On The Blog: School Holidays Guide
Keep the Kids Occupied these School Holidays
The school holidays are almost here, coinciding perfectly with the beginning of daylight savings. Hawke’s Bay is the ultimate destination to explore with children of all ages as the weather warms and the days become longer. The Porters team are always on hand to share their own favourite hotspots throughout Havelock North and beyond, but here are a few quintessential Hawke’s Bay places and operators to help plan holiday fun for your family.
1. Birdwoods Gallery and Sweet Shop
On a warm day, sit under the trees in the Birdwoods Gallery grounds with homemade lemonade and beautifully baked goods. Just next door is the Birdwoods Sweet Shop, an old-fashioned sweet shop ‘just like you remember’, housed in a charming colonial cottage made from reclaimed materials. Packed to the rafters with a treasure trove of sweets, it’s a favourite of young and old, and a must-visit in any kind of weather.
2. Bike Pump Track, Napier
All types of bikes and scooters cruise the 500m maze of smooth concrete tracks on Marine Parade. There’s a steep downhill start before riders’ skills are tested with a series of rollers that can be ridden over, in theory without the need to pedal if you can maintain speed. There are berms to test your skills further and some very narrow tracks that test control. There’s a big carpark, toilets and picnic tables (covered by shade sails) all onsite. For the younger children, Marine Parade also has a Junior Bike Track set up a stone’s throw from the Pump Track.
3. Gannet Beach Adventures
The new season opens for Gannet Beach Adventures 29 September and you’re guaranteed a unique, fun adventure for all ages. A ride with Gannet Beach Adventures can be many things – a nice day beside the sea, an opportunity to view the amazing wildlife, or a trip back in time as told by the layers in the coastal cliffs. Put them all together and it is a special experience
4. Boutique Horse Treks
Awarded a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence and rated as a Top 10 Hawke’s Bay experience, Boutique Horse Treks offer exclusive tours with natural horsemanship techniques. Whether you are a beginner or advanced rider, enjoy the Hawke’s Bay coastline including wetlands, rivers and the stony beaches of Hawke’s Bay…book at
5. Farmhouse Kitchen
With dedicated cooking classes for children, Farmhouse Kitchen offers all family members a chance to hone their culinary skills. Owner and instructor Pauline runs classes in a comfortable, stress-free environment and hopes Farmhouse Kitchen inspires people in their everyday lives to put good food on the table. Just five minutes from Porters Hotel, why not turn your hand to cooking for a day?
If you’re looking for more fun for the family, check out the family attractions playlist at www.hawkesbaynz.com/see-and-do/attractions/family-attractions/.
Porters Boutique Hotel offers a range of accommodation options designed to make travelling with a family a relaxing and stress-free experience. To plan your stay click here.