Top Things To Do These School Holidays

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Family-friendly outdoor experiences are a great way to experience our beautiful region. Cycle the super-easy sections of the Hawke's Bay Trails along Marine Parade and around to Ahuriri. You'll also find great cycling along Central Hawke's Bay's popular Tukituki Trail, while the Wairoa Riverside Walk and Cycleway is a cruisy way to experience Hawke's Bay's northernmost town.

As well as being great for cycling, Marine Parade is home to an incredible array of family-friendly stops including Par2 mini golf, Bay Skate and Ocean Spa, not to mention loads of wide open spaces, parks and playgrounds to explore and run around

Explore protected wildlife sanctuaries, Ahuriri Estuary in Napier, Pekapeka Wetlands - south of Hastings, or Te Angiangi Marine Reserve in Central Hawke's Bay. You'll find even more wildlife at Cape Kidnappers with Gannet Safaris Overland, at Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo in Haumoana, Boutique Horse Treks in Clive, and on the Napier-Taupo Road with Mohaka River Farm's horse treks and farm experiences.

Open October to April is Mohaka Rafting, also on the Napier-Taupo Road, with Grade 2 & 3 experiences ideal for families. Or for a somewhat more sedate water experience, pack a picnic and head to one of the many scenic beaches - you'll find great options the entire length of the Hawke's Bay coastline. If scenic walks are your thing, pack some snacks, water and hats, and try out some of the wonderful walks for little legs!

INDOOR FUN

Keep youngsters busy discovering and learning these school holidays!

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

These are some of our favourite places for families to refuel, ranging from unique cafés with sweet shops to full restaurants with playgrounds for kids. There's bound to be something here for even the fussiest eaters:

Birdwoods, Havelock North

Paper Mulberry Cafe, Central Hawke's Bay

Godsown Brewery, Maraekakaho

Hygge at Clifton Bay, Clifton

Sunset Point, Māhia

Mamacita, Havelock North & Napier