Finding activities that genuinely work for the whole family can feel like a balancing act. The kids need to burn energy, you need coffee, and ideally nobody has a meltdown in public. Hawke’s Bay delivers on all fronts. From indoor play centres that save rainy days to coastal walks where everyone wins, here are ten family activities that have stood the test of tantrums, tired parents, and school holiday chaos.
This isn’t just fish in tanks. The National Aquarium offers interactive experiences that keep kids engaged while adults appreciate the marine conservation work happening behind the scenes. The little ones love the touch pools and turtle feeding times, while older kids can learn about native species and ocean ecosystems.
Parent tip: The café does decent coffee and the gift shop won’t break the bank. Prams navigate easily through most areas. Check feeding times before you visit to maximise the experience.
When the weather heats up, Splash Planet becomes the answer to every parent’s prayers. Water slides for the brave, shallow splash pads for toddlers, and shaded areas where adults can actually sit down. The mix of pools means siblings of different ages can all find their zone.
Parent tip: Get there early during school holidays. The café does lunch but bringing a packed esky with snacks saves queuing. Lockers available. Sunscreen is essential, not optional.
The network of cycle trails across Hawke’s Bay offers flat, safe routes perfect for family cycling. The trails connect towns, vineyards, rivers, and coast, with plenty of places to stop along the way. Bike hire shops cater to families with everything from trail bikes to tag-alongs and kids’ seats.
Popular family-friendly sections include the Napier to Bay View coastal route and the Hastings to Havelock North trail. Both offer cafés at strategic points for essential ice cream stops.
Parent tip: Start small. A 5km ride feels different with kids than solo. Many hire places deliver and collect bikes, which removes the roof rack stress.
This playground consistently rates as one of the best in the region for good reason. Varied equipment for different ages, plenty of shade, clean facilities, and enough space that kids can properly run. The adjacent sports fields mean even more room for ball games or kite flying.
The real winner? Multiple picnic spots and BBQ facilities. Grab takeaways from nearby cafés, let the kids loose, and enjoy a coffee while they tire themselves out.
Parent tip: Weekday mornings are quieter. Parking is plentiful. The playground surface is soft fall, so minor tumbles don’t end in tears.
When you need hands-on science and technology entertainment, the Faraday Centre delivers. This interactive museum gets kids engaging with exhibits about electricity, technology, and innovation. The hands-on approach means children can touch, experiment, and learn without the usual “don’t touch” stress of traditional museums.
The exhibits work for a range of ages, from primary school kids fascinated by simple circuits to teenagers interested in more complex tech concepts. Parents often find themselves equally engaged with the displays.
Parent tip: Allow at least an hour to explore properly. The centre is compact but engaging. Works brilliantly as a rainy day backup. Check opening hours before visiting as they can vary seasonally.
For families with older kids who can handle moderate walks, the Cape Kidnappers gannet colony offers something genuinely special. The world’s largest mainland gannet colony operates seasonally, and seeing thousands of these birds up close is memorable for all ages.
The tractor ride option works well for families who want the experience without the full walk. If you do walk, pack plenty of water and snacks. The coastal scenery keeps everyone motivated.
Parent tip: Check tide times and seasonal access. Proper shoes essential. The walk is exposed, so hats and sunscreen matter. Not suitable for prams.
Havelock North offers family-friendly village life with cafés that welcome kids, parks within walking distance of everything, and a general vibe that works for families. Grab brunch at one of the many cafés with outdoor seating and high chairs, then let the kids explore the village green.
For active families, Te Mata Peak provides walks ranging from gentle to challenging, with views that make the effort worthwhile. The easy loop walk near the summit suits most fitness levels.
Parent tip: The village has multiple playgrounds. Parking can be tight on weekends. Several cafés have kids’ menus that go beyond nuggets and chips.
Sunday mornings at the Hastings Farmers Market offer more than just grocery shopping. Kids love the buskers, the free samples, and the general buzz of the market. Adults appreciate fresh produce, excellent coffee, and the option to grab breakfast or lunch from food vendors.
The market operates year-round, rain or shine (mostly under cover). It’s become a Sunday ritual for many local families.
Parent tip: Arrive early for parking and the best produce selection. Bring a trolley or wagon for carrying purchases and tired toddlers. Cash and card both accepted but some smaller vendors prefer cash.
The combination of beach, playground, skate park, mini golf, and flat walking/cycling paths makes Marine Parade a one-stop family destination. The ocean pool provides safer swimming for younger kids, while the beach itself offers sand, waves, and endless entertainment.
Cafés line the parade, most with outdoor seating and kid-friendly menus. Fish and chips on the beach never gets old.
Parent tip: The changing rooms and toilets are well-maintained. Plenty of parking along the parade. The skate park attracts older kids and teenagers, leaving the playground for younger ones. Check ocean conditions before letting kids swim in the sea.
Don’t overlook the libraries across Hawke’s Bay. Many run school holiday programmes, story times, and craft activities. The Napier and Hastings libraries offer air-conditioned comfort, kids’ sections with toys and books, and free entertainment when you need a break from entrance fees.
Several shopping centres also have play areas that work for quick stops or weather contingencies.
Parent tip: Library programmes often require booking. Check schedules online. Most libraries have baby change facilities and are completely pram-friendly.
Weather backups matter. Have a Plan B for rainy days. The aquarium, Fantasyland, libraries, and covered markets all work when the weather turns.
Pram-friendly doesn’t always mean easy. Check before you go. Coastal walks and some peak tracks don’t suit prams, while most town centres and parks navigate easily.
Parking stress is real. Popular spots fill up fast on weekends and school holidays. Arrive early or have backup parking locations in mind.
Café culture is strong here. Most cafés across the region welcome families. High chairs, kids’ menus, and outdoor seating are standard. Some cafés even have small play areas or toys to keep little ones occupied.
Timing is everything. Early mornings and late afternoons often mean fewer crowds. Middle of the day works for indoor activities when outdoor spots are packed.
Half the battle with family outings is having current information before you leave home. Opening hours change, unexpected closures happen, and knowing where to park can make or break a day out. Go Hawke’s Bay takes the guesswork out of planning with real-time details, maps showing exactly where you’re going, and information about facilities that matter to families.
Use Go Hawke’s Bay to check opening hours, maps, and café menus before you go. Because the best family days are the ones where you actually enjoy yourself too.
Napier isn’t just a pretty face with Art Deco architecture. It’s a city that knows how to live well. From sunrise coffee on Marine Parade to late-night cocktails in hidden bars, this place has a rhythm that locals understand and visitors quickly fall for. Let me walk you through my perfect 24 hours in Napier.
It’s 5:30pm on a Friday. You’ve promised dinner out but haven’t made a reservation. Or your parents are visiting and want “something nice, not too fancy.” Or you’re craving Vietnamese food but can’t remember which restaurant your friend recommended three months ago. Sound familiar?
The accommodation is booked. You’ve blocked out Friday through Sunday. The group chat is buzzing with anticipation. Now comes the part that can either make or break a weekend away: actually planning what to do, where to eat, and how to fit it all in without spending three hours researching or arguing about options.
