbing challenges and 31 fun climbs on offer making this a great place to get your friends and family together!  Try something new - Climp N Climb offers fun and bright climbing walls, whilst Rock On has been built by climbers for climbers.  There are after-school climbing clubs, membership options available for unlimited climbing to progress your skills, or you can book one of the party rooms for your child's next birthday party - party packages come complete with invites, great party food options, access to Climp N Climb or Rock On, plus the help of an exclusive host to assist you.  Click on 'read more' for further information.

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    • Location: 9 Triton Ave, Mount Maunganul, Bay of Plenty
  • Tenpin Tauranga

    Have a ball at Bowling Tauranga! They have a special party room, a café, kiddies menu and 20 bowling lanes, with ball ramps and light balls for the littlies.

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  • Fernland Spa Thermal Mineral Springs

    One main hot pool surrounded by towering tree ferns, or choose one of our gorgeous private thermal hot pools, perfect for a family group.

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    • Phone: 07 578 3081
    • Location: 250 Cambridge Road, Tauranga
  • Baywave TECT Aquatic and Leisure Centre

    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, 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).

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    • Phone: 07 575 0276
    • Location: Cnr Girvan and Gloucester Road, Mount Manganui
  • Ages 6+

    Maddix Bike Park

    Off-road bike park catering for motorcycles and quads. Main MX track for seniors & juniors with separate track for minis. Also 2km and 15km native bush trail loops. Open 7 days but weather dependent.

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  • Natural Harmonics

    We all know children love to be creative! Do you want a party for your child that promotes confidence, builds on skills and is environmentally focused? Do you like the idea of your children using natural materials and celebrating with the elements of the natural world with fun craft activities based on nature, recycling and creating something unique. I come to your home or venue, set up the activity and clean up afterwards, all you need to supply is a table and chairs or a floor space for the children to work on, and some party food - I’ll bring the rest! Minimum 5 / maximum 12 children. Options include: fairy gardens, crystal hanging, jewellery, sand art, nature mandalas and more.

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  • Ages 8+

    East Coast Paddler

    Stand Up Paddle and Outrigger company – tours, lessons, hire and retail. We welcome school groups and after school programmes are offered. You can also experience surf canoeing with us.

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  • Ages 8+

    Hibiscus Surf School

    Hibiscus Surf School caters for all levels of surfing. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced surfer, we will teach you at the level you require and get you out on the water and progressing your skills in no time!

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    • Phone: 07 575 3792
    • Location: Main Beach, Mount Maunganui
  • Ages 2+

    Kiwi Jet Boat Tours

    Depart from the North Islands largest man made dam and travel across the majestic Matahina Lake. Take in the amazing views of the spectacular ignimbrite cliffs leading to the Rangitaiki River with it's weeping waterfalls and willowed banks.

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  • Memorial Pool

    This is a popular summertime destination for leisurely swimming or fitness training. An on-site barbecue makes this the ideal location for family and group get-togethers.

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    • Phone: 07 578 6091
    • Location: Memorial Park Off Devonport Road Tauranga
  • Marshalls Animal Park

    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.

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    • Phone: 07 543 1099
    • Location: McLaren Falls Road, RD1, SH29, Tauranga
  • Elements Watersports Centre

    This is the place for kids from 8 to 18 to get in the water and learn a number of great sports including windsurfing, sailing and paddleboarding. Ideal base for birthday parties.

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    • Phone: 0800 486 729
    • Location: Kulim Park, Kulim Avenue, Bureta, Tauranga
  • Greerton Aquatic Centre

    Aquarobics, Learn to Swim Classes, Gymnasium and Swim Shop. A variety of pools for fitness, relaxation and therapy. Open Mon Fri 6am 8pm, Sat Sun 9am 6pm.

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  • Classic Flyers NZ

    A hidden gem in Tauranga is AvGas Café & Bar, located at the Classic Flyers Aviation Museum. Inside the café there is a fenced play area for your little one complete with ride on plane, toys, books and musical instruments. Outside there is a large playground, Torpedo park that is also fenced with a mini plane and train, swing, slide, underground tunnel, life-size war planes and helicopters that you can climb inside and play. This playground is adored by children both young and old. There are covered picnic tables outside so you can watch your little ones while they play. The “Little Friends” coffee deal which consists of a coffee, muffin or scone, fluffy and a ride in the pedal car for little ones is only $10 during 9am-2pm weekdays. A great way to spend the morning.

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    • Phone: 07 572 4000
    • Location: 9 Jean Batten Drive Mount Maunganui
Map of New Zealand
  • Central Otago
  • Auckland
  • Bay of Plenty
  • Christchurch
  • Dunedin
  • Coromandel
  • Gisborne
  • Fiordland
  • Marlborough Sounds
  • Manawatu
  • Northland
  • North Canterbury
  • Queenstown
  • South Canterbury
  • Taranaki
  • Southland
  • Taupo
  • Wanaka
  • Waikato
  • Wellington
  • West Coast
  • Whangarei
  • Bay of Islands
  • Tauranga
  • Gisborne
  • Hamilton
  • Napier
  • Kapiti
  • Palmerston North
  • Whanganui
  • New Plymouth
  • Arrowtown
  • Te Anau
  • Akaroa
  • Ashburton
  • Hanmer
  • Kaikoura
  • Methven
  • Mt Cook
  • Oamaru
  • Tekapo
  • Timaru
  • Abel Tasman
  • Motueka
  • Nelson Lakes
  • Blenheim
  • Picton
  • Catlins
  • Gore
  • Stewart Island
  • Central Plateau
  • Invercargill
  • Cromwell
  • Greymouth
  • Hokitika
  • Westport
  • Glenorchy

Our favourite destinations…

Auckland

New Zealand’s economic heart and biggest city is also an exciting family visitor destination, situated on a sunny harbour with city beaches just minutes away from the CBD. Orientate yourself by heading down to Viaduct Harbour, wandering the waterfront, checking out the super yachts or enjoying the waterfront restaurants. Nearby is the must-visit Sky Tower along with excellent and kid-friendly museums and tons of exciting activities!

Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital. Here you will find New Zealand's parliament buildings, including the 'Executive Wing', more well-known as 'The Beehive' due to its distinctive shape. Another icon to look out for is the Wellington Tram, which was the main means of public transport between 1878 and 1964.

Christchurch

With a population of around 400,000 Christchurch, in Canterbury, is the South Island ’s largest city, yet much of it has the feel of a small town. Perhaps that’s why it’s known as the Garden City but with the expansive Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, Port Hills, River Avon and numerous beaches the city certainly has an open, relaxed feel that’s hard to beat.

Queenstown

With its well-deserved reputation as New Zealand’s activity adventure capital you’ll never run out of activities and things to do in Queenstown, but you may run out of time! With breathtaking scenery, activities and festivals, cafes and restaurants, skiing and snowboarding, shopping and wineries, this lakeside alpine resort rates as one of the world’s top vacation destinations for all ages and seasons.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits on the shore of Lake Rotorua, one of sixteen lakes in the area formed by hundreds of thousands of years of eruptions from the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The area is renowned for its geothermal activity and top of any activity list is to see the bubbling mud pools that are around the region for yourself. The Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers a first hand insight into the devastation caused by the 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera and is a great place to discover steaming volcanic craters and bubbling, spitting  pools of mud!

Nelson and Golden Bay

The Nelson and Golden Bay regions, at the top of the South Island, boast enviable sunshine hours, glorious sandy beaches, safe swimming spots, lots of wildlife to look out for, and Abel Tasman National Park - an absolute must to explore, on foot, by kayak, your own craft or watertaxi.  Nelson is home to a vibrant arts and crafts community with a fabulous Saturday market, and is close to award-winning wineries and family-friendly bike tracks to take you around the coast.

Hawkes Bay

Napier was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake and is now known as NZ's Art Deco City.  The Art Deco influence has created a unique city – nowhere else can you see such a varied concentration of art deco style. With over 2,200 sunshine hours a year, Napier is a year-round holiday destination with countless activities to entertain the kids – there's days of entertainment on Marine Parade alone, plus numerous other family-friendly trips and activities.  Add to that the beaches, walks and flat cycle paths, outdoor cafes and entertainment, and you have a perfect holiday destination!

Northland

Beautiful, unspoiled beaches, fishing, historic gum fields, kauri forests – the Far North has it all. With subtropical temperatures, it's often known as ‘the Winterless north', with warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Gateway to the Bay of Islands, Paihia is a pretty, lively beachside town and a perfect base for your family holiday. It’s your start point for Bay of Island adventures including day cruises, sailing, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and reef or wreck diving.