10 things to do with kids in Wānaka
For the whole family
Even the littlest ones!
1. Visit Wanaka Lavender Farm
At the Wanaka Lavender Farm, enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet the friendly farm animals, play a garden game, unwind over a cup of herbal tea, then indulge in lavender ice-creams.
View this post on Instagram
2. Fish at Hook
Hook is a great family activity. Catch your very own Chinook salmon from the spring-fed fishing lakes then relax while they prepare it for you. Meanwhile the kids can feed the fish, explore the beautiful grounds, play a lawn game or hang out in the sand pit.
View this post on Instagram
3. Discover one of our attractions
Entertaining the kids is easy in Wānaka. A visit to Puzzling World, the National Transport & Toy Museum, Crossfire, Base Camp Wanaka, Warbirds & Wheels and Realm Virtual Reality Centre will keep them busy and entertained for days. Sit back, relax and let them explore or better yet join in the fun .
View this post on Instagram
4. Take them to the (bike) park
Whether it's to skate, bike or play, a visit to a park in a must. The Wanaka Dinosaur Park has been entertaining kids of all ages for years and the nearby skate park is also a great place to visit. Lismore Jump Park and Sticky Forest are also great places to take the mountain bikers in the family to ride the tracks and improve their skills. And let's not forget Bike Glendhu where kids can play in the sandpit and try the pumptrack (the park has free balance bikes), check out Velo Cafe or hit the mellow green trails (for the ones that are feeling steady enough to head up to the big kid trails!)
View this post on Instagram
5. Meet Wally the Weka
In the middle of Lake Wānaka is Mou Waho Island - a predator-free island, home to the native Buff Weka. Wally and Sally have been on the island for over ten years and love meeting new people. Take a a powerboat shuttle with either Wanaka Watertaxi, Eco Wanaka Adventures or Paddle Wanaka. Maybe you'd like to opt for a catamaran with Lake Wanaka Cruises? Or maybe add some high-octane with a jet-ski or boat rental with LakeLand Wanaka! To keep Wally and Sally healthy, please do not feed them!
View this post on Instagram
6. Go for a paddle
Hire a kayak, paddleboard or pedal boat and head out on the lake for some fun. Paddle Wanaka and Lakeland Wanaka can hire you gear for an hour or a day - head down to the lakefront to visit them.
7. Visit Cardrona in summer
Cardrona Alpine Resort is a great place to take the kids in summer. There's mountain biking, walking, carting, stargazing and you can even stay the night.
View this post on Instagram
8. Explore Mt Aspiring National Park
Discover this very special World Heritage Area. Choose one of the walks in the park, take a jet boat trip, overnight in a backcountry hut or try the Siberia Experience or Siberia Wilderness Adventure. But be prepared!
View this post on Instagram
9. Take them for a swim
In summer, there's plenty of great spots to take them for swim. Roy's Bay in the middle of town has the diving pontoon and the wharf - both of which are favourites with the local kids. Bremner Bay is shallow, safe and warm for the littlies, while for a challenge try the Blue Pools. The Wanaka Pool is open all year and a great option as well.
View this post on Instagram
10. Treat them!
What kid doesn't love a treat. Take them to the movies, then try an ice cream from Black Peak Gelato or Patagonia Chocolates, doughnuts and custard squares from Pembroke Patisserie, a crepe from Charlie Brown Crepes or a bliss ball from Soulfood!
You might also like…
10 free things to do in WānakaThe best things in life are free
