Family fun

So you have arrived in Dunedin with your children and are a little daunted at the prospect of spending a few days in town with bored kids. There is really no need to be worried. There is fun to be had in Dunedin for children of all ages.

Pre book with us!

If any of the options on these pages take your fancy, contact us as a lot of them require pre-booking.

Day One

Start the day with a swim at Moana Pool. The children can play while you do some laps or use the gym facilities or if they are little, you can entertain them in the leisure pool area.
Head back into town for lunch at one of Dunedin's many child friendly cafes. Most have a toy box and menus that can be adapted to suit your children's tastes.
In the afternoon, take the Taieri Gorge Railway trip and watch the kids marvel at the bridges and tunnels. There are refreshments available on board or you can take your own snacks.
By the time you get back into town, there will be time for dinner before heading back to your accommodation with cheerful, tired children.

Day Two

After breakfast, head straight to the Otago Museum. Children and adults alike will love trying to persuade a mammoth butterfly to land on your shoulder in the Discovery World Tropical Forest. After you have sweltered in the heat, take a stroll around the galleries to refresh yourself.
After a quick stop to pick up a prebooked hamper or some supplies from a handy supermarket, the Dunedin Botanic Garden is the perfect place for a leisurely picnic. You can feed the ducks, play in the playground, watch the goldfish and see how many of you it takes to stretch around some of the enormous trees. After lunch, take a walk up to the aviary and chat to the birds before coming back down the hill through the maze of bush trails.

Day Three

A tour of Cadbury World is a must on your trip to Dunedin. You can even sample a little product on your way around.
A quick walk down the street after lunch will take you to the Otago Settlers Museum, where you will see what it was like to be one of Dunedin's first arrivals and the kids' can play with the old dress ups.
For tired children, early dinner and a movie will be the ideal way to finish the day.

Day Four

Take the family for a half-day Monarch cruise and experience the beautiful Otago harbour and its wildlife.
On a summer afternoon, take a stroll through Woodhaugh Gardens - make sure you bring a picnic, as there are barbecues and a paddling pool. You can take a walk through the native bush up to Ross Creek, ensuring weary little children at the end of a very satisfying day.
On a winter's day, take the kids ice-skating for hours of fun and hilarity. There are snacks available for the starving hordes afterwards.

Last reviewed: 16 Oct 2009 10:35am