What to do and see in North Island, New Zealand: The Best Children's Museums

Fuel your imagination as you walk around Hawkes Bay’s largest Hand’s-on Interactive Museum. It’s a fascinating, family-friendly place, a place where children of all ages can have fun while learning. You can immerse yourself in an Aladdin’s Cave of technology, science and history. Explore our large collection of vintage machines, gadgets, or simply take a trip down memory lane while playing in the arcade, or phoning a friend the old fashioned way.

Welcome to Puke Ariki - an integrated knowledge hub comprising museum, library, research centre, museum store and i-SITE for a visitor experience that is like no other. Puke Ariki is a place where people come together and where there is a place for everyone. Sited in New Plymouth, between the majestic Mount Taranaki and the wild Tasman Sea, Puke Ariki is a place of wonder, of excitement, of discovery and adventure. "Te hiringa ā rangi, te hiringa ā nuku, te hiringa o Puke Ariki, kia tupu te toiora, kia tupu te toi auaha o te tangata, pupū mai ai i a Taranaki o mua ki Taranaki o nāianei, honohono ake te hunga kāinga, te motu me te ao ki ngā aronga hou, ki ngā ara huhua o tikanga kē, o iwi kē." "At Puke Ariki we aim to inspire creativity and enrich lives by promoting the heritage of Taranaki and connecting local people and visitors to new ideas and other cultures from around the world."

Situated in the Parry Kauri park and watched over by two magnificent Kauri trees makes for a stunning location. Whilst only a few minutes from State Highway, the impression is created of being back in the early pioneer days of the late 1800s'. Some great short forest walks on well maintained board walks, even on wet days it seems like another world. Good car-parking and friendly staff at the museum make for an excellent few hours. Toilets and picnic tables are available for those who wish to spend a few hours enjoying the surroundings. Ice creams, drinks, light snacks and souvenirs are available at the museum shop

The Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre educates visitors about the marine environment & the research activities of the Institute of Marine Science at the University of Auckland. The interactive displays are great fun & provide a wealth of information about the marine environment. The Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre is suitable for all ages and makes for a great family day out.

Fun hands on science exploration activities for families with young children and toddlers.