Hawke's Bay Wine Country
Hot Deals

Attractions & Family

Top things to do these school holidays

The school holidays are here! From exploring the outdoors to indoor fun, family-friendly events, and where to eat with kids, Hawke's Bay has you covered.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Make the most of Hawke’s Bay’s sunshine with easy family-friendly trails like Marine Parade to Ahuriri or Central Hawke’s Bay’s Tukituki Trail. In Wairoa, the riverside walk and cycleway is a cruisy way to explore the town.

Marine Parade is also home to Par2 Mini Golf, Bay Skate, Ocean Spa, and loads of playgrounds and green space to burn energy.

Wildlife lovers can explore Ahuriri Estuary, Pekapeka Wetlands, or Te Angiangi Marine Reserve, while Cape Kidnappers’ Gannet Safaris Overland and the Hawke’s Bay Farmyard Zoo are always a hit with kids. For more animal encounters, try Boutique Horse Treks in Clive or Mohaka River Farm on the Napier–Taupō Road.

When the weather’s right, Mohaka Rafting (October–April) offers family-friendly trips, while beaches up and down the coast make for the perfect picnic. And if you’re after a gentle family walk, there are plenty of scenic trails suited to little legs, including Te Aratipi Farm Walks.

INDOOR FUN

Keep young minds busy with a dose of learning and play.

Home of Hawke’s Bay’s cultural treasures, MTG is a great way to entertain the family. Check out the MTG website for school holiday programmes. The Faraday Museum of Technology is another favourite place to take the kids to learn about and explore the evolution of technology, while Wairoa Museum and Central Hawke's Bay Museum come highly recommended for kids. 

The National Aquarium of New Zealand is home to a wide range of saltwater, freshwater and land animal exhibits, while Arataki Honey in Havelock North is an enjoyable experience for all ages to visit and learn about bees and honey!

For something a little different, check at Enigma Escape Rooms in Napier.

WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS

We’re blessed with some of the best family-friendly eating spots in New Zealand. Whether it’s a slice of one of the best pizzas you’ve ever eaten from the renowned Vinci’s in Napier, or coastal views and plenty of space to run around at Hygge at Clifton Bay, there are plenty of places where kids are welcome and adults leave happy.

Here are some of the best family-friendly spots that locals almost don’t want you to know about:

Birdwoods Gallery & Sweet Shop, Havelock North

Hatuma Cafe, Central Hawke's Bay

Brave Brewing, Hastings

Crab Farm Winery, Bay View

Hygge at Clifton Bay, Clifton

Mister D's, Napier - famous for their injectable donuts that are a hit with kids!

Peak House Eatery, Havelock North - coffee and views for days

And some spots for when you're needing a sugar hit:

Silky Oak Chocolates, Napier - they have an onsite Museum as well

And our favourite ice cream must stops - Rush Munro's, Hastings and Lick This, Napier 

FREE AND LOW COST FUN

We’re lucky to have so many amazing outdoor spaces where kids can run free, play, and explore – all without breaking the bank.

Check out:

FAMILY FRIENDLY STAYS

Turn your holiday into a mini-getaway with easy, kid-friendly accommodation that will keep the kids entertained for hours:

Subscribe to our Newsletter

We’ll keep you in the loop with upcoming events in Hawke’s Bay, cool stuff to do, the hottest places to eat and drink, and some enticing deals.

back