Northland, Family Activities

Cruise and discover the very best of the Bay of Islands. Experience the spectacular scenery in an area that is soaked in rich culture and history. Encounter diverse wildlife in their natural surroundings.

Waipu Horse Adventures offers a unique opportunity to experience the Bream Bay and Waipu coastline on horseback. Our super team of horses are fully trained to offer you a wonderful experience.
Our ride takes you along the beach and around the popular horse trails along Uretiti Beach.
Small cosy groups of up to 5 people with a friendly guide experienced in dealing with novice riders.
Rides are for 1 hour.
All levels are caterd for although we expect consideration to be given to others of a lesser ability.

Located in Opua Marina at the start of the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, Bay of Islands Mountain & Ebike hire have a range of bikes to suit all ages and fitness levels.
Located 750 metres from the start of the Twin Coast Trail, we aim to help our customers enjoy all the trail has to offer.
All bikes are $85 per day or $55 for a half day (4 hours)
Each hire includes: Helmet, high viz vest, maps and tuition
We also offer shuttle transport to and from any point on the Twin Coast Trail accessible by road

Have awesome thrills on a 350 V8 Chev Trike on a 30-minute or 60 minute tour from Paihia.
When you go for a ride on the Thunder Trike you will want to ride for miles. It has been built for comfort and with a low centre of gravity, the bike has less roll and amazing grip around corners.
You will enjoy the scenic Bay of Islands, whilst having the time of your life. A definite bucket list experience.
Choose from 3 different routes including Haruru Falls and Waitangi, Opua or a 60-minute combination of all.
This tour is for a minimum of 2 people.  Looking for something a little different? Fancy giving the kids a real thrill? Good news, Thunder Trike Tours caters for children too!

Cruise and discover the very best of the Bay of Islands. Experience the spectacular scenery in an area that is soaked in rich culture and history. Encounter diverse wildlife in their natural surroundings. Your cruise includes:
•Crusing among the 144 islands with skipper's commentary
•A visit to the iconic ‘Hole in the Rock' and when conditions permit travel through it
•Viewing dolphins on over 90% of our trips, we are the only ‘Hole in the Rock' trip with a lifetime dolphin viewing guarantee.
•Island stop at Otehei Bay on the Department of Conservation's Urupukapuka Island Other tours and combos available, including riding on the dunes, swimming with dolphins and racing on sailing yachts. 

The Rock is New Zealand's biggest house boat, she is purpose built and offers a warm, homely, stable environment for cruising the Bay of Islands. With a capacity of 36, the Rock is suitable for travellers of all ages who enjoy great company, new experiences, and who don't mind getting their feet wet.  Our overnight cruise allows guests to encounter everything the Bay has to offer and reflects the adventurous Kiwi spirit. The Rock features a spacious and open downstairs living area that includes a bar, dining area, lounge, pool table, piano and open fire.  Outside has an open deck that is the ideal platform for the onboard activities. Upstairs all cabins have sea views and doors that open onto observation decks perfect for viewing the scenery and wildlife. Includes fun activities like target shooting, dusk fishing, night kayaking, snorkeling, island exploring and more.

Skatescool in Whangarei offers heaps of fun for kids and adults alike, whether it be participating in their Roller Disco - bring the whole family for a fun night out or learning to skate and progress your skills as a fun after school activity!  The team also offer birthday party entertainment for 2 hours either at your place or at the Ngunguru Sports Complex or Onerahi Hall.  This is fun for all to enjoy!

Whether it’s trying the high wire, bungee running climbing wall, extreme slide, jousting bridge, krazy ladder, mini golf, roller racers, tarzan swings, trampoline, trapeze or waterslide, children and adults will have an exciting time in safe surroundings.

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.

Within 1 hour from Auckland CBD and just over the hill from Matakana Village you will find an animal petting park, adventure playground, pony rides, sit and ride-on express train, carriage rides and much, much more! Brumbles cafe is open daily during summer and school holidays, The Stables Restaurant is open Weds-Sunday from 4pm and Sundays from noon.  There is also a craft shop, art gallery, remedy room, children's riding lessons and every Sunday the Indie Market from 9.30am-2.30pm.

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!

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.

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.

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.

The Parrot Place is a Bird Display and Breeding Centre set in the heart of Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands. We have approx 300 birds from all over the world and run a successful breeding and rearing programme.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

Strategy Tag has been operating in Mangapai Road, Whangarei for 20years!  We have been giving people of the North the most awesome game of paintball and give our customers the best in service, facilities and field. Birthday party packages available.  Minimum age: 12 years.

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.

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!