Treat yourself to a moment's rest by letting the kids loose at Splash Planet, Grove Road, Hastings (tel. 06/876-9856; www.splashplanet.co.nz). The park has everything from go-carts, bumper boats, a pirate ship, and a train to castles, a continuous river-raft ride, an activity pool, a safe toddlers' pool, miniature golf, and more. It's open daily October to April from 10am to 6pm (closed May-Sept). Day Super Pass Admission is NZ$28 for adults, NZ$18 for children for 4 to 13, NZ$95 for families, NZ$5 for spectators, and kids under 3 and seniors free.
In Napier, you'll find lots of fun at Napier Aquatic Centre, Maadi Road, Onekawa (tel. 06/834-4150; www.napieraquatic.co.nz). As well as swimming, you can play volleyball, miniature golf, touch rugby, and basketball. It's open daily from 6am to 9pm. For more watery fun, visit Ocean Spa Napier ★★★, 42 Marine Parade, Napier (tel. 06/835-8553); it features toddler pools, lap pools, sauna and massage facilities, beauty therapy, and a cafe. It's open Monday through Saturday from 6am to 10pm, Sunday 8am to 10pm. Admission starts at NZ$10 for adults, NZ$8 for kids 14 and under, NZ$30 for families. Just down the road, beside the i-SITE Visitor Centre, is Par 2 Marine Parade Mini Golf (tel. 06/834-0248; www.par2golf.co.nz), where the whole family can join the fun. Admission is NZ$9 adults, NZ$6 kids ages 5 to 15, and NZ$26 for a family. It's open daily in summer from 9am to 7:30pm (9:30am-4:30pm in winter).
Another great place to burn off energy is Kiwi Adventure Trust, 58 West Quay, Ahuriri, Napier (tel. 06/834-3500; www.kiwi-adventure.co.nz). It has climbing walls for beginners to experts and also offers kayak lessons and rentals, plus custom-made adventure trips. It's open Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6pm. Indoor climbing costs NZ$17 for ages 12 and up, NZ$14 for kids age 7 to 11, and NZ$8 for under 7s. Haumoana Farmyard Zoo, 32 East Rd., Haumoana, Hastings (tel. 06/875-0244; www.farmyardzoo.co.nz), lets kid interact with alpacas, turtles, ostriches, and common farm animals, or take a pony ride. Zoo entry is NZ$10 for adults, NZ$7 for children, and NZ$30 for a family. It's open daily from October through February, from 10am to 5pm weather permitting.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
