If you’re looking for a family holiday with theme parks and kids clubs, Aotea/Great Barrier Island might not be the right location for your next family break. But, if your family love nature, short hikes, beach play parks, tree swings, exceptional picnic spots and beautiful beaches, then it may just be the destination for you.
Here are some perfect family activity ideas on Great Barrier Island.
Best family beaches:
- Gooseberry Flat & Pa Beach on a calm day are perfect for a family day on the beach, especially with little children
- Medlands– perfect to have a go at surfing, rock pooling or playing in the mermaid pools at low tide
- Harataonga– For a full day adventure, head to this magical beach with fishing rods, snorkels and a picnic – the beach is just a short walk from the car park but feels like an adventure
Best family activities:
- Surfboard hire – head to Medlands beach to catch some tubes
- Dark sky tours are suitable for children from 8 years old up
- Head out sight seeing or fishing with Hooked on Barrier
- Head out kayaking in Whangaparapara Harbour, Puriri Bay, Shoal Bay or Pa Beach – All locations have some form of kayak hire.
- Had to Glenfern Sanctuary to discover endemic bird species, a swing bring to a kauri tree and short loop walk
Best family walks:
- Station Rock
- Cape Barrier walks – Up to 2 hours return, Island Bay and Dolphin bay lead to beaches that you can spend the day on, swimming. snorkelling or fishing off the rocks
- Kaitoke Hotsprings Track
- Windy Canyon
- Warrens Track – Discover a waterfall!
- Te Ahumata – If climbing Mt Hobson is a bit too much, consider heading up Te Ahumata.
- Old Mill track
Kids play areas/parks
- Mulberry Grove School, Tryphena. Two play parks , one for young children and the other for older children
- Mulberry Grove covered Skate half pipe ramp
- Goose Berry Flat, Tryphena. Play park at the southern end
- Barrier Social Club, Tryphena. Fenced play park and a tennis court
- Twin Pines Medlands, large grassy area set behind the beach with picnic and BBQ facilities, with a play park concrete area with basket ball court
- Aotea Health Center – Claris, near the Airport between the health centre and gallery there is a fenced play area with shade sails
- Sports & Social Club, Claris – Open tennis court and play park area set in beautiful surrounds and sports fields.
- Okiwi Reserve, Okiwi – located near the school there is a mini pump track
Accommodation suggestions:
For holiday bach options we recommend taking a look at Holiday Houses or Airbnb. Many of the island’s holiday baches are listed on these sites and are a great starting point. There are many lodges that are also suitable for children with family rooms or two bedroom suites.
Transport advice:
If you are a family of five bringing lots of luggage, we recommend checking with your car rental provider that they have a decent size car for you. There are several car rental providers that have vans for hire or people carriers suitable for families.
Transport to the island:
If you are bringing your family for a five day plus adventure, we know how much gear you’ll need, particularly with young children! We highly recommend booking to bring your car on the Sealink ferry so you can bring everything you need along! Ensure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.