Wellington

Te Papa
Address:Cable Street, Wellington
Opening Hours:Daily from 10am-6pm, and until 9pm Thurs
Cost: Free entry, fees may apply for special exhibits or activities
Why it's so cool: The museum of New Zealand, Te Papa has over 2 million items in it's collection, from dinosaur bones and early Maori tools to birds and animals. And it's free! There are also four Discovery Centres, each with a different theme, where children can learn by touching and exploring.
We love: Story Place, a 45 minute session of storytelling, games and art and craft especially for preschoolers ($2 charge applies).
Visit: www.tepapa.govt.nz

Carter Observatory
Address: 40 Salamanca Rd, Kelburn
Opening Hours: Vary depending on season, see website for details
Cost: See Website
Why it's so cool: Preschoolers, especially boys, are often fascinated with space, and the Carter Observatory gives them an opportunity to learn more about the universe. View stars and planets thru the huge telescopes (weather permitting), and check out displays on the history of space.
We love: The beautiful surroundings - the observatory is in the middle of the Botanic Gardens, a perfect place for a picnic!
Visit: www.carterobservatory.org

Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Waiapu Rd, Karori
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm except Christmas Day
Cost: Adults: $18.50, Children: $9, Family Pass: $46, Preschoolers free
Why it's so cool: A safe haven for native birds and wildlife, the Wildlife Sanctuary is alive with color and sound - bound to capture the attention of your preschooler!
We love: The guided tours (a must for any first-timer) and free parking!
Visit: www.sanctuary.org.nz

Silverstream Railway
Address: Reynolds Bach Dr, Silverstream
Opening Hours: Sundays and Public Holidays 11am-4pm and special events (see website)
Cost: Adults: $12, Children: $6, Under 5's Free, Family Pass: $29
Why it's so cool: A ride on a real steam engine, just like Thomas the Tank Engine (well, almost!). Plus check out the other engines on site at the railway.
We love: The Silverstream Railway is manned entirely by volunteers - and these people know their trains!

Wellington Cable Car
Address: 280 Lambton Quay and Upland Rd, Kelburn
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-10pm, Sat 8.30am-10pm, Sun and Public Hol 9am-10pm
Cost: Adult Return: $6, Child Return: $2, Under 5's Free, Family Return: $15, Multi-journey concessions available
Why it's so cool: A 7 minute ride from Lambton Quay to Kelburn, the cable car goes thru three tunnels and even underneath the motorway! A great boredom-buster for kids, and a great alternative to driving or taking the bus into town.
We love: The stations are child-friendly with easy access for prams/strollers
Visit: www.wellingtonnz.com/cablecar

Wellington Zoo
Address: Manchester St, Newtown
Opening Hours: Daily 9.30am-5pm except Christmas Day
Cost: Adult: $20, Child: $10, Under 3's free
Why it's so cool: All kids love zoos, and Wellington Zoo doesn't disappoint with more than 500 animals. Regular keeper talks and feeding sessions are sure to catch your preschooler's interest, pick up a programme from the zoo entry.
We love: $2 Winter Wednesdays during August - adults and kids get in for just $2 each!
Visit: www.wellingtonzoo.com