Ice cream, gelato, sorbet and frozen yoghurt are all on offer at 290 Marine Parade, Napier. Lick This Ice Cream Parlour provides a sweet treat for the whole family. It is open 7 days from 10am to 5.30pm.
For more information, visit http://www.lickthis.co.nz/ or call (06) 835 9427
3 Ocean Spa
Located on Marine Parade, Napier, Ocean Spa is perfect for the whole family, providing the beach experience without the sand. There are pen-air heated pools including a 25-metre lap pool, two leisure pools, indoor and outdoor spas and a toddlers pool. Lifeguards patrol all swimming areas, making it a safe and fun environment for people of all ages. Ocean Spa also has an onsite cafe, family changing rooms and self-service security lockers.
For more information, visit http://www.oceanspa.co.nz/ or call (06) 835 8553/021 072 0168
4 Splash Planet
This Hastings theme park is ideal for everyone these holidays. Splash Planet, on Grove Rd, Hastings, is open all week, rain or shine. People are welcome to bring a picnic or buy food there.
For more information, visit http://www.splashplanet.co.nz/ or contact (06) 873 8033
5 The National Aquarium of New Zealand
The aquarium is open daily from 9am to 5pm. Located on Marine Parade Napier, it hosts a variety of animals including penguins, stingrays and sharks. Visitors can watch the animals being fed at 10am at the Reef Tank, 2pm at the Oceanarium and 9.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm in the penguins' enclosure. People can also swim with the sharks or have a close encounter with little penguins, kiwi, tuatara, piranhas, pacu and tropical fish or with American alligators. Times and days open for these special activities vary. The minimum age for entry is 6, with maximum of 4 people per group. Bookings are essential.
For more information, visit http://www.nationalaquarium.co.nz/ or call (06) 834 1404
6 MTG Hawke's Bay
MTG's holiday activities for Kids will run from today until the end of January, from 10am. The self-guided activity trail for children aged 5 to 10 is a great way to explore the buildings, exhibitions and art on offer at MTG Hawke's Bay in Herschell St, Napier. Children are rewarded for completing the course. MTG (Museum, Theatre, Gallery) is also a great excursion for the whole family. Entry for children under 15 is free and adult entry prices apply.
For more information, visit: http://www.mtghawkesbay.com/ or call (06) 835 7781
7 Libraries
Hawke's Bay has libraries in Dannevirke, Waipukurau, Waipawa, Napier, Hastings and Havelock North. Libraries are a great way for parents to relax while letting their kids' imagination run wild.
For more information on any of these libraries, visit:
Waipawa and Waipukurau - http://www.chbdc.govt.nz/central-hawke-s-bay-district-libraries
Dannevirke - http://www.tararuadc.govt.nz/Living-Here/Libraries
Napier - http://www.napierlibrary.co.nz/
Hastings - http://www.hastingslibraries.co.nz/
Havelock North - http://www.hastingslibraries.co.nz/sections/havelock-north-library
8 Birdwoods Gallery and Sculpture Garden, plus Sweet Shop
Just 3km from Havelock North Village, at 298 Middle Rd, Birdwoods Gallery offers a range of unique sculpture and decorative art from local and South African artists, as well as food and treats from the old-fashioned sweet shop. It's a treasure trove of sweets, lemonade, sherbet, fudge, ice cream and other novelties for the kids. Birdwoods Gallery and Sculpture Garden is open 7 days a week from 10am to 4pm, while Birdwoods Sweet Shop is open during the same hours on weekends and during the school holidays.
For more information, visit: http://www.birdwoodsgallery.co.nz/default.asp (06) 877 1395
9 Arataki Honey Visitor Centre
At 66 Arataki Road, Havelock North, Arataki Honey Visitor Centre is an experience for people of all ages to enjoy. Featuring all things bees, the centre allows people to learn about the honey-making process, watch a video about the life of a bee, visit the gift shop and taste 10 varieties of Arataki Honey. Kids can dress up as either a beekeeper or a bee. Open 7 days from 9am to 5pm. Entry is free.
For more information, visit: http://www.aratakihoneyhb.co.nz/visitor-centre.html or call (06) 877 7300
10 Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo
The Hawke's Bay Farmyard Zoo, at 32 East Road , Haumoana, has a range of animals including pigs, sheep, calves, ostriches, alpacas, turtles, peacocks and many more. Visitors can bring a picnic or have a BBQ at one of the sheltered picnic tables, play on the playground or feed the animals. Pony rides are available for two-year-olds up to adults or people can book one of five horse treks ranging from one to three hours. The zoo is open 7 days from 10am to 5pm, weather permitting. Prices: $10 adults, $7 children and $8 fseniors/students. Prices vary for the horse treks, with pony rides $5 each.
For more information, visit: http://www.farmyardzoo.co.nz/contact--prices.html or call 06 8750244.
11 Willowford Cottage Trekking
Willowford Cottage Trekking provides a back-country trekking experience suitable for beginners through to experts. Pony and gig rides are also available. It is approximately 40 minutes west of Napier and Hastings, at 3612 Taihape Rd. Prices vary depending on the trek option and whether visitors bring their own horse or use the ones provided.
For more information, visit: http://horsetrekkingnz.com/ or call 06 8742 744
12 Par 2 Mini Golf
Located on Marine Parade, Napier, Par 2 Mini Golf provides great entertainment for the whole family. There are two courses available.
For more information, visit http://www.par2golf.co.nz/index.php or call (06) 834 0248.
13 Pekapeka Wetlands
Pekapeka is one of the few remaining large, inland wetlands in Hawke's Bay. Visitors can follow the tracks and interpretation signs to learn about the history and ecological value of Pekapeka. The wetlands are alongside State Highway 2, where there is a parking area, boardwalks and easy walking tracks.
For more information, visit: http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/index.php/see-do/family/pekapeka-wetlands
14 Cycling Trails
Hawke's Bay has a wide range of bike rides for the whole family to enjoy these holidays, whether it be a whole or half day. Some of the longer trips include the Landscapes Ride, Water Ride and the Wineries Ride, which vary from 68km to 38km. People can also chose to go for shorter rides, including the 11.4km one-way trip from Havelock North CBD to Black Bridge or the 10.3km one-way route from Port of Napier to Awatoto. People can bring a picnic to enjoy along the way. It is advised to bring plenty of water.
For more information, visit:
http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/index.php/your-event/group-activities/hawkes-bay-trails
http://www.hbrc.govt.nz/Hawkes-Bay/Recreation/Pages/HBTrails.aspx
15 Fishing
Hawke's Bay offers a range of lakes and rivers for people to fish. It is a great experience for people of all ages, especially children, to learn how to catch their own fish.
For more information, visit: http://hawkesbay.fishandgame.org.nz/hawkes-bay-fishing-locations-access