Northland, Family Activities

Parasailing is the ultimate way to view the stunning Bay of Islands. Jump on board the specialised parasail boat for an experience of a life time, soaring above the tranquil blue waters of Paihia, Russell and the Bay of Islands. Choose to fly on your own, with a friend in tandem or even with the whole family on a triple flight. Your flight will be 1,300 feet high in the sky, no one else flies you higher for 360 degree views and don't forget to keep an eye out for Dolphins!

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This amazing day trip really lives up to its name! The spectacular Poor Knights Islands are a wonderland of discovery, waiting to be explored by you, so why not jump in a kayak, explore a cave, go snorkelling or just relax and take in the sights on this incredible adventure.

Dive Tutukaka offer this ultimate, non-diving trip on a custom-built boat with indoor and outdoor seating, air-conditioning and plenty of shading, two levelled decks and an amazing live, underwater ‘fish cam’ that feeds live shots directly into the boat!

During your trip, you will be able to partake in sea-mammal and other wildlife spotting, kayaking, snorkelling, swimming and cave exploration, as well as learning about the amazing history and facts about the incredible Poor Knights Islands area. To top it all off, you will indulge in a delicious buffet lunch!

Child price for under 15 year olds.

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Escape the crowds on an island getaway around the Bay of Islands. With island walks, wildlife spotting, snorkeling, paddle boarding and the boat cruise this is an awesome day of fun for the family!

Keep a look out for marine life and shore birds that inhabit the area including dolphins.

The tour has a maximum group size of 20 so this is a great option if you are looking for a smaller, personalised and interactive cruise in the Bay of Islands. Child prices for 4-12 year olds, under 4s go FREE.

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Explore the Islands, get close to marine life or get soaked under a waterfall. Each tour guarantees the perfect day out in the Bay of Islands!

Island Escape Tour - Full Day
This trip includes the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation and free time to explore the bay. Minimum age 10 years.

Haruru Falls Tour - Half Day
Get close to the famous Haruru Falls on this sea kayak tour. Haruru stands for "big noise" and it certainly lives up to its name when you are feeling the power of them from underneath. Minimum age 7 years.

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At the very top of the North Island of New Zealand, there is an oasis of unrivalled beauty – Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua in Māori). This amazingly scenic area is a must-see for those who want to experience the wonder of Māori tradition and culture, as well as for those who just want a great, fun-filled day.

Setting off from Paihia, your first stop takes you in to the gorgeous Puketi Kauri Forest. The ancient, 2,000 year-old giant kauri trees stand majestic against the forest backdrop.

The climb up to the iconic Cape Reinga Lighthouse allows you to view the tremendously powerful waves below you, as the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea collide. Enjoy your lunch while gazing out at Taputaputa Bay before entertaining yourself with some cricket, rugby, Frisbee or just enjoy relaxing after your meal. Heading along Te Paki Stream, you encounter the mammoth sand dunes that the area is popular for; and what are sand dunes good for? Sand boarding of course! The effort of walking up the huge sand dunes is well rewarded by the fast, fun-filled journey back down on your provided board. Simply awesome!

Driving along the almost untouched 90-mile beach makes you feel as though you are exploring a deserted tropical island!  As the sun starts to fade, you can enjoy a world-famous meal of fish and chips overlooking the sparkling water at Mangonui.

Child rates for 5-14 year olds.  Under 5s are free of charge.

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This great value package allows visitors to the Bay of Islands access to all the historical wonders of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds combined with an entertaining and interactive cultural performance and a traditional Hangi-style meal. Visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is an essential itinerary item for anyone who wants to gain a true appreciation for the origins of "Modern New Zealand", with the site featuring numerous informative and educational displays and presentations that help garner perspective on NZ's traditional Maori culture. With the addition of the newly opened Museum of Waitangi, the historical learning capabilities are further enhanced through the use of multi media and visual displays.

This package features a live cultural performance that is both entertaining and powerful, and features an emphasis on audience interaction and engagement that helps add to the experience. Capping off the combo is a traditionally-prepared Hangi meal that showcases authentic methods and ingredients of food preparation - and is truly tasty to boot!

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Experience New Zealand's Bay of Islands’ spectacular natural landscapes as well as the wildlife on this unforgettable Hole in the Rock and Dolphin Cruise! Choose from two departure points (Paihia and Russell) and cruise through the bay’s sheltered waters and its many islands on a luxury catamaran, the Dolphin Seeker, purpose built for dolphin and whale watching. On this tour you'll be aboard a spacious, modern vessel featuring the Bay of Islands’ largest outdoor seating and viewing decks from which you can keep an eye out and get up close to common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life! You are also able to enjoy uninhibited views of the Cape Brett Lighthouse, as well as the natural highlights.

Visit the iconic Hole in the Rock and even travel right through the narrow space and be surrounded by the majestic rock walls! Experience more of this excitement and natural grandeur as you take in the Grand Cathedral Cave before returning to the mainland. Throughout the tour, your friendly guides shares with you interesting and informative commentary on the area. On this three hour cruise adventure, you can explore the islands, spot dolphins and other marine life and view two of the area’s most famous sites!

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When visiting the Bay of Islands, taking to the waters and touring the islands is a must-do. Explore the beautiful natural landscape in a unique way by sailing the area aboard an authentic tall ship! Choose between a full day sail and a late afternoon sail and take to the seas! For some excited, get involved—help the crew by setting the sails, riding the bowsprit and climbing the rigging; or just relax and let the crew control it all while you listen to their interesting and informative commentary and enjoy the spectacular views.

Join the 6 hour full day, which includes a sail through the islands, stopping at one of them for a swim and for lunch. All profits from these day sails go toward youth sail training programmes. Alternatively, you can enjoy the 1.5-hour late afternoon sail on which you explore the inner harbour’s sheltered waters while admiring the sun set and also indulging in an antipasto platter and a glass of wine. Sail on Northland’s iconic tall ship for a memorable tour of the Bay of Islands!

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Set among rolling farmland and Northland bush Paihia Paintball has one of the best paintball courses in the country packed with hard-core features including a flying fox, waterways, bridges and towers. There are three different courses to choose from and a variety of missions to keep the paint flying and the fun levels high!

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Only 5 minutes from Whangarei is this 25 km park where you can see the Kiwi and geckos in their natural environment in the nocturnal Kiwi house. Enjoy your own lunch in one of the picnic areas or take a bushwalk to the waterfall before visiting the museum and historic buildings.

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See how chocolates are made, try a few samples and buy some to take home! This visit to Makana’s boutique chocolate factory will make anyone with a sweet tooth very happy!

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Anyone from age 5 can learn to paddleboard, and we go where conditions are most suitable on any day. You can take an hour lesson or come out on a day trip with us. No experience is necessary and you are not expected to get wet.

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10 Pin Bowling>>We have the bumpers for novices, ramps for those that need a little extra help, wheelchair access to bowling lanes and toilets, plus super-friendly staff!
Lazer Maze>>The Ultimate Lazer Game Adventure uses the latest hi-tech equipment. Set in an indoor Maze (over 150 square metres) with music and special effect lighting.

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This is a unique opportunity to view a privately owned collection of vintage cars and machinery used in farming dating back to the early 1900s. Matthews Vintage Collection includes vintage cars, tractors and farm implements and is located indoors. They are 5 kilometres north of Taipa on State Highway 10. Matthews has a bird aviary and children will love meeting Milly and Molly, the two friendly ostriches and pet lamb, Matthew.

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Kiwi North is set on 25 hectares of rolling, volcanic farmland, forest and bush, with views that overlook the city of Whangarei and the Whangarei Heads. The site features a museum, a nocturnal kiwi house and gift store, and unique Victorian heritage buildings.

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Activities include Paintball, Laser Tag, Paintball Tanks, Clay Shooting, Flying Fox, Target Shooting, Mini Putt and Archery. Minimum ages may apply; please contact us for details.

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Facilities include: Heated Indoor Pools & Outdoor Dive Pool, Northland's only wave pool, Hydroslides, Hydrotherapy Pool, Competition Pools, Sauna, Spa, awesome birthday party packages.

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The Glass Bottom Boat, 'Aquador', runs trips at Goat Island Marine Reserve, world renowned for its abundant marine life. It's located 80kms north of Auckland, just outside the small fishing village, Leigh. Our most popular trip is our 45 minute Around the Island trip. On this trip we show you fish, marine life, reef and caves. A range of bird life can also be seen around Goat Island. All trips have full commentary.

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The Search for Paradise.  Small, regional museum following the dramatic story of one of the most remarkable global migrations in NZ history and one of the most famous Scottish migration sagas. Interactive exhibitions and displays.

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The Guided Snorkel is fantastic for all experience levels. For those who are new to snorkeling and swimming, our Divemasters keep you safe and comfortable. For those who have experience snorkeling we focus on enhancing your skills while exploring the hot spots. Minimum age of 6 years (kids under 12 must be accompanied by an adult) and a basic swimming ability to get the most out of your experience. Life jackets are available for children.

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The children will love these gentle, friendly llamas. You will meet some or all of our four breeds of llamas on your guided tour and learn basic information about them and their care. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Rangemore Llama Farm.

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The Kauri Museum is one of New Zealand’s most amazing theme museums. Explore the many exceptional displays from our magnificent collection of antique kauri furniture and the largest collection of kauri gum in the world, to restored machinery, including NZ’s earliest tractor, a 1929 Cat 60, and a turning steam sawmill.

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Learn about clock making at The National Clock Museum in Whangarei which has one of the largest collections of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere, with its collection of 1400 clocks and 6 music boxes from all over the world. This educational and entertaining experience is one for the whole family!

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