Little Winter Legends: 7 Under 5 Adventures on the Hibiscus Coast (AND NEARBY)

Kia ora, Coastie whanau! Winter weekends and rainy days don’t have to mean cabin fever, grab the gumboots, zip the puffers and try one of these winter-proof outings. Every spot below comes with a quick link so you can tap-and-go, and some of our favourite spots from our Sprouts! 🗺️✨

1. Shakespear Regional Park – Waterfall Wriggles 🌿💦

• A stroller-friendly bush loop and newly spruced picnic deck beside the falls. Puddles guaranteed, so pack spare socks. Certainly one of the Hibiscus Coast locals favs!

• Where: 1501 Whangaparaoa Rd, Army Bay

2. Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre – Splash-n-Giggle 💦

• Heated toddler pool, giant floaties and family change rooms - perfect pre-nap energy burn.

• Where: 159 Brightside Rd, Stanmore Bay

3. Wenderholm Regional Park – Wild & Wind-Proof 🌲⚽

• Kick a ball on the grass flats, hunt driftwood taniwha on Kokoru Bay Track, then demolish your homemade hot choc and fluffies.

• Where: 37 Schischka Rd, Waiwera

4. Cosy Cuppas & Kid-Proof Cafés ☕🍰

• Two Spoons (sweet treats and cosy corner with toys and books - gluten and diary free friendly)

  • Where: 1 Wade River Road, Arkles Bay, Whangaparaoa

• Kings Plant Barn (playground + trampolines)

  • Where: Cnr Main Hwy & East Coast Rd, Silverdale

• Container Café (covered tables beside a playground)

  • Where: 1 Parkside Dr, Orewa

• Shed 16 (awesome outdoor playground - although not on the Hibiscus Coast!)

  • Where: 3 North Crescent, Kaukapakapa

5. Indoor Energy Burners 🏃‍♂️🤸

• Crave Athletics (casual Saturday gymnastics)

  • Where: 4/100 Foundry Rd, Silverdale

• Adventure Alley (mega indoor playground in Albany)

  • Where: 17 Ride Way, Rosedale

• Arena Entertainment (bowling + inflatables + arcade)

  • Where: 22 Corinthian Dr, Albany

• My Wonderland (Auckland’s only 5-level indoor playground + slides!)

  • Where: 3/63 Corinthian Drive, Albany, Auckland

6. Bush Fairy Hunts ✨🍃

• Victor Eaves Reserve (easy loop under nikau palms)

  • Where: 87 Florence Ave, Orewa

• Alice Eaves Scenic Reserve (towering kauri & lookout)

  • Where: 36 Hillcrest Rd / 2 Old North Rd, Orewa

• Walnut Cottage Café (for post-walk fluffies from Alice Eaves)

  • Where: 498 Hibiscus Coast Hwy, Orewa

7. GLOrewa! – Glow-in-the-Dark Storyscape 🌟🌓

A magical maze of neon puppetry and interactive tales, book a session, then watch your tamariki turn into wide-eyed astronauts.

• Info & tickets: https://www.glowshow.co.nz/glorewa

• Venue: 12 Florence Ave, Orewa

🔥 Quickfire Hacks 🔥

• Boot-Kit: stash dry clothes & towels in the boot, soggy socks ruin morale.

• BYO Cups: Coastie cafés happily refill fluffies!

• App of Champions: download Roam With Kids for last-minute playground intel and weekend events.

Bundle up, explore, and let your tamariki earn that evening hot chocolate. Winter weekends on the Hibiscus Coast nailed!