Wellington, Family Activities

There's plenty to see and do around Eastbourne and Pencarrow - explore Wellington’s wild South Coast, including historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, lakes and wetlands, amazing views of Wellington and the Kaikoura Ranges, and occasional sightings of seals, little blue penguins, dolphins and orca!

Or for a more relaxed experience, grab a bike and cruise Eastbourne’s bays and cafes.

Fergs Kayaks and Indoor Climbing are home to the largest indoor real rock wall in NZ!  This 13 metre high wall offers something for everyone whether you are an absolute beginner or complete climbing whizz.  There are heaps of kids climbing options available during the school term, in the holidays or for a Sunday morning session.  Birthday Parties are awesome at Fergs, with freedom hire climb parties for 8 or more friends on weekdays or weekends – or come and experience the fun and excitement of Fergs Adventure Birthdays – bring the kids along for an adventure race that includes unlocking clues and challenges either by rock, inline skating or paddling to win your way to victory and prizes! Fergs Kayaks also have a great range of hire options for SUPs, bicycles, inline skate hire and kayaks. 

Wellingtons' Newest Indoor Playground, and the only playland in the region to have FREE amusement rides! Giant indoor climbing frame, Giant inflatable slide, Dancing Car Merry Go Round FREE! Carousels FREE! Dedicated Toddler area with own carousel, climbing frame, bouncy castle and more. Great Cafe serving good food and coffee. Dedicated Party Rooms for the best party in town,. Party Supplies and novelties.

Junglerama Adventure Playland and Cafe has endless fun for kids of all ages! Includes a large multi-level climbing structure, Inflatable slide, Inflatable obstacle course, Toddler area with soft toys, Jungle themed party tents and onsite cafe for the parents or kids' time out! Birthday Parties a speciality with food provided.

Enjoy the best of Wellington with a cruise on the citys unique harbour ferry service. Up to 16 return harbour crossings daily between Queens Wharf and Days Bay and calling into Matiu Somes Island.

Take a walk through time with a visit to the Department of Corrections’ Heritage Centre.  As well as the history of corrections in New Zealand, the centre looks at Corrections today, with multi-media displays showcasing our modern facilities. Open Monday-Friday, 7.30am - 5pm.

Belinda Carr is a professional newborn & baby photographer based in Wellington.  ​Belinda takes a natural approach to capturing the beauty and innocence of your newborn, ​whether that be in her home studio or from the comfort of your own home.  Book your session today!

Cool little spot for a family day out: SUP and sit on top kayak hire, real fruit ice cream, unique lolly shop, bike hire. Grab a kayak (weather dependant) and cruise out to Matiu / Somes Island - about 45 minutes paddle each way.

The award-winning Cable Car Museum brings to life the story of Wellington's iconic cable cars. Situated within the original Winding House, the Museum is home to two of the original grip cars and the historic winding machinery once used to haul the cars through a series of tunnels up the steep incline.

The New Zealand Police Museum collects evidence of our history in action. Historical objects and original evidence are used in displays that tell the story of the formation of New Zealand's Police as well as their changing role in all areas of law enforcement. Many major historical events also feature, including the 1913 strikes, 1981 Springbok Tour, the Erebus plane disaster and the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior. This is a great family friendly activity that will interest kids of all ages. Guided tours can be booked on request and adapted to suit differing ages. There is a Museum shop with collectable memorabilia, novelty gifts, postcards and toys along with the widest range of policing history books in New Zealand. General admission is free and guided tours $5 per adult and $3 per child.

Great family entertainment - 12 fully-electronic / automatic lanes and scoring, Kiddy bumpers on all lanes for children, Comfortable seating, 2 Projection screens for your viewing pleasure, Stylish bowling shoes.

The Cable Car is one of Wellington’s oldest and most popular tourist attractions. Cars depart every ten minutes from Lambton Quay in the heart of the city and run under the corporate towers of The Terrace, emerging in Kelburn and ending up at the top of Upland Road where the Lookout, Carter Observatory and Cable Car Museum are located.

The place to go to swim, slide or just hang out! Bodysurf the wave pool, ride the slides and experience the thrilling pitch black fast and furious water slide. There is serious swimming in the 25m lane pool, fun in the wave pool and toddlers will enjoy splashing in their very own pool. All pools are heated and a crèche is available weekdays to look after the children while adults enjoy a swim. Friday nights are Teen Time nights and waterslides, waves and river rides operate after 1.30pm on weekdays and 10.30 am at the weekend. The Waves Café has meals, snacks and drinks for after your swim.

The Farm Show is an all weather fun and educational experience including a shearing and milking demonstration, and the chance to handmilk a cow or feed the baby animals with a bottle. Take some food on the farm walk and most of the animals will eat from your hand. There are toilets, a café, restaurant and picnic areas.