Top 5 ‘Fun for Free’ Activities in Hawke’s Bay
Anna Stevenson suggests these back to basic activities to ensure families have fun for free while enjoying their stay in the sunny Hawke’s Bay.
Picnic lovers
Pack a picnic, load the family into the car and head for Anderson Park in Greenmeadows. Feed hundreds of ducks and swans and enjoy a leisurely walk around the ponds. Young children will enjoy the marvelous playground. Older children can take their skateboards or bikes and join in with the dare-devil fun of the large, well contoured skate park.
Beach bums
Spend time at Napier’s popular swimming (and sometimes surf) beach at Westshore. A unique pebble beach – no sand in togs or toes! Monitored by surf lifeguards during the summer months. A great spot for surf casting and occasionally, whale watching.
Honey tasters
Visit Arataki Honey in Havelock North and explore the fascinating world of the humble honeybee in this interactive environment. Watch a video and talk with experienced staff to inform and guide you. Free entry and honey tasting. A sweet experience with a difference. While at Havelock North a drive up to Te Mata Peak for fantastic views of the Hawke’s Bay is a must.
Bird watchers
Work up an appetite before dinner and take the family on a walk at sunset around the Ahuriri Estuary Boardwalk and bird reserve at Westshore. A picturesque and fascinating walk, this estuary is one of the most significant in the North Island. It supports a large interdependent community of birds, fish, mud dwellers and aquatic plant life. Migrating bird species come from as far as Siberia and Alaska. The loop track (about 4km) takes approximately 1 hour.
Bike riders
Pack backpacks with snacks and water and enjoy a leisurely family bike ride along the coast on the Rotary Trust Pathways from Westshore to Bayview or from Marine Parade to Awatoto. Take in the gorgeous coastline and scenery along the way.
We'd love to hear your insights and favourite things about Hawke's Bay so write to us!
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