, set in more than 2ha of native Coromandel bush. As the name would suggest, you're going to get wet — there's a huge array of water-powered inventions and crazy contraptions to try out. Start a battle with the water cannons, race mini boats in a specially made course, or have a go at pumping H20 on the water bikes. In true DIY style, many of the attractions are created from recycled materials and are powered only by water. And if you're wanting to tire out the kids for the drive home, the human-sized hamster-wheel should do the trick.
, home to the mysterious morepork/ruru — our own native owl. Knowledgeable guides will entertain the kids with legends of the ruru and you'll feel the breeze as the "Priest of the Forest" flies by silently. There are no barriers or glass, making this a rare chance to get an up-close look at these majestic birds. The park is also home to the endangered North Island weka and there are caves to explore, a Thomas train to ride and a complimentary cup of tea or coffee for the adults.
, around the corner — it contains a huge array of retro toys and video games that are sure to have you feeling nostalgic, while kids will be keen to test their scooter skills on the ramp into the foam pit.
Donkeys being fed at Owlcatraz in Shannon.
The Obliteration Room, Auckland Art Gallery
Auckland Art Gallery hosts Yayoi Kusama's Obliteration Room until April 2 — and it's a family-friendly work of art that kids will want to get stuck into. It starts as a blank white room with a familiar household scene, then visitors are given a sheet of colourful sticky dots to stick wherever their heart desires. Over time, the room and its furniture become "obliterated" by dots, as it turns into a blur of colour. Relating to hallucinations the Japanese artist experienced as a child, this work aims to inspire the artist inside us all. Since being developed for Queensland Art Gallery's Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art, The Obliteration Room has toured to London, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janiero, Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Shanghai, South Korea, Switzerland, France and Dunedin.
Splash Planet, Hastings
It's been a hot, hot summer — and what better way to cool off than at
? The older generation may remember it as Fantasyland, but this Hastings theme park has more of an aquatic focus these days. There's a great array of twisting and turning waterslides to keep the kids entertained all day, while you sit back and enjoy the sun. There's also a selection of dry rides, when they're finally ready to get out of the water. Ride the Fantasyland Express train around the park, drive go-karts and mini-jeeps or have a game of beach volleyball.
Splash Planet. Photo / John Cowpland / alphapix
Shantytown Heritage Park, Greymouth
Go back to the days of the gold rush on the wild West Coast at the
Park, a recreated 1900s village. Take a ride through native rainforest on a vintage steam train, experience a real working sawmill, watch a sluice gun blast rock and soil and learn more about the history of the area at the hologram theatre. If you've caught gold fever after all of that, there's even a chance to pan for some of the shiny stuff yourself.
Shantytown Heritage Park, Greymouth. Photo / Kieran Lamb
Puzzling World, Wanaka
Once you're done with the high-octane activities this region has to offer, there's plenty to boggle the brain at Wanaka's
. Established more than 45 years ago, the weird and wacky exhibits are great fun for all ages. You'll have your perceptions challenged at every turn — kids can outgrow their parents in the Ames room simply by stepping forwards. Get lost in The Great Maze, one of Puzzling World's original attractions, and be sure to get some photos in the Sculptillusion Gallery.
Puzzling World in Wanaka. Photo / NZME
Troll Cave, Waitomo
Have you heard? A real troll was recently found in the Waitomo Caves. Since Tom the Troll's house was destroyed in the process, he's been moved into "The World's First Underground Eco Sanctuary", where you can try to track him down. Kids become part of the "Troll Patrol", encountering riddles and obstacles as they make their way through this subterranean maze. Those who are truly keen can opt to disguise their scent with the "troll goop" that oozes out of the walls — just to throw Tom off the trail a bit. This is a fantasy adventure unlike anything else.
Anatoki Salmon, Golden Bay
On the banks of the Anatoki River, you can catch own premium Chinook salmon and eat it for lunch here, smoked or fresh. With no prior experience required, keen fishers of all ages can have a go at landing a salmon — there's no entry fee and gear is provided free of charge, so you pay only for what you catch. The farm is also home to a friendly population of wild eels, which you can hand feed, as well as a petting zoo and mini golf. If you're keen to stick around, there's even a freedom camping area.
