Kids Activities in the West Coast Region

Lonely Planet voted the West Coast Wildlife Centre in the heart of Franz Josef as one of the 12 must see things to visit in New Zealand. This is the largest kiwi hatching facility in the South Island and the "must see" indoor all weather attraction in Franz Josef – home to the official hatching facility for the world's 2 rarest kiwis – the Rowi and Haast Tokoeka. See live kiwi during the day inside our nocturnal house, discover the interactive glacier attraction and West Coast storytelling areas ... Read more or go behind the scenes on the “Backstage Pass Tour” and see live kiwi chicks and meet the friendly kiwi ranger staff. Numbers are very limited on the 30 minute Backstage Pass Tour so booking are highly recommended to avoid disappointment. The best shopping in Franz Josef can be found here inside the all weather facility -and enjoy free Wi-Fi in the café to keep connected to family and friends back home. Enjoy a coffee or a snack in the café – or pick up a pack lunch for your day of ...

Tucked under the majestic Southern Alps on New Zealand's rugged untamed West Coast sits Franz Josef village and the magnificent Franz Josef glacier offering spectacular mountain views & dense rain forest. Imagine following ancient glacial pathways carved into the landscape by ice and water and the thrill of driving these fun 2-seater ATV quad bikes through this wild place. You will be amazed at what is around every twist and turn as you are guided through rain forests, riverbeds, grasslands, sand ... Read more and mud. Feel the thrill of fresh air in your face and the excitement of riding ATV quads. This place is truly special, one of only a handful of places in the world where ice and forest meet in such a spectacular manner, and ATV quads are the ultimate way to view it all! Our quad bike adventure is fun in the sun and even better in the rain! Enjoy a truly memorable adventure as you ride with our guides to gain views of the Franz Josef glacier and it's surrounding snow capped peaks.

Underworld Rafting Underworld rafting is a superb 4 hour award winning cave rafting adventure in the Metro Cave in the Paparoa National Park You are equipped with wet suits, wet suit socks, boots, gloves and helmet at our Base in The Charleston Hotel, then taken to The Nile River Rainforest Train for travel through the primeval rainforest and the towering cliffs of the Nile River Canyon. Once changed a short climb is required to enter the enormous Metro Cave System where in the upper levels ... Read more you will meander through a calcitic paradise of stalactites and stalagmites. In the lower levels you float through an awe inspiring glow worm grotto using only the natural light of the most prolific glow worms display as your navigational aid. You emerge in a lost world of virgin forest before leaving the tranquillity for the rushing waters of the Nile River Rapids. This is an award winning adventure definitely not to be missed! Charleston GlowWorm Cave Tour Like Underworld Rafting, ...

Off-roading in the Heart of New Zealand’s Native Rainforest. Have you ever wondered what the heart of the rainforest looks like, off the beaten track? We have spent 20 years creating off-road paradise through our privately owned native rainforest. We have carved trails through our forest, carefully retaining the natural character of the area. You will see huge trees, gorgeous views of the river valley, ferns and mosses that line the tracks. But the best part is the mud and water which ... Read more naturally pools on the tracks. After a good downpour of rain, rivers of water will be flowing down parts of the trail and the mud is replenished for play. No need to worry about keeping clean as we’ll supply boots and protective clothing to keep you dry. The adventures are on demand, 7 days, and the vehicle fleet includes quads, 1, 2 and 4-seater buggies, kid’s quads and the mighty Hagglund. The property has been in our family for 100 years, farmed differently by each generation, ...

Whatever the weather, it's as good as gold! Take a rare steam train ride, pan for gold, experience the sights and sounds of a working sawmill, watch a holographic show, explore the new dispatch foundry and three preserved bush trams and get an old-time photo, there's so much to see and do at Shantytown Heritage Park. Visit King Dick's Café for a refreshing cup of tea, lazy cappuccino, old fashioned scones served with cream and jam or a tasty lunch. Bring your own picnic, settle on one of our ... Read more outdoor tables and soak in the atmosphere. The children will enjoy our themed playground which comes with its own flying fox!

Runanga - After school care We have a walking school bus from Runanga primary school at 2.45pm.(Rain jackets may be required on a wet day). The school bus travels approximately 500 meters to a private residence on Pitt Street, Runanga. An environment that offers children opportunities to further their development and life/social skills that is fun and safe. There is indoor and outdoor areas available to children in the after school care. Afternoon tea is provided at 3.45-4pm (fruit and ... Read more water). Collection of your child/ren is by 5.45pm (late fees apply) at the private residence on Pitt Street, Runanga. After school care runs on school days only. For statutory holidays and school holidays there is limited spaces that can be arranged from time to time, please inquire by email, phone or in person with your needs. Emergency care can be arranged subject to availability.

Rapahoe Bay Holiday Park: Affordable, beachside Greymouth accommodation and greymouth camping ground for families and travellers to the West Coast, New Zealand..."

I am a trained nanny and very experienced early childhood educator, I have worked as an in home educator for 4 years while my daughter was young in nelson and have spent years working in kindergartens in NZ and Germany. I have just moved to granity and am wanting to do the same sort of in home care, any time of the day 6 days a week. sunday excluded. I can pick up or drop off from seddonville to westport. Look forward to hearing from you soon. Rebecca

Take a breathtaking guided trip on the West Coast's longest glacier amidst fascinating ice formations with New Zealand's most experienced glacier guiding company. Let our friendly and professional guides lead you onto an incredible world of ice. We offer a range of glacier trips to suit all fitness levels including gentle, informative Valley Guided Walks to the dynamic glacier face (min age 5 yrs) and Heli Hikes combining the excitement of exploring a stunnng and remote part of the glacier with ... Read more the thrill of 2 helicopter flights (min age 9 yrs). To assure your safety, our guides are trained through the internationally recognised New Zealand Mountain Guides Association. We pride ourselves in offering exceptional customer service, the highest level of safety management and the best value for money trips. Fox Glacier is situated on the West Coast of the South Island, only 23 km's south of Franz Josef. Early bookings recommended.

Our friendly and helpful team of travel experts are genuine ‘Coasters’ with local insider knowledge of the stunning West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island. We can take care of all your West Coast travel requirements including bus, train and ferry bookings. We can advise and book your West Coast accommodation from holiday parks and motels right through to the region’s finest hotels. If it is a family adventure you’re after, we know all the top West Coast adventure activities and ... Read more thrills. Or if you prefer a quieter experience, we offer a wide range of wildlife encounters, day excursions and heritage tours. For the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail, we can help with bookings of bike hire, accommodation and transport and offer additional information on the surrounding area.  We offer FREE visitor information & reservation services.  We are the leading information centre on the West Coast operating for over 30 years .  Authorised Tranz Scenic / Kiwi Rail ...

Our well equipped West Coast motel has accommodation to fit your family holiday needs and budget. The One Bedroom Family Units are the ideal family accommodation for up to 4 people with a queen size bed in the living area and two single beds in the bedroom. The full kitchen includes fridge, cutlery and crockery, a bench top oven with two hot plates, microwave and cooking utensils. Daily room servicing. We provide unlimited free wireless internet in all units. Complimentary DVDs & book swap. Free ... Read more off-street parking and a guest laundry and BBQ area are available for your use. We provide complimentary towels for the Glacier Hot Pools. We are located in centre Franz Josef Glacier village with a good range of restaurants close by and local attractions & activities. Check our website for the best rates and special offers.

Come and view North Island Brown Kiwi in our nocturnal house. NZ giant longfin eels can be fed daily at 10 am, noon and 3 pm. We will feed our 2 kiwi after each eel feed. We have tuatara, native/tropical fish, turtles, frogs and axolotls. Families love to catch and release crawlies in our indoor lake area. This is an indoor activity. We are open 7 days a week. Summer hours 9 am to 5 pm, winter hours 9.30 am to 4.30 pm.Last admission half hour before closing. Good fun for the whole family!

Glacier Valley Eco Tours is a NZ Family owned and operated local business specialising in guided Nature Tours in and around Glacier Country NZ. We offer personalised, informative tours to Franz Josef & Fox Glacier Valley's; the iconic Lake Matheson, NZ's famous lake, and Okarito beach & village, and old historic gold mining village with hidden gems to offer. We are listed as number #4 on Tripadvisor for Outdoor activities in our area, and have 20 years of guiding experience in NZ bush. Our guides ... Read more offer knowledge of local flora, fauna, history of the area, glaciology & geology. We take you off track from the public tracks (Franz & Fox Glacier only) and provide tea and coffee and a biscuit on your tour. We also provide wet weather gear, umbrellas and walking poles, as well as transport.

Glow worms caves zipline abseiling cycle tours hiking scenic adventures, kid safe family adventures, mountain biking, gold hunting, kayaking, multi day adventures from Christchurch. Something for everyone on New Zealand's Gold Coast West of the Southern Alps. Contact us for free holiday advice or to see our range of fun tours