FULL-ON FAMILY FUN
Wild or wonderful creatures, a living maze, hands-on edu-tainment fun, a fairy-tale castle and loads of fresh air... crank up the April school holiday fun-o-metre in Dunedin this autumn with some of the following family-friendly ideas.
ANIMALS GALORE
What kid doesn't love a good petting zoo? The newly opened Animal Arc on the outskirts of Mosgiel is already proving a hit offering handson experiences with an array of rescue animals including llamas, deer, goats, horses, rabbits, emus, donkeys and many more.
For close encounters with creatures of a different kind, head to the Orokonui Ecosanctuary to spot tuatara, Otago Skinks, Takahe, kaka and more in this genuine cloud forest complete with kids play area. Or spend a day exploring the wild inhabitants of the Otago Peninsula at Blue Penguins Pukekura, the Royal Albatross Centre, Natures Wonders and Penguin Place.
EDU-TAINMENT
Looking to sneak in a bit of learning amidst all the fun? The Otago Museum’s Tūhura science centre has over 45 hands-on interactives, including a giant Dna-inspired helical slide, a three-tier tropical butterfly enclosure, plus a multi-screen, laser-activated Beautiful Science gallery, not to mention a 360-degree planetarium which screens curated 3D shows - hours of fun guaranteed.
There’s an entire programme of exciting, fun and educational events as part of the Wild Dunedin New Zealand Festival of Nature too. Experience Dunedin’s native forests, wildlife, wild foods and coastal beauties from a new perspective. Plenty of hands-on activities that will connect families to nature over the 6-day festival in the school holiday break.
TIME TRAVEL
Let imaginations run wild with a visit to some of New Zealand’s best-preserved historical landmarks that can easily double as fairy-tale settings. Search out the hidden corners of Larnach Castle and gardens and stop by the ballroom café for a sumptuous high tea. Marvel at the treasures within the walls of Olveston Historic Home, have a go at hand-making butter and play dress ups in Edwardian attire.
Check out the experiences and everyday items of our ancestors at the wonderfully interactive Toitū Otago
Settlers Museum including trams, sailing ship cabins, costumes and more. Then pop next door for a taste of old Shanghai and beautiful symmetry at the Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Gardens.
ACTION AND ADVENTURE
For rainy day excitement, check out the gadget and games at the newly opened Timezone Dunedin at the back of the Golden Centre. Challenge the family to a race through a living maze at Wal’s Funland in Mosgiel, one of the newest attractions in town, or tackle the incline of Baldwin Street – which is still the worlds steepest. Try out the deceptively tricky ice-bumper cars at the Dunedin Ice Stadium or take to the giant sand dunes of Sandfly Bay, armed with a boogie board or even a sturdy piece of cardboard.
If you still haven’t managed to tire the kids out, hire some bikes and cruise alongside the Otago Harbour pathway or head to Middlemarch for a few hours on the starting leg of the Otago Central Rail Trail.