School holiday and weekend inspiration for entertaining the kids
Combining traditional design elements with contemporary materials and processes, digital storytelling, and storyboards at the significant sites, Ngā Ara Tipuna brings the history of the rohe and its people to life and helps build shared understanding. Visit the site of Pukekaihau Pā in Waipukurau, once a thriving Māori settlement. Or use your mobile phone to take a driving tour of seven more sites of cultural and natural significance around Waipukurau and Takapau.
Need to grab a bite with the kids? The Paper Mulberry Cafe in Pukehou is a great family-friendly stop with a delicious menu and a playground for the kids, not to mention a spot of shopping for parents and whānau.
Pack the car with the kids, a picnic, snorkels, togs and wetsuits and head to the coast to explore the beautifully scenic Central Hawke’s Bay beaches! There's seven to choose from, including Kairakau, Mangakuri, Pourerere, Aramoana, Blackhead, Te Paerahi / Pōrangahau, and Whangaehu. For a extra fun outing, pack the snorkels, buckets and spades and head out to Te Angiangi Marine Reserve - between Aramoana and Blackhead - to explore the rock pools and play in the sand. Low tide is best time to enjoy an abundance of marine life!
In the heart of Waipawa, Central Hawke’s Bay Museum is a treasure trove of history. Take a step into the everyday life of early settlers, with fun interactive exhibits for the whole family to enjoy.
Located in the center of Waipukurau, Russell Park playground is a great stop for a picnic or to stretch little legs with all the usual playground activities, a flying fox and even a splash pad for the warmer weather.
Throw the bikes in the boot and head out along the Tukituki Trail network of well-maintained limestone tracks, and a low-key mountain biking track which runs alongside the river berm. For the more confident riders, head over the Gum Tree Farm MTB Park for some downhill thrills!
Central Hawke's Bay offers your perfect rural escape, with stunning landscapes and bushlands at every turn. Explore this rural paradise on foot with a short walk. Family-friendly options include:
Get out on the farm these holidays with the kids and enjoy the popular Sunday Funday at Ranui Farm Park. On the first Sunday of the month from October to May, the Sunday Fundays are guaranteed to wear out even the most energetic of small people! Families are invited to come and enjoy scenic walks across the farm. There is a large playground for the kids to enjoy including a sandpit, a 70-metre water slide, 80-metre flying fox, archery, paintball targets, and a golf-pitch or chip. Take a picnic or try some good wholesome food from our rustic home-style cafe.
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.
