| Issue: | 32,2006 | Page: | 12-13 |
|
Abstract |
Child-friendly cafes in
Christchurch and Wellington |
| Keywords: | Children, Going Out, Cafes, Christchurch,
Wellington |
| Author: |
Hugh Joughin, Mark Stephenson |
CHRISTCHURCH
The boathouse café *****
Great location which is both handy to the central city, and
separate from the hustle and bustle. Situated right next to, and
overlooking, the tranquil Avon river.
There is a wide range of food available, which will keep all
age groups happy. There are the ususal bicuits and slices
($1.50-$2.00), kids sandwiches (with basic fillings like ham, cheese,
$2.00-$2.50), and larger adult sandwiches ($4.50) and panini's
($6.50-$7.00). The separate kids menu has all the basics. Mini hot
dogs, chicken nuggets, battered fish (all with chips), as well as
slightly more elaborate dishes like pancakes and marshmallows. All kids
dishes are $6.00.
The really good news for kids though is the ice cream bar.
The selection is small, but it covers all the favourites, so your
little ones are bound to find something to their liking. There is also
a fantastic range of hot and cold drinks, both alcoholic and
non-alcoholic.
It's a small, but interesting dining area. There are three
main areas. The main indoor part, a semi-outdoor area which is covered
by a marquee, and an open air area around the side. Somehow it creates
a perfect balance between intimacy and space, where children can move
around if they need to. There is also the river area (small children
need supervision of course) and a bridge nearby, should the kids need
some distraction while you wait for the food to appear.
The staff are friendly, efficient, and above all very
tolerant of young diners. Food appears quickly, and afterwards you can
have a very pleasant walk along the river, or a short stroll to the
botanical gardens. If you have some spare cash left over from the meal,
you can even hire a canoe and cruise the river. All in all it's a great
and affordable place to take your family.
Sophies café Beckenham *****
There are three “Sophies” café’s in Christchurch, but
the Beckenham one is arguably the best (although it’s not the original
one). Patient staff and amazing décor
marks this as a favourite for young and old. Probably the most famous
feature is the gallery of famous faces on the walls, which keep adult
eyes entertained for quite a while. Kids however, love the bright
colours and funky fake animal fur accessories. The zebra themed toilets
are a must to view, so make sure you wear plenty of white clothing for
maximum effect under the neon lamps. Amazing! The rotating cow print
desert cabinet is also captivating, almost distracting enough to take
your eyes away from the mouth-watering cakes and biscuits housed within.
Meals are huge and affordable
($10.00-25.00), and even the most fussy child
will find plenty of dishes to choose from. You can also mix and mingle
meals to suit. Also keep an eye out for the
discount coupons which appear in local newspapers from time to time. With a nice balance between relaxed and ordered atmsophere,
along with humourous touches everywhere you look, it's a great place
for eating, and viewing.
WELLINGTON
Maranui Surf Club Café. ****
Right over the beach at Lyall Bay. It has the obvious
advantage of being able to combine beach and café. Inside there
are toys, a reasonable amount of space and a great view of the bay.
While we were there investigating, a pod of fifty dolphins put on an
acrobatic display. The food and coffee are excellent.
Café L’Affare, College Street. ****
Though a busy, busy lunchtime café for the business
suits and glitterati, it has an exceptional range of toys available.
Very popular with parents during the week and large family groups on a
Saturday. Closed Sundays. Excellent coffee, great savoury stuff, and
choco-caramel slice to die for.
Eva Dixon’s at Wellington Zoo. ****
Has the unique attraction of the meerkats enclosure being
visible from the café. Only a pane of glass separates the little
ones from the cuddly, curious creatures from Telecom land. There is
also plenty of space, toy enclosure and tropical fish.
The food and coffee are quite acceptable.
Clark’s Café – at the Wellington
Central Library. ****
Certainly the best supply of books of any café, though
you do need a library card. Also it has a large playpen area with
slides and toys. There is plenty of space for the kids and the older
ones could even run around in the Civic Square which is just outside.
Plum, Cuba Mall. ***
Centrally located so a useful watering hole on shopping
expeditions, it’s main gift to children is that it is in a pedestrian
only mall, and the play area and famous ‘bucket fountain’ are right
next to it. The food and coffee are more than adequate.
Aquatic Café, Regional Aquatic
Centre. ***
Due to its location and amenities this place deserves to be
on the list. The older kids can swim as long as they like, naturally.
There is also a large outdoor area by the café with play area,
slides, etc and barbecues. They have plenty of menu items that children
like though the choices for adults are fairly plain. Always popular.
Chocolate Fish Café, Scorching Bay. **
Set in Wellington’s best bay, the café is thriving.
You can sit and drink coffee while your children play next to you on
the beach. Beautiful location and good food from brunch to late
afternoon. No toys but the beach is the play area. Only two stars as it
has a road running through it. There is a sign saying ‘beware, waiters
crossing’, and another ‘slow down, penguins crossing’, but nothing that
toddlers will heed.
FOOTNOTE
If you are heading to central Otago, a very good website is
kidzgo.co.nz. It’s a comprehensive site that covers Wanaka, Queenstown,
Fiordland, Milford Sound, Te Anau and environs. It covers everything
from restaurants (with an emphasis on child friendly ones of course),
attractions, events, and even rainy day activities, not that central
Otago has many of those over the summer! You’ll find plenty of family
activities, ranging from free to $50.00 for the whole family. Well
worth a look. It is hoped that we can do an Otago feature next year.
Cheap/ Free
School Holiday Activities (Father & Child 27): click here