Fun Things to Do with Kids in Whangaparaoa & Orewa – A Family Guide
Looking for fun, family-friendly activities in Whangaparaoa and Orewa? Whether you're after outdoor adventures, nature walks, creative play, or a great spot for a treat, this guide has something for every whānau!
Here’s our list of top things to do with kids on the Hibiscus Coast, ensuring plenty of fresh air, fun, and memorable experiences.
🌊 Explore Our Beautiful Local Beaches 🌊
The Hibiscus Coast is home to some of the best family-friendly beaches in Auckland—perfect for sandcastle building, swimming, and exploring rock pools.
🏖 Stanmore Bay Beach
Calm, shallow waters for paddling and swimming
Large grassy reserve for picnics & ball games
Playground & skate park nearby
💡 Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxed beach day under the pōhutukawa trees.
🏖 Manly Beach
Safe swimming with gentle waves
Sheltered bay great for kayaking & paddleboarding & excellent real fruit ice-cream
Rock pools to explore at low tide
💡 Tip: Bring a bucket and look for crabs and shells in the rock pools!
🏖 Orewa Beach
One of the best family beaches in Auckland
Great for swimming, surfing & boogie boarding
Beautiful coastal walkway with bike & scooter-friendly paths
💡 Tip: Take a sunset stroll along the Orewa Beach walkway—it’s stunning!
🌿 Family-Friendly Bush Walks & Outdoor Adventures 🌿
There are plenty of easy, scenic walks around Whangaparāoa & Orewa that are great for little legs.
🌳 Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve (Orewa)
Short, family-friendly bushwalks
Spot pīwakawaka (fantails) & kererū (wood pigeons)
Large kauri trees & native bush
💡 Tip: Bring a nature scavenger hunt for the kids—see if they can find leaves, bugs, and birds!
🌿 Shakespear Regional Park (Whangaparāoa)
Safe swimming at Army Bay
Easy bush tracks with ocean views
Native birds & farm animals along the way
💡 Tip: Try the Tiri Track for breathtaking views of Tiritiri Matangi Island.
🌲 Waiwera Lookout Track
A short uphill climb with stunning views
Great for spotting wildlife and native trees
Perfect for active kids who love adventure
💡 Tip: Bring binoculars to see if you can spot birds flying over the estuary!
🚲 Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Cycleway (Orewa)
Scooter & bike-friendly pathway
Scenic wetlands & estuary views
Several playgrounds & picnic stops along the way
💡 Tip: Stop at the Orewa Beach Playground for a fun break!
🎢 Playgrounds & Family Fun 🎢
🏰 Silverdale Adventure Park
Zip line, luge rides, vertical bungy, soft play and 4D Cinema
Indoor & outdoor play areas
Fun for all ages
💡 Tip: Pre-book online for family discounts!
🤸 Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre
Heated indoor pool great for toddlers and babies
Awesome splash pad through summer
Great rainy-day activity
💡 Tip: Look out for school holiday programmes with extra fun activities!
🎨 Creative & Indoor Activities 🎨
🎭 Estuary Arts Centre (Orewa)
Kids’ art classes & workshops
Free entry to the gallery
Great rainy-day activity
💡 Tip: Check their website for upcoming school holiday programmes.
🎳 Hibiscus Coast Indoor Bowling & Entertainment Centre
Tenpin bowling & arcade games
Pool tables for older kids
Great for family outings & birthdays
💡 Tip: Look for family bowling deals on weekends!
📚 Whangaparāoa Library
Free Storytime & craft sessions
Lego clubs & interactive workshops
Great selection of children’s books
💡 Tip: Pick up a take-home activity pack for quiet play at home.
🍦 Best Family-Friendly Cafés & Treats 🍦
☕ Two Spoons Café (Stanmore Bay)
Relaxed family-friendly atmosphere
Kids’ play area & delicious treats that’re allergen friendly
Great coffee for parents!
💡 Tip: Try their Ginger Slice — that’s our daughters favourite!
🍦 Goodhub (Orewa)
Plenty of Outdoor Seating
Gluten-Free & Dairy-free options available
Right next to Orewa Beach
💡 Tip: Try their vegan bowl —it’s yummy!
From beach days and bushwalks to creative workshops and adventure parks, there’s no shortage of amazing family-friendly activities in Whangaparaoa and Orewa.