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 Park for everyone |
Fairway Drive Avalon Wellington 6009 New Zealand +64 4 570 6666 (Hutt City Visitor Information) |
A short ride around Wellington harbour to the Hutt Valley will find you at Avalon Park. With train rides, skateboarding ramp, lagoon, mini putt and playground this lovely picnic spot provides an ideal outing for the day. Stroll around the manmade lagoon and feed the ducks while the kids play in the wooden fortress. Picnic in the playground or cross over the road and picnic beside the Hutt River. This river meanders down from the hill through the valley to the harbour. It is great for fishing, swimming and canoeing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Philip C. Claassen |
 Photo: Jenny Black |
 Emus galore |
1301 Akatarawa Valley Akatarawa Wellington 6007 New Zealand +64 4 526 9540 http://www.bluebank.co.nz/ |
For a close encounter of the feathered kind, kids can meet, walk around with, pat and even cuddle (chicks only!) these character birds. If birds do not attract you, pick your own blueberries for a fresh, pesticide free treat or, in December wander round and gather yourself a bunch of wildflowers. There is more than 90 emus and 17 acres of grounds (two acres of blueberries) so you can pat and/or pick for ages or just picnic in the grounds. Admission: Free. Small cost for picking blueberries and wildflowers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joyce Chen |
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Strike! |
12 Western Hutt Road, Petone P.O. Box 38930 Wellington 6008 New Zealand +64 4 568 3168 / +64 800 568 3168 http://petone.bowland.co.nz/ |
This is the largest bowling alley in the region and one of the most modern. Whether playing for fun or in the competitive leagues you will not do better than this facility just 20 minutes from the city centre. This busy alley abounds with youngsters especially during the school holidays so it pays to book. Each of the 20 lanes caters for six players. There is also a bar and café on site. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Watch out for the dolphins |
Queen's Wharf P. O. Box 5077 Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 499 1282 http://www.eastbywest.co.nz/ |
The Evening Post ferry, operated by this comapny, provides commuter and leisure transport to the Eastern bays. A day excursion is highly recommended for a unique perspective on the city, harbour and its environs. Watch out for dolphins. The ferry departs from Queens Wharf and stops (subject to demand) at Somes Island before continuing to lovely Days Bay. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bicycle built for two ...or three... or more |
Next to The Overseas Passenger Terminal (Clyde Quay Wharf) Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 25 276 2269 |
The name may be odd but once you see the bikes you will understand. Hop aboard everyone - these bicycles are made for more than two - and cruise around the wharf area by pedal power. Fun to ride, even funnier to see, these croc bikes are a popular mode of transport from the youngest to the oldest and they can seat most of the family, well, a family of four at least. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Indoor racing |
2 Westminster Street Kaiwharawhara Wellington 6008 New Zealand +64 4 499 0676 http://www.karting.co.nz |
Not quite the real thing but you are promised just as much excitement when you go-kart on this indoor circuit. Race against friends or foe as you reach speeds of up to 30 kilometres an hour in a safe yet challenging environment. You have to be 9 years old or older and at least 1.2 metres tall (to be able to reach the pedals). There are two-seater bikes for the smaller kids for a lap or two or three or four... Admission: NZD1 per minute or NZD25 for half an hour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Nature reserve and playground |
Woodmancote Road Khandallah Wellington 6004 New Zealand +64 4 802 4860 (Visitor Information Centre) http://www.nzine.co.nz/views/k... |
A 10-minute drive from central Wellington or a 15-minute train ride will have you climbing through bush tracks to the Mt Kaukau lookout. For the less energetic in the group, picnic in the reserve where there is room for a game of cricket or frisbee and a play area for children. On really hot days pamper yourself in the open-air (non-heated) swimming pool. Hire a barbecue and stay for dinner. This is a great spot for an all day outing. Admission: Free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: harmony simpson |
 Photo: harmony simpson |
 Photo: Bradley Houghton |
 Photo: Pam Fossen |
 Photo: sponki |
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Get yer skates on! |
101 Kilbirnie Crescent Wellington 6003 New Zealand +64 4 387 1491 |
Wet or fine, take the kids for a skate (in-line or roller, in a special family or public session), at this centre that takes roller skating into a new dimension. The adventurous skaters can ride over specially constructed ramps and for the more sedate, re-live the time when rinks ruled and many hours were spent rolling round and round to music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Futuristic laser maze game |
15 Courtenay Place Downtown Wellington Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 384 4622 |
Shoot 'em up and shoot 'em out at this games parlour that offers a great game for kids who like the noise and excitement of the space age. Arm yourself with a laser gun, a suit that lights up when you have been shot, an alien nest to invade, an opposing team to pit your wits against and a maze to fight your way through and all kids, big and small, will have lots of fun here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Family friendly |
3 Raiha Street Elston Wellington 6006 New Zealand +64 4 237 0671 / +64 27 481 3158 (mobile) |
This facility is the most comprehensive of its type in Wellington. The adult go-karts are modern 200cc machines capable of 50 kilometres per hour. The cut down versions for children are quick, safe and carefully monitored. Unique two-seater karts are designed to take children as a passenger in short bursts. These machines have small steering wheels to increase the sensation for pre-schoolers. Fees include helmets and overalls and an electronically timed lap printout. This facility also caters for company team building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Water wonderland |
17 Parumoana Street Wellington 6006 New Zealand +64 4 237 1521 http://www.recreationporirua.c... |
So much more than a swimming pool, this aquatic centre is a mecca for water lovers. The wave pool, river ride, whirl-pool, hydroslide, water cannon and waterfalls will entertain the children for hours. The more mature can soak in a spa, hot up in a steam room or sauna or just while away the time with a cappucino or espresso from the well-stocked cafe. Whatever your tastes, be prepared to stay for a while. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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For the love of reading |
Wellington City Libraries Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 801 4040 (Wellington City Libraries) http://www.wcl.govt.nz/kids/se... |
Are you at a loose end in the city with your squirming pre-schooler? Why not make the pre-school story time at the magnificent City Library a regular part of your child's week? Held in the children's section of the library, the session is stimulating and provocative. It aims to bring to life the written word and instil a love of the imagination that will last a lifetime. If your child still squirms try out the library escalators they are sure to please the most rambunctious four-year old. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Rocky exploration |
The Esplanade Wellington 6002 New Zealand |
With lovely white sand, some challenging rockfaces to climb, and lots of rock pools for the children and you to explore, this is a great place for an all day outing. Sit in the sun, swim and fire up the barbecue, with many other locals, at the end of the day. The swimming is fairly safe in this sheltered cove. It is also a very popular entry point for divers (watch them snorkel out then disappear). There is plenty of carparking, changing sheds and fresh water close at hand. Enjoy yourself. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tom Law |
 Photo: Mac Birrell |
 Photo: Felipe Skroski  |
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Wildlife reserve |
Akatarawa Road Wellington 6007 New Zealand +64 4 526 7529 http://www.staglands.co.nz/ |
A short drive north of the city you will find Staglands, a wildlife reserve set in the beautiful Akatarawa Valley. Animals of all types can be found in a setting as close as possible to their natural surroundings. Walk amongst the birds in the walk-through aviaries, get as close as you would like to a kune kune pig (even her babies are cute) and feed the animals. Admission: Adults NZD12; senior citizens NZD10; children NZD6; children 3 and under free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Suzanne Phoenix |
 Photo: Shiro |
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Electronic action |
75-77 Manners Mall Manners Mall Wellington 6001 New Zealand +64 4 473 6807 http://www.timezonegames.co.nz/ |
Ride the waves without getting your feet wet, jump with a skateboard without the risk of falling off or ski in a downhill race without touching snow - all depending on the game available. Risk life and limb without risking life or limb in the arcade with many of the latest games. Other traditional games are available - shooting arcades, car races and air hockey. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Indoor swimming pool |
63 Kilbirnie Crescent P.O. Box 14 342 Wellington 6003 New Zealand +64 4 387 8029 http://www.feelinggreat.co.nz/... |
Minutes from downtown by bus this heated indoor swimming centre offers a variety of pools. From paddling pools for the tiny tots to a 10-metre diving board, kids and adults alike can have a great day out. Lane swimming and aqua jogging are always available and one of the children's pools often has inflatables for the kids, and an over-the-pool swing (supervised by a lifeguard). There is a cafe for when energies flag, outside area for sunbathing, picnics and barbecues, and a swim shop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Zoological gardens |
200 Daniell Street Newtown Wellington 6002 New Zealand +64 4 381 6750 http://www.wellingtonzoo.com |
Founded in 1906, Wellington's zoological gardens have all the traditional attractions. Zoo management has recently extended and upgraded the facilities to include such features as the Tropical River Trail, New Zealand's newest and largest habitat exhibit. Zoo inhabitants include New Zealand natives such as the kiwi, the giant weta, the black stilt and the tuatara, as well as the more exotic species like the North American bison, the Nepalese red panda and the Sitatunga antelope. Enquire about educational programmes and overnight stays. Admission: Adults NZD12; children NZD6; family discounts available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Janine |
 Photo: Pat Brogan |
 Photo: Mr Reasonable |
 Photo: Stephen Rothlisberge |
 Photo: David Leverton |
 Photo: Allister Jenks |
 Photo: Allister Jenks |
 Photo: Arsenik |
 Photo: Traits Photography |
 Photo: Stephen Rothlisberge |
 Photo: Mariko Walton |
 Photo: Thomas Roessler |
 Photo: Wayne Boerger |
 Photo: Belinda McArtney |
 Photo: julián gonzález |
 Photo: Chris Noble |
 Photo: Nishi Singh |
 Photo: Neil Mackinder |
 Photo: big-dave |
 Photo: flatlime |
 Photo: Nishi Singh |
 Photo: Mike Rickard |
 Photo: Ngahuia Riri |
 Photo: George N |
 Photo: Michael Norris |
 Photo: Mark Ogle |
 Photo: Rich Pearce |
 Photo: Karlie Lett |
 Photo: tazinnz |
 Photo: Andy Lenigan |
 Photo: www.oskarpall.com |
 Photo: becandandrew_newzealand |
 Photo: J Carlton |
 Photo: Megan Uitvlugt |
 Photo: Beata Pursche |
 Photo: Kerri O'Neill |
 Photo: Mark Ashurst |