You’d be excused for thinking Waiheke was all Weddings, vineyards, beaches + olive groves. Amazing for Kids? Not so much – unless the sun is shining and the beaches are beckoning. Lets update you!
1. Xmas Street Party.
Oneroa is about to transform itself into the best little street party this side of Christmas. With minimal traffic at the best of times, it’s the absolute pinnacle of Children’s Street events in Akl. Grab the ferry, get the bus, walk from home. However you get there, you’ll be calm, you’ll have happy small people, you’ll be glad you came.
When: Sat Dec 14 2pm – 5pm
Where: Oneroa Main Street
Cost: Free
2. Waiheke Cinema.
Check out their website for the latest sessions. This week is Hobbit central!!! Get the ferry – walk (about 20mins) your kids up to the village (wear ’em out, oh yeah). Park them at the movies (much cheaper than town ones) and spend a couple hours in the local shops and cafes. Nice.
3. Pony rides.
At the infamous Ostend Sat markets. It has heaps of great stuff for kids including ponies, food and excellent present shopping. Get the bus direct from the ferry or rent a car.
4. Beach BBQ.
Oneroa, Little Oneroa, Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, Rocky Bay and Onetangi all have free BBQ’s to use. Fill up the picnic basket, grab a blanket, get your beach on. Need travel info?
5. Wild on Waiheke
These guys rock. Huge playground, trampoline, sandpit, huge field – bring a ball or frizbee. Send the kids off and keep an eye on them while enjoying a glass or wine or beer on the deck. Um, yes, truly.
6. Eco-zip.
Like a good flying fox? This is the MacDaddy of ’em all.
7. Waiheke Toy Library.
Got a bach on the Island? Or staying for a while? You’ll love the Toy Library.
8. Learn to sail.
Sunday Dec 15. Get yourself to Oneroa beach for a 9.45am kick-off. Junior and senior spring racing later in the day – starts at 12.30.
9. Walks
Waiheke is chocka full of good family walking. Three ideas:
- Stoney Batter ( get amongst the tunnels and gun bunkers).
- A bush or coastal walk.
- Check out one of the world class (I kid you not – serrrriously good) Sculpture parks. Connells Bay and Dead Dog Bay.
Anything I’ve missed? Please let me know.
Enjoy!!
