Category Archives: Things to do with children

When my children were young, I found it difficult finding things to do in Auckland with them, that would not involve a long drive and would also be of interest. So with that in mind, I have listed some ideas here.

Karangahape Road and Parks

Posted on March 25, 2012 | Leave a comment

IMG 2839 300x225 Karangahape Road and ParksThe weather did not look too promising this morning (it did improve), so we set out to walk the back streets and parks of Auckland City.  This walk provides fine views of Mt Eden (down the side roads off Karangahape Road), the Harbour Bridge and the Sky Tower.

IMG 2833 300x225 Karangahape Road and ParksWe got our ‘out in nature’ hit in Myers and Western Parks (with children’s playgrounds and a dog friendly off-leash area). The Children’s playground in Western Park has seven slides and a Flying Fox.

Auckland doesn’t seem so big when we walk it – it seemed to take no time at all to walk from Aotea Square to Ponsonby!

This is a great walk for visitors to Auckland and for families.  Catch the train to Britomart to begin the mini adventure!

We walked up to the Art Gallery in Kitchener Street to try the Gallery Cafe on Level One for the first time.

More photos on Facebook

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Posted in Things to do with children, Walks in Auckland Central

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Olympic Park, New Lynn

Posted on February 13, 2012 | Leave a comment

Copy of IMG 2681 300x225 Olympic Park, New LynnI have driven past Olympic Park New Lynn many times thinking it was only a children’s playground.
Yesterday we decided to stop and explore.
And we found that it is more than just a children’s playground and a wonderful place to bring children for a discovery outing.

It is an interesting small area with paths, streams, statues and children’s playgrounds and a sandpit.  Older children may enjoy using their scooters to get around.
This a great little area for people with disabilities to explore too.

Olympic Park statue 150x150 Olympic Park, New Lynn
Copy of IMG 2682 150x150 Olympic Park, New Lynn
Map of Olympic Park 300x225 Olympic Park, New Lynn

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Waiatarua Reserve – fun for all

Posted on August 27, 2011 | Leave a comment

IMG 2193 300x225 Waiatarua Reserve fun for allWaiatarua Reserve has something for everyone. The reserve is a large wetland (see the pukeko and other water birds) with paths suitable for walking, jogging and cycling.

It  has a children’s playground, picnic tables, viewing platforms, a Basketball half court, a Skate park. This is a dog friendly walk with an off-leash area. It has been called “Auckland’s best dog park”

In some places, you could imagine that you are a long way from civilization, because all you can hear are the birds and all you can see are trees.

The walk is signposted to be 60 minutes long, we walked just over 3 kms.

CYCLE MEET
50 Plus Cycling meets at Waiatarua Reserve, Abbotts Way, Remuera, on specific Sundays at 3.30pm, and Mt Albert War Memorial Park on Wednesday evenings. More info: click here.

IMG 2187 300x225 Waiatarua Reserve fun for all

Find this and other walks at the Walks Store.

Suggested Cafe: Hollywood Bakery in Lunn Avenue

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Posted in Auckland Nature Bush Walks, Things to do with children, Walks in Auckland Central

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Recently a friend enquired about doing walks in Auckland with young children who like to ride bikes and scooters. This can be a lot of fun for the kids, and is a great way to get them outdoors while adults … Continue reading →

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Posted on August 18, 2011

Auckland is a hilly city and not very wheel friendly to prams, mountain buggies, wheelchairs and people recovering from an accident or operation.  However there are some flat walks in Auckland that do avoid the steep bits. I won’t re-invent … Continue reading →

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Posted on July 11, 2011

Family walk around Panmure Basin

Posted on June 30, 2011 | 1 Comment

Panmure Basin 1 300x225 Family walk around Panmure BasinIt takes only 30 minutes to walk around Panmure Basin – another Auckland volcanic crater, but if you take young children with you then it may take longer.  Take the tricycles and scooters – there are only two steep bits. Panmure Basin is a fun family walk in Auckland with several distractions – there is access to 3 playgrounds, and on weekends there is a mini-train ride and you can stop and watch people controlling their boats on the pond. Keep an eye on the tide chart – it does look prettier at high tide.

If you are lazy you may wish to take along your fishing rod to check out if anything is biting.  But if you are into serious fitness you can always walk around the basin twice or participate on the Fitness Trail.
Panmure Basin 300x225 Family walk around Panmure Basin

Nearby is a skate park and the Lagoon Leisure and Fitness Centre, Lagoon Dr, Panmure - Here you’ll find outdoor pools, a hydroslide, diving boards, and an adventure playground – all kid magnets in the summer. The outdoor area and gardens with barbecues and shaded picnic tables are great for family picnics and functions (source NZ Herald).

Also nearby is Mount Wellington Domain which is fun to explore and has great views of Auckland.

This area does lack nearby cafes but if you have a car you may want to venture to Pakuranga Plaza or Sylvia Park.
Panmure Basin 2 300x225 Family walk around Panmure Basin

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Posted in Shorter 30 minute Auckland walks, Things to do with children, Volcano and crater walks in Auckland

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When children are age 5 or 6, they may be ready to get out walking to discover things to do in Auckland that are low-cost and fun. What age do you start walking with children? You can get out and … Continue reading →

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Posted on April 16, 2011