Especially for Kids in Hawkes Bay

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.