Avondale for Kids in New Zealand

"Kids who love bikes, love this neat little Bike Park in Avondale. Parents love that there’s a playground nearby for when they get sick of cycling, and it's close to good coffee at Salvation Kitchen and a handy public toilet. If your kid is really into wheels and transportation, you can even take the train there, though it's a wee hike from the station."

"This awesome new kids playground was opened in 2015, built to order from the requests of the students at nearby Waterview Primary. There’s a splash pad, some risk-taking areas, slides, swings and plenty of newbie fruit trees for fresh fruit snacks in future years. It’s great to have a park that offers water play - the little kids love it, and it’s great for big kids too (plus a BMX area and skate park are opening in 2016 apparently!)."

"The obvious place to start on the menu of milkshakes is with the winner of the New Zealand's Best Milkshake Award - the Strawberry. But it's also worth trying their entry in this year's competition - the Chocolate, made with a Whittaker's Sante bar. Even better, go for one of the incredible fruit and nut options. The Date & Almond and the Date & Walnuts can be made without icecream, for a sugar-free shake. Or try the Cashew & Figs. So much yum!"

"I love the hand-written sign-writing on Avondale Shoes. To me it encapsulates all that is quirky and character-filled about this cool Auckland suburb. It's a great place for kids shoes, and when mine start school I'll be bringing them here for regulation footwear that is rock solid wihtout breaking the budget."

"A waterfall in the city? Yes it’s true. Only a five minute walk down a pretty track just off Great North Road (yes really!), this waterfall is a beauty - especially after rain. This is a really secret swimming spot in Auckland central, if you’re brave enough to ignore the ‘Danger’ sign (I’m not). But you can watch the local kids doing huge bombs and back flips, and last time I took the kids here there was a family washing their dog under the waterfall. Not exactly eco-friendly but a funny thing for the kids to see."