Family-friendly activities on the Coromandel
Thanks to our Facebook friends for their family-friendly ideas for activities and entertainment on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Bullswool Farm: A farm park where you can feed, groom and interact with farm animals. They have just recently opened a kauri museum and bush walk area too. You can spend hours wandering around the animals (and feeding them), having a picnic, playing on the amazing playground or "flying" the helicopter at the lookout.
The Waterworks: Plenty of fun for old and young, all water-themed! From giant water canons to boat races. There is also a cafe area and mini gift shop.
Karangahake Gorge walks: About 15 minutes’ drive from central Paeroa. Got to love a free activity! Plenty of walks to suit all fitness levels.
Ngatea Water Gardens: Enjoy a quiet walk around the park-like setting with a twist — lots of fun surprises for all ages! Included is a can museum, cafe, playground and even a function room.
Go to the beach: We love the beaches at Pauanui, beautifully sandy and pretty safe.
Fish and chips on the beach at Waiomu Bay — there is a wee playground for a play afterwards and nice facilities.
Bike/walk along the rail trail: Plenty of options of where to start and stop so you can choose how long to be on the trail.
Butterfly and Orchid Garden: A smaller version of Auckland's Butterfly Creek, very family friendly and just a five-minutes drive north from central Thames.
Small Gauge Railway Thames, located on Brown St, Thames, next door to Thames Tennis Club (Sunday only). Price: $2 per ride, under-threes are free. The volunteers are always amazing with the kids and love having a chat with Mum and Dad.
Kite Flying at Danby Field (locatedat Richmond St/Queen St, Thames, just next door to the shopping centre). Danby Field is a great open space perfect for flying kites. If the little ones get sick of the kites there is a playground right next door.
We're always looking for more family friendly suggestions. If you have one please add it in the comments section below.
