holiday fun for kids at flaxmill bay
There's plenty of things to do in and around Flaxmill Bay to keep the kids happy and occupied when you're on holiday. In addition to spending time at the beautiful Local Beaches, digging a spa pool at Hot Water Beach and walking to Cathedral Cove, here are some of our ideas for family activities if/when the kids have had enough of "beach time" and you need a change of scene.
Make a shell sculpture
Take a walk to Lonely Bay at low tide and you may find some lovely shells. For the adventurous, get some wire from the hardware store at Cooks Beach and make a creation! Here's ours (on display in the Office).
Rock Pools!
Explore the rock pools at the base of Shakespeare Cliff and see what you can find... crabs... starfish...cat's eyes...little fish? Wear reef shoes and make sure you don't get caught by the tide.
Take a swing at Flaxmill Bay!
Find the rope swing at Flaxmill Bay (walk down the beach from Flaxmill towards Front Beach). But make sure the tide is out unless you want to get wet! We hope it's still there!
Build a beach hut
Often you'll find driftwood on the beach at Flaxmill Bay or Cooks Beach (or half-built huts that need some TLC). Challenge the kids to see who can build the best one!
Get your boogie board ready
There's lots of great spots to body surf in the area - Flaxmill Bay or 2kms of beach at Cook's Beach. The surf can be exciting at Front Beach, but only for strong swimmers.
Whitianga Museum
Catch the ferry across to Whitianga and directly opposite the wharf is the Whitianga Museum. Some of the displays are quite hands on and interactive which is refreshing to see in a museum. Historical, educational and fun!
Pedal around town
If you're in Whitianga, next to the Museum, you can hire pedal cars - 2 seaters and 4 seat "Quad Bike Cruisers". It's a great way to potter around the town as long as the kid's legs can reach the pedals.
Go see a movie
Sometimes there's too much sun or sea and the kids just need a break. There's always the movies at the Mercury Bay Twin Cinemas in Whitianga. There's no online booking so it's good to call in advance to check you can get tickets!
Get close to some birdlife!
A little out of the way, but well worth the drive (and the entrance fee), is the Mill Creek Park and Bird Sanctuary. Get up close to a wide range of exotic and native birds, animals and reptiles. There's a little train, mini golf and a picnic area too.
Whiti Farm Park
Take a picnic and spend the day at Whiti Farm Park (on the main road SH25 to Whitianga). From pigs to llamas to turtles. Great for the smaller kids. Tip - if it's wet, wear some gumboots!
Waiau Water Works
Located on the 309 Road to Coromandel Town is Waiau Water Works. How to have fun with water in a variety of ways! There's also a playground, BBQ area, swimming hole and cafe onsite so another great day trip.