Hawkes Bay, Family Activities

The gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers is the most accessible colony in the world – and from September to late April annually, these beautiful birds build their nests, lay their eggs and raise their chicks. The chicks take wing for the first time in late April (or early May, for the late bloomers) for their first migration to a warmer climate. A visit to Cape Kidnappers during this time will allow you to see both adults and young gannets, nesting in their tight-knit rows.

With 35 years' experience, Gannet Safaris know how to ensure you have a great bird watching adventure. By delivering you within metres of the gannet colony in their comfortable, air conditioned 4x4 vehicles, Gannet Safaris are the only safari that guarantee you won't have to work up a sweat walking to the birds. During the 36km ride to the viewing site, you will see the gorgeous green pastures, riverbeds, deep gullies, inclines and native bush of Cape Kidnappers Station. You will also have a stop-in at a panoramic cliff top that looks out over the lovely scenery from Hawke Bay, across to the Mahia Peninsula.

• Guided 4WD tour of gannet colony
• Morning or afternoon tea included
• Pick up from Hastings or Napier i-site info centre
• Knowledgeable tour guide

 

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Boutique Horse Treks offers exclusive horse treks for only 1 - 5 riders, that allows small groups whether beginners, intermediate or advanced riders  individual attention and natural horsemanship techniques training on each ride.  Choose from 3 options: Magical Beach Ride (1 hour), Sparkling River Ride (2 hours) or their Clearview Estate Winery Ride (4-5 hours).

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Providing you with bicycles for you to explore Hawkes Bay in your own way, at your own pace. You can explore on your own, or join a guided group. Offering adult and children's bikes, tandems, tag-a-longs and baby seats. All rentals include helmets, locks and trail map. Open 7 days, 10am-5pm.

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Hawkes Bay's Number 1 Family Attraction and New Zealand's only water theme park!
Home to thrilling slides and rides like Skycastle Screamer, Never Ending River and Master Blaster, all set within 6.5 hectares of subtropical garden. This is a theme park with a difference - there's so much to entertain all ages, both in and out of the water! Mini Golf, formula fun and quad bikes are just some of the dry activities, while Tiny Town's fully enclosed play area will keep your little ones secure. All this plus facilities like Family rooms, BBQ and two cafes will ensure your family's day is easy, fun and as energetic or relaxing as you want it to be!

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This complex is right on Napier's marine parade, just a couple of minutes stroll from the town centre. Ideal for play and relaxation for the whole family, year-round facilities include open air hot pools, 25m lap pool, two leisure pools, toddlers' pool, outdoor plus private indoor spas, steam room, sauna, massage and beauty and gym. The complex is right next to the beach, with expansive sea views through protective clear fencing.

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Operating as Napier's Prison from 1853 until 1993, the old building was NZ's oldest prison - take a tour and we'll entertain you with tales of victims, villains and heroes, escapees and ghosts! Walk along the undulating corridors with twisted walls from the 1931 earthquake. Visit the old hanging yard and get locked up in solitary confinement! Don't forget to bring your cameras and take a 'mug shot' of the kids!

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Farmhouse Kitchen Cooking School offers you hands-on cooking classes, preparing nourishing food in a comfortable and relaxed setting. Children's holiday classes as well as Christmas baking classes available.

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Hilton Brown Swimming has been successfully teaching children how to swim since 1973. Infant, pre-school and school aged children all enjoy our focus on fun and technique! A special feature of our methods is continual assessment, which means swimmers are promoted to the next stage as soon as they’re ready. Nobody gets bored and everyone works at the most appropriate learning level. Choose from group lessons, School Holiday Programmes or intensive one-to-one lessons.

 

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A great selection of animals ranging from pigs, sheep and calves to ostriches, alpacas, turtles, peacocks and many more. Bring a picnic or have a BBQ under one of the sheltered picnic tables. There is a great playground and food to feed the animals. Pony rides and horse treks available. Enjoy close interaction in a clean safe environment. Open 10am - 5pm, 7 days, weather permitting.

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With a total of eight pools – two private plunge pools, three open-air plunge pools of varying temperatures, a large hot and a large cold pool and a small children’s paddling pool, Morere Hot Springs is an all year-round attraction set in a scenic bush reserve of lush, lowland rain forest. Have more time....enjoy a wilderness experience on DOC rainforest reserve with loop tracks taking only 20-25 minutes.

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Beachside outdoor skate park for blades, boards and scooters. Bring your own wheels or hire from us. Save money by becoming a member of Sk8 Zone, giving you half price entry with your own wheels. Come to KIDZONE every Sunday morning, 10am - noon, for under 12s, and get free instruction from NZ's top ramp skater.

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Uniquely located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and within easy walking distance of the city, the aquarium’s design is based on the shape of a stingray. Wander around the different continents of the world and view sea creatures, reptiles, exotic fish and native birds. View the 1,500 fish as they swim and feed above you while you walk through the 50 metre long tunnel. Interact with the touch pool and see lizards, spiders and wetas or take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour for close encounters with the animals. The aquarium has a souvenir shop and a café and is suitable for baby buggies or wheelchairs.

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Kidz Play offers Toys for Hire and a Funky Farm/Petting Zoo.  Our Toy hire/library is located on the same property as our fantastic farm/petting zoo. Cost is only $9 per Adult, $7 per Child and little ones under 1 are free there is also $1 food bags for feeding the animals.  If you're a member of the toy hire/library you can take a wander through for half price entry. Your little one will love this experience after they've chosen their toys. We also offer coffee facilities for mums/dads and caregivers plus there is an outdoor play area that the kids will love! We are also available for birthday parties and venue hire - enquire today!

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Pandora kayaks offer an extensive range of watersports equipment including kayaks, windsurfing and standup paddle boards. They also have a large range of additional hire equipment for you to take away or to enjoy at any of Hawke’s Bays amazing river/lake or coastal locations.

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Challenge friends and family at this seaside minigolf course. One course is curved amongst landscaped gardens with views out across the Pacific Ocean. The other is fully of wacky angles and water hazards wending through the trees. Ice cream, drinks and coffee are available.

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Offering the widest range of outdoor adventure pursuits under one roof in Hawke's Bay. Choose from horse treking, rafting, kayaking, walking, mountain biking and more.  Your family will enjoy high quality, iconic, wilderness adventure pursuits for all.  Need more days, they offer accommodation too! Check out our Hawkes Bay Accommodation section for more information.

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View chocolates being made and choose from the array of chocolate gifts or pick your own selection. The chocolate museum will educate you all about chocolate’s history which is full of information & includes a 2,500 year old Chocolate Pot. A wide variety of gifts are available from the museum gift shop. Or you can take part in one of our experiences including the ‘Triple Chocolate Dipper’ (kids will love this)!

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