Kid-Friendly Adventures

Article and photography by Ceana Priest of Outdoor Kid Guidebooks, 2023.

Maggie's Funtastic Garden

Venture off the beaten path and into the whimsical realm of Maggie's Funtastic Garden near Edgecumbe, where artist and sculptor Maggie Fenton has created two acres of themed gardens that will delight kids. Stroll through Delmingo Old Western Town, which offers a taste of the Wild West, complete with a saloon, bank, an old-fashioned bath house, and a mouthwatering spread of doughnuts, steaks, and blueberry pies.

Peek into mining tunnels and unearth hidden gold nuggets – be careful of the TNT explosives! - before side-stepping the menacing crocodile lurking by the pond, surrounded by vibrant pink flamingos. And don't forget to take a quick selfie at the wooden pillory before the skeletons in Eric's Man Shed break loose. An interactive Time Machine pod lets you set coordinates for a thrilling journey through time – check out the Quantum Teleportation guides for some handy space-travel tips. But beware of the caged two-headed lime tree vipers and the mischievous red-flying Tickity Boos nearby at Bernard's Weird & Wonderful Pets.

Kids can also run around in the grassy areas, where there's a wooden plane (a nod to Maggie's former flying career), a pirate ship, a train, and climbing forts that will tire out even the most energetic youngsters. As you leave, don't forget to say hello to Basil, the sun-bleached skeletal Baslosarus, and eyeball Thelma Triceratops and Mavis the Megalosaurus. Bring a picnic and enjoy a few hours in this one-of-a-kind destination. 

Information: Bookings essential on 027 272 9828. $5 for adults and $2 for children. 34 McCracken Road, Edgecumbe, Whakatāne, New Zealand

Kiwi Wandering Trail 

Grab a Kiwi Wandering Trail map from the Whakatāne iSite Visitor Centre and set off on a self-guided scavenger hunt through the 'Kiwi Capital of the World' searching for 10 bronze kiwi sculptures. Discover the fascinating world of these small yet mighty birds, which have helped the local kiwi population make a remarkable comeback, from a mere 8 birds to more than 300.

Begin beside Te Kōputu a Te Whanga a Toi — Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre, where Manaia, the first kiwi on the trail, has just hatched. Then, it's off to find Big Al with his fancy transmitter, meet Pea, the first kiwi chick to hatch and grow naturally in the wild thanks to the Whakatāne Kiwi Project and uncover the tale of how Two Toes lost his toes.

The trail winds through town, alongside the Whakatāne River, with plenty of opportunities for ice cream before ending at Wairaka Centennial Park, a colourful volcano-themed playground with a splash pad perfect for cooling off in the summertime. And, if you're feeling adventurous, there's an estuary nearby for wading and exploring the mudflats when the tide goes out.

Crafted by artist and zoologist Dr Liz Grant (Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Huri), these remarkable sculptures are life-sized, so don't miss patting their feathered backs before ticking them off the trail map. Championing the cause of the town's nocturnal natives is the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust, boasting more than 130 dedicated volunteers who invest thousands of hours annually in maintaining trap lines, conducting nighttime walks, and advocating for these national treasures.

Information: Allow 60 minutes return (about 1.6 km one way). Download a trail map from  whakatanekiwi.org.nz. 

Awakeri Rail Adventures 

Embark on a nostalgic railway journey with Awakeri Rail Adventures on self-driven carts through the picturesque Rangitīkei Plains. Tootle along the historic Tāneatua Branch line - once a vital part of the East Coast Main Trunk railway – where steam locomotives ferried logs, livestock, and even circus elephants during its heyday.

Depending on how much time you have, choose from a speedy journey to feed the chickens and birds on the kid-friendly Chicken Run, or spend more time on the 10-kilometre-long railway tracks with the early morning two-hour Express Run or the leisurely 2.5-hour Bush Walk Run that includes a guided bush walk, tea and biccies and a few spooky tales on request.

If you visit during the summer, don't miss the Twilight Tour, when hundreds of glowworms light up the cuttings. Guests fully control the rail carts on this self-driving experience, allowing plenty of photo stops as the landscape transitions between open country roads and native forests. Join owner Paul Francis, a former train driver, and his team for lively banter while exploring mānuka-shaded tunnels, bridges and local history.

Bring a spare gumboot to add to the famous 'gumboot fence' where dozens of boots boast cheerful motivational quotes. The guided bush walk within the peaceful White Pine Bush takes in towering Kahikatea trees and kawakawa-lined pathways. Proceeds from tickets help support forest conservation and pest eradication efforts. Prepare for a brisk return trip from the turnaround point as the carts whisk guests quickly back to the station. This adventure isn't just for train enthusiasts; it's an adventure everyone in the family can enjoy. 

Information: Bookings essential. 0800 5374 7245. State Highway 2, Awakeri. awakerirail.co.nz 

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