Whanganui offers plenty for families over summer. Photo / NZME
Whanganui offers plenty for families over summer. Photo / NZME
Whether you’re a local or visiting Whanganui, it can be hard to keep the kids entertained over the summer school holidays, especially after the festive season excitement has gone.
But there are plenty of options to check out that can be fun for all the family.
Explorethe Whanganui Play Trail
The play trail is a great way to explore the city and distract children into getting some exercise. Following the trail gives them the chance to race marbles, play a game in the museum, and check out some cool murals. Although there is a set trail, it can be customised to skip stops, take however long you like with both long and short routes, and find new spots to be included on the map. A map and checklist can be downloaded from discoverwhanganui.nz.
The Edith Collier mural on Ridgway St is a stop on The Great Whanganui Play Trail. Photo / NZME
Whanganui got a new tenpin bowling alley just in time for summer, with eight competition-sized lanes at Play2Win. Bowling is a great activity whether it’s a rainy day, family night out or a children’s birthday party. Or if bowling isn’t your speed, you can try out the bull-ride, indoor mini-golf or arcade games. The bowling alley can be found on level 2 of Play2Win (entrances on Victoria Ave and St Hill St).
Take a mini road trip
Getting out of town doesn’t need to mean long drives, expensive flights or cramped accommodation. There are many great towns just a short drive from Whanganui that offer unique attractions perfect for a mini road trip. Head to the serene Dudding Lake just off State Highway 3 in Rangitīkei, explore the Whitecliffs Boulders in Mangaweka, search for the famous “bull” signs and antiques in Bulls, or tackle Ohakune’s Carrot Adventure Park.
The Carrot Park offers lots of themed fun. Photo / Visit Ruapehu
Visit That Place
This vaguely-named spot is an action-packed experience for mountain bikers - by mountain bikers. The 50ha private mountain bike park offers trails for all levels of experience, from the picturesque grade 2 River Loop to advanced grade 6 action. That Place isn’t just for cyclists - the park also offers walking trails, river swimming and animal interactions. Payment and an induction are required to ride at That Place. Details can be found at that-place.co.nz.
Have a berry good time at Windermere Farms
Windermere Farms has been the local berry hot spot for more than 50 years. Only five minutes from Whanganui, you can buy (or even pick) fresh berries, feed the alpacas and browse the farm shop. Not to mention, satisfying that sweet tooth with their famous strawberry pancakes or real-fruit ice cream. Windermere Farm’s shop and café is open every day.
Windermere Farms' popular berry pancakes. Photo / NZME
Let them loose at Little Nui
Whanganui’s only indoor playground opened on January 4 on Ingestre St. It provides a great space to play out of the elements, whether it’s pouring rain, howling wind or blistering heat. The playground is for kids up to 12 years and features slides, trampolines, tunnels, a ball pit - and coffee for the parents. The cost for a child and one supervising caregiver is $14.75, with add-on options for additional caregivers and grip socks.
Dive into the storybooks at Kowhai Park
The Kowhai Park playground is well known for a good reason. Kids can play on the unique storybook-themed playground and cool off in the water-play fountains. Plus there are plenty more fun things close by, including the Riverland Family Park, Tot Town Railway and Glenlogie Rose Gardens.
Kowhai Park is well known for its storybook-themed activities. Photo / NZME
Pop into Embassy 3 Cinemas
For those rainy days (and we’ve had a few), check out Embassy 3 Cinema’s film schedule. A variety of movies suited to young people are on at the cinema this summer including Moana 2, Paddington in Peru, Wicked and Mufasa: The Lion King. Embassy 3 Cinema has extended its schedule to include screenings on Mondays during the school holidays.
The newest section of the Mountains to Sea trail opened in November. It takes riders through the historic Bennett and Punch bush tramway and the Ohakune water catchment. The trail offers views of Mt Ruapehu and connects with the cultural heritage of iwi Ngāti Rangi. The 11.4km loop track is family-friendly and suitable for hikers and cyclists.
Te Ara Mangawhero offers stunning views of Mt Ruapehu.
Shop on a budget (or clean out your closet)
Whanganui is spoiled for choice with second-hand and op shops. From furniture to clothes, books and much more, you can find anything you need for a bargain. Salvation Army, Orphans Aid, SPCA, St John and more offer the chance to contribute to the community while you shop. And if you need to make space for your new budget goodies, clear out your space by donating or selling with these stores.
Olivia Reid is a multimedia journalist based in Whanganui.
