Family Fun for All Weathers
We know sometimes it can be hard to figure where to go for a good time with little ones, especially on those classic wet West Coast days, but there’s plenty to do and we’ve put it all here for you!
Kumara
Keep it local and head down to the playground just across the highway from us (5 minute walk at most!), where you’ll also find the Empire Cafe conveniently located for hot beverages and tasty food.
Bike or walk on the West Coast Wilderness Trail – this gorgeous trail runs right through the village so you take your pick. Londonderry rock is a 30min walk away, and can be done as a loop totalling 4km, or venture out towards Kumara chasm. Both options are pretty flat, well marked and paved.
Pop down to Serpentine beach, just 7kms away, and marvel at the waves, build forts with driftwood, hunt for pounamu (or just your favourite coloured rocks!), soak up sunset and maybe have a fire, there’s no shortage of fuel. On a clear day you can see the snow topped Southern Alps, including Mt Cook!
Near Serpentine beach you’ll find the Leeway track – turn off the main road towards the beach (signposted for Coast to Coast), take the right turning, and park on the hill, walk forwards and you’ll see the sign for the track. Wander along and discover fairy gardens, local art and collections left by locals.
Swim out at Kapitea Reservoir (can be chilly) or visit the Kumara swimming pool (summer only) – contact the Kumara school for access.
Visit the glow worms in the bush behind the Theatre Royal pub – there are a couple of caves you can venture into, darkness required and cave wetas likely.
Need to run around and let some steam off? The sports ground is just off the highway and is a great space to kick a ball and let loose some energy. Prefer a walk? Taylor’s Hill is a lovely local stroll with great views for very little effort, or check out the historic outdoor swimming pools (long empty unfortunately).
Staying on site? Bounce on the trampoline, wander through the fairy forest, play on tree swings, enjoy outdoor games, puzzles or indoor games in the lounge.
Hokitika
West Coast Tree Tops is located just 15 minutes south of Hokitika and has something for all ages. A self-guided experience suits all ages, with a wheelchair accessible walkway and gentle 1.2-kilometre loop for families so you can soak up the forest sounds, native birds and scenic views. For those bigger kids (over 30kg) the South Island’s only dual zipline allows you to race side-by-side through the treetops at speeds of up to 65 kilometres an hour! They have a cafe on site.
Stunning scenery family friendly walks can be found at Hokitika Gorge (go early or late to avoid the crowds), Lake Mahināpua, Lake Karniere, and Goldsborough – for more info see here.
Swimming – go wild (and a bit cold!) at Lake Karniere or play it safe in the Hokitika Pool.
Fancy some relaxing downtime? Check out Hokitika’s cinema, the Regent Theatre, for the latest movies – they always put on a great selection for the kids during school holidays.
Check out the kiwis and feed the eels at the National Kiwi Centre in downtown Hokitika. Get up close with New Zealand wildlife, including Tuatara, crayfish, creepy crawlies and more. A great rainy day option.
Westland Industrial Heritage Park is a working museum with a variety of exhibitions, experiences and ongoing projects on offer. Exhibitions cover Big Engines, a Livery, Fire Museum, Creative Heritage Hub, Tracks and Wheels, a thriving Bush Railway, and an outdoor recreation experience. Walk, picnic and take in birdsong in their five-hectare recreation area of native bush and wetland, which has several short walks and picnic areas. There’s also a museum in the town for the history lovers.
Older kids can try out pounamu carving, a great chance to make their own souvenir, take your pick from the wonderful local businesses in Hokitika town centre.
Check out the beach – in summer they have the Driftwood and Sand Festival – and lots of local eateries are nearby for easy picnics.
Greymouth
Step back in time at Shantytown, halfway between us and Greymouth, at Paroa. They’ve got a faithfully recreated 1900s pioneer town with preserved historic buildings, a museum, steam trains, and gold panning on the sluice line. They’ve even got a Flying Fox (zip wire), old-fashioned lollies (sweets) and treasure hunts uncovering hidden gems and exciting facts along the way. Great fun whatever the weather! Check out their cafe on site, or grab some fish and chips from the store in Paroa and head to the beach for a classic holiday memory.
Perfect for a rainy day, Westland Recreation Centre in Greymouth has swimming pools, hydroslides, a hot tub and a sauna – fun for all!
Greymouth also has a Regent Theatre cinema for some great movie downtime.
Family friendly walks near Greymouth include Coal Creek Falls (the rain tops them up so don’t let the weather stop you), Cobden lagoon, Point Elizabeth, and Brunner Mine.
Take the long way between Kumara and Greymouth and explore Lake Brunner – swimming, watersports, walks, beaches and more.
Have we said beach enough times yet?!
There’s also a brand new library in Greymouth by the river with a cafe, kids play area and of course, plenty of books.
If you have any questions, or need little advise, or want to know ideas for your journey to or from here, just ask the team. 2 days is never enough so remember we offer discounts for longer stays when booked direct!
