Quirky New Zealand Adventures with Kids

Thank you to our guest author, Ceana Priest, Outdoor Kid

Fossick around in history to discover incinerated forest fossils, ancient rock art and mysterious stone walls this winter. We’re sure you and your family will enjoy these quirky New Zealand adventures with kids.

You don’t have to stray too far off the beaten path to discover historical oddities to tempt the family outdoors during the cooler months.

Scattered throughout the North Island are plenty of short adventures offering a glimpse into our nation’s intriguing past. Although some can be easily explained, others are more perplexing. Luckily, most are mere minutes from the car, so have a rummage through time with the family and decide for yourself on these quirky adventures. Happy exploring!

North Island, New Zealand Adventures with Kids

Kaimanawa Wall | SH5 Taupō to Napier

These are probably some of the most unusual rocks in New Zealand you can drive to. The mysteriously rectangular rock blocks have sparked wide-ranging debate since being discovered; are they from a historic civilisation, a megalithic  “power node”, or perhaps an ancient temple of learning? While various creative theories abound, geologists have visited and concluded that natural fractures in the 330,000-year-old volcanic ignimbrite rock created the block shapes. But visit and decide for yourself! The winding drive through the beech forest to the wall is beautiful year-round.

Need to know: 28 km from Taupō on SH5, turn on to Taharua Rd, then Clements Mill Rd through Kaimanawa Forest Park. The wall is almost precisely 12km on your left.

The Whitecliffs Boulders | Mangaweka

A slice of prehistoric New Zealand exists just south of Taihape beneath a dense patch of forest shading massive round boulders scattered across a swampy landscape. Made from mudstone, the spherical ball concretions were created millions of years ago when rivers carried sediment from land erosion to the sea. A little trail winds around the moss-covered boulders – some remain intact, while others have split and can be walked through – and there’s a picnic table to relax at and soak up the weirdly intriguing setting. The boulders are tucked away on Whitecliffs farm, a private property on the banks of the Rangitīkei River, and it’s about a 30-minute walk one way to the boulders along a farm track (relatively steep in places) to the forest.

Need to know: Allow a couple of hours return from the car park. 535 Peka Road, Mangaweka. $5 per person. Free for kids. No dogs. Open from October to July. No bookings required. whitecliffsboulders.co.nz

Kerosene Creek | SH5 Rotorua to Taupō

These bush and fern-shrouded hot pools are no longer a local’s secret. The creek’s inclusion in popular tourist guides means there is a fair chance you’ll eavesdrop on a few different nationalities here. But despite its popularity, this steamy waterfall still offers enjoyable wallowing spots for families. Arrive early for a more sedate soaking experience. From the car park, walk beside the stream to the dirt trail leading to the main waterfall and swimming hole.

Need to know: Walking only. Allow 30 min return. No dogs. Toilet in the car park. Check gate closures on arrival. Drive south from Rotorua for about 25 min (26km), then turn left on to Old Waiotapu Rd.

Punaromia Rock Art | Tarawera Landing, Rotorua

Submerged for nearly two decades after the Tarawera eruption in 1886, it wasn’t until Lake Tarawera receded in the early 1900s that these impressive images were partially uncovered. While their age is unknown, the waka motifs drawn in kōkōwai/red ochre on rhyolite stone are surprisingly clear, despite their watery history. The art is protected under the Historic Places Act and the guardianship of the local Māori tribe, Tūhourangi. Steps lead down to the protective grill surrounding the rock face, allowing a closer look.

Need to know: Walking only. Allow 10 minutes return. From the car park, turn left at the shoreline. Tarawera Landing is about 17km from Rotorua.

Takapuna Fossil Forest | North Shore, Auckland

Poking through the shoreline at Takapuna Beach are the unearthed remains of a dense forest incinerated by lava about 140,000 years ago. Thin layers of basalt lava flowed from Pupuke Volcano through the former coastal forest, creating “standing torches” of the trees, and leaving behind cylindrical moulds of sturdy stumps and fallen trunks. Pick your way through the fossil forest, which has become visible as water levels slowly receded during the last few thousand years, peer into the hollows and look for wood grains. Don’t miss the most impressive mould, reaching a depth of three metres under a grill further along the coastal walking trail.

Need to know: Walking only. Dogs on leads. Visit at low tide. Takapuna boat ramp, The Promenade, Auckland.

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