RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES

Take Note Carterton has crafts and science kits for kids, along with a great range of toys including puzzles and Lego kits. For hours of arty fun head to Double Dollar Plus and get the kids to choose a range of art materials. 

NEED SOME WOOLLIES?

The Carterton Craft Market has a large range of woollen hats, jerseys, scarfs, and more to keep your kids warm this winter. They also stock handmade toys, doll/teddy clothes, and wooden creations. Bring in your doll or soft toy for a fitting! All made locally.

DELICIOUS THINGS

Carterton has a number of kid-friendly places to eat out: The Clareville Bakery, Gladstone Inn,  Wild Oats, and Balter Bar & Kitchen all have kid’s play spaces. Pg 42 Cafe and Gelato offers free kid’s fluffies with all purchases, kids activity books, plus check out the huge kids book section nextdoor at Almo’s Books. 

CARRINGTON PARK

The Junior Road Safety Park is a recent addition to Carterton Park, and features traffic lights, a bus shelter, a bike fix-it station and more. The kids will have hours of fun zooming around this. Suitable for scooters and bikes. There’s something for everyone with a skatepark, fenced kid’s area, flying fox, and an exercise circuit. Take along a picnic or walk two minutes into town for a cafe lunch!

BORDERLANDZ PAINTBALL

5 minutes out of Carterton, Borderlandz Paintball has top-quality fields including a maze field, WW1 inspired field, and a bush field. Borderlandz operate a child friendly low impact option for younger and less experienced players (8 – 12 years old). 

LIBRARY

Hosted in the award-winning Carterton Events Center, the Carterton Library is the one of the oldest operating public libraries in its original building in New Zealand. Chill out with some books on the beanbags –  a great rainy day activity! The Carterton Library also hosts free kids craft sessions during the school holidays, so get in touch to see what is coming up. 

GO BUSH!

Carterton is home to some of the best native bush in NZ. Fensham Reserve is a great short walk, close to town, and easily accomplished while baby-wearing – a great place for toddler exploring. The Waiohine Gorge is a must-do – swimming holes, gorgeous native bush walks, and a 124m long swing bridge set 40m above the river! Mt Holdsworth is another beautiful space with an easy access river for exploring. 

GET YOUR BAKE ON! 

Host a mini Master Chef day with your young ones. Wairarapa Electrical and Appliances have a large range of small appliances such as pie and waffle makers, sandwich presses, blenders and more. Head to New World Carterton to pick your ingredients – maybe challenge yourself to cook from local ingredients. 

ROCK HUNTING

Yes – rock hunting is officially a thing! This is a fun activity to get into with your under 10s. You can either be part of the rock painting and hiding, or the rock finding. Painted rocks have been hidden all over Carterton – Fensham Reserve, Carterton Park, the Clareville Bakery, Spark’s Park, and more. Search for the Wairarapa Rocks group on Facebook, and see where the latest rocks have been hidden (plus some finds come with a cool prize!)

GLADSTONE HORSE TREKS

Situated 30 minutes out of Carterton, Gladstone Horse Treks offer small group horse treks, from beginners to advanced, or even bring your own horse. Meander through a working farm, native QE11 bush, river crossings, and stunning hilltop views. There’s a trek to suit everyone!