With some of the highest sunshine hours in the country and an array of secluded swimming spots suitable for the whole family, Hawke’s Bay is an ideal summer holiday destination.
At Waimārama beach, you can stroll, play, swim or surf. The beach is patrolled throughout summer, there's a small playground (with family facilities) beside the surf club, and an expansive domain for running around. Post-beach visits to the local store for ice creams are pretty much compulsory! You can even learn to surf - Hawke’s Bay Surf School runs lessons here. For more information visit their Facebook page
A popular spot for surfers and families, Ocean Beach is less developed in comparison to its neighbour, Waimārama. If your family includes a dog, Ocean Beach’s designated off-lead area is ideal, providing a kilometres of coast on which to stretch two legs or four. Ocean Beach also has summer holiday lifesavers on duty.
A short drive from Havelock North, Maraetotara Falls is a hugely popular summer spot. There is a great swimming hole at the base of the waterfall, with fresh clear water. If you’ve got time - walk Maraetotara Historic Walk, you won’t be disappointed! Discover the old Havelock North Power Station and its beautiful surroundings. The track is easy, and kids will love it.
The stunning Waipatiki beach offers swimming, surfing, fishing, diving and has a fresh-water stream that’s popular with younger children who are content to paddle. Small boats can be launched from the beach, and the many coastal and bush walks are well worth exploring.
Mōrere Hot Springs offer a variety of natural hot and cold pools set within 364 hectares of beautiful native rainforest. A great place for the whole family, bring a picnic or have a BBQ. There are also beautiful bushwalks you can do with idyllic river crossings and mossy rainforest floors. Stay at the Mōrere Hot Springs Lodge, which has a range of accommodation options available. A natural treasure in Hawke's Bay!
Perfect for swimming, surfcasting, diving, or just sitting and soaking up the sun. Kairakau has amazing scenery with several rocky islands just off the shore. The beach has a close and safe community of long term residents, as well as a very popular camping ground to take the family for a night under the stars.
Ocean Spa overlooks the beach on Marine Parade and provides hot water and cold water pools of different sizes and shapes with plenty of space to play for the kids. There are also hot pools for the adults to soak in and a cafe on-site if mum and dad suffer from caffeine deficiency.
Māhia Beach is a relaxed, family-friendly paradise set on the stunning Māhia Peninsula in northern Hawke's Bay. Māhia township has a permanent population of around 500 people, but this number increases significantly over the summer. Māhia Beach has no Surf Life Saving Club but the beach is generally safe and relatively shallow - making it very child-friendly. Mahanga Beach is located north of Māhia, and is a white sandy beach, great for surfing, walking, collecting shells and beach fishing.
Splash Planet is New Zealand’s only water theme park and is a beloved Hawke’s Bay destination where generations of families have made lifetime memories. Offering an unrivalled selection of theme park rides and water attractions, Splash Planet is the perfect destination for the whole family!
Ahuriri Beach is a hugely popular spot for a splash, given its proximity to a large playground and the boutique fishing village of Ahuriri. With the Hawke's Bay Trails running right alongside the water's edge, why not consider cycling there and cooling off in the ocean?!
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