Our Kid-Friendly Guide to Porirua

Every city worth its salt has its very own foodie festival, and Porirua is the proud home of not only Whittaker’s, but also ChoctoberFest. No prizes for guessing what this entails - it’s a month-long celebration of all things chocolate, held each October. Cafes, restaurants, and bars around the city all whip up their own special chocolate offering for the month, with punters from near and far digging into as many treats as they can before rating them online. Just don’t blame your kids’ sugar high on us.

A truly one-of-a-kind museum in New Zealand, the New Zealand Police Museum shares the rich history of this country’s police force. For what seems like a fairly niche museum, there’s a wide range of exhibitions to peruse, with plenty of attractions to pique the young ones’ curiosity too. Check out the Junior Detective Trail, try one of the activity sheets, or snap a pic with the uniforms or the police motorcycle. A visit here is both interesting and educational.

If you and your kids are up for a challenging workout with some pretty neat views to boot, head on over to Aotea’s Adrenalin Forest. Strap yourself into the trusty safety system and climb and swing your way through the trees, with the shimmering Porirua Harbour peeking through the branches. There are a range of courses to suit all fitness and skill levels. A surefire way for the whole family to work up a sweat!

One of the most serene and welcoming outdoor spots in Porirua, Aotea Lagoon is an incredibly popular spot among locals - there’s enough here for a full day of exploring with the family. Let the kids cool off from the summer heat on the splash pad, tackle the playground, or hop on the miniature train. Or, simply grab a coffee from the cart and do laps around the lagoon itself - the wide pathway is buggy- and wheelchair-friendly. Did we mention the picnic and BBQ areas, separate toddlers’ area, petanque court, and outdoor weights gym?

Often regarded as the creative and cultural heart of Porirua, Pātaka Art + Museum offers a fascinating visit for all ages, including the little ones. The whole family will enjoy slowly walking through the exhibitions and musing at the more than 22,000 collection objects, but you won’t want to miss the kids’ gallery, which revolves around the story of the Porirua Harbour. Join your kids in learning all about the harbour and its wildlife through the many interactive experiences.

Need a little pick-me-up? Head on over to the sleepy seaside suburb of Plimmerton, where there are plenty of eateries to explore, including the dainty Cake Cafe. Just a stone’s throw from Plimmerton’s stunning beach, you can pick up a selection of the cafe’s specialty cupcakes (including vegan and gluten-free options), brownies, or cookie sandwiches. Again - don’t say we didn’t warn you about the ensuing sugar rush!

There are few places better for a relaxed family breakfast, lunch or sweet treat accompanied by a fluffy than t bay café. From cabinet goodies to full breakfast spreads, burgers and more, there's something for every mood, appetite and age. Dog-friendly spaces, a children's play area and local art displayed on the walls emphasise that this is not just a café but also a real community hub, a gathering place for those from both near and far.

If it’s a typically wet and windy Wellington day - or the kids are just feeling a little lazy - Light House Cinema in Pāuatahanui is a great place to snuggle up for the afternoon. Showing the latest blockbuster and independent films, with family-friendly options too, Light House Cinema offers a relaxing atmosphere for all, with the bonus of a great in-house cafe. They even cater for babies too - head along on a Tuesday morning for ‘Light House Littlies’, where you can bring your toddler and enjoy a new release in a welcoming, baby-friendly environment.

Like walking? Love birds? Pāuatahanui Wildlife Reserve is an amazing little haven where you can escape with the kids and immerse yourselves in the unadulterated sounds of nature. The boardwalks that maze through the reserve are both wheelchair- and buggy-friendly, with short walking tracks making it easy to explore the space. Children will love staking out a spot in the viewing hides and peeping out at the diverse birdlife that call the reserve home.