Family Attractions
Tauranga has a fantastic range of family activities for every age and every budget. Here are some of the best family attractions to keep everyone entertained.
Classic Flyers Aviation Museum
Situated near Tauranga Airport, Classic Flyers NZ displays a collection of aviation and military artefacts including examples of commercial, agricultural and military aviation, and gliders. It also operates classic aircrafts and hosts a number of events including air shows, hotrod cars, superbikes throughout the year. Operational aircrafts displayed include a Hawker Hunter jet, Boeing Stearman and Grumman AgCat biplanes, T6 Harvards, and a CT4-B. Many more aircraft are displayed in static condition. After your museum visit, relax and enjoy a coffee at AvGas Café & Bar.
Looking Glass Garden
The Looking Glass Garden is a magical garden wonderland where fairy tales and nursery rhymes come to life. Nestled in the Papamoa Hills overlooking Te Puke, the open-to-the-public 8 hectare (20 acres) garden was developed over 33 years by former owners Gael & Cedric Blaymires. Here you will find characters and settings from popular children’s books and nursery rhymes such as Alice in Wonderland, The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and The Three Bears, Humpty Dumpty and much more. See more photos of the garden here.
Marshalls Animal Park
Marshalls Animal Park, situated within McLaren Falls Park, consists of 35 acres of pastoral grassland and home to many domestic and exotic animals. Well-planned walkways, guide you to an up close and personal encounter with the animals and children are able to feed and play with a host of farmyard animals and other exotic wildlife. The park is home to emus, ostriches, goats, pigs, sheep, rabbits, birds, horses, deers, cattle, guinea pigs and more. Sheltered picnic spots with tables allow you to enjoy the attractions at your leisure and there is also a playground complete with flying foxes, swings and slides. A well-stocked shop with essentials, tea, coffee, pies, ice creams and animal feed is available for you to purchase. Marshalls Animal Park is an excellent day out for the whole family.
Tauranga Art Gallery
Tauranga Art Gallery was first opened in October 2007 and is the first public art gallery in the Western Bay of Plenty. The gallery hosts a number of local and international exhibitions throughout the year. They also organise various family orientated events centred at the gallery.
Tauranga Historic Village
The Historic Village on 17th Avenue is a collection of original and replica buildings from early Tauranga set in gorgeous gardens and natural bush surrounds. These wonderful character buildings are home to over 50 businesses including shops and community organisations.
Tauranga Miniature Railway
The Tauranga Model Marine & Engineering Club owns and operates the Miniature Railway located at Memorial Park. It is a very popular attraction in Tauranga and is open every Sunday from 10am – 4pm, weather permitting. Train rides are free for under 2s or $2 per person and is enjoyed by all ages both young and old.
The Little Big Markets
The Little Big Markets offers a selection of great food stalls, stall holders selling art, crafts and hand-made goods, live music, a bouncy castle, petting zoo, pony rides and face painting. They are held at two locations, one in Mount Maunganui which takes place on the first Saturday of each month and the other location is held in Papamoa which takes place on the third Saturday of each month. The Little Big Markets are a fun filled day for the whole family and a Saturday morning must-visit.
Address
Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui and The Papamoa Pony Club, 491 Papamoa Beach Road
View websiteWaimarino Adventure Park
Waimarino Adventure Park is Tauranga’s ultimate water and adventure playground. Here you can slide down NZ’s only kayak slide; go rock climbing, play beach volleyball, battle the champ on the Gladiators pole or soak in the warm pool while a BBQ cooks nearby. For the under 5’s there is the trampoline, slip ‘n’ slide, warm thermal pool, low ropes course or riding in the Pedalos with parents or an older sibling. Waimarino Adventure Park provides the perfect day out for the entire family.