Location: Kaimarama Road, Whitianga, Coromandel
If you're looking for something to do in The Coromandel to keep the kids happy then the Fun Zone in Whitianga is a great choice with fun options for all ages.
, and if you (and your family) are the active type, then this is one of the most comprehensive facilities for providing fun options of all kinds in the area – all while set amongst some of the beautiful forested greenery that is characteristic of the Coromandel region and NZ as a whole.
Just 10 minutes south of Whitianga, there's simply loads to do here; while the “paintball” part of the name does feature prominently, it's far from the only activity on offer – other diverse experiences such as quad bikes, clay shooting, laser tag, kids quad rides, archery and even Argo rides that take you on a trip to check out some of the area's incredible views are all on offer at Combat Zone Paintball and Fun Park.
Designed to offer something for kids and adults of all ages, the attraction is very well organised, and with better value offered by booking multiple activities in a single package, it's easy to spend half a day or more depending on how many activities you choose to take part in.
"Designed to offer something for kids and adults of all ages, the attraction is very well organised, and with better value offered by booking multiple activities in a single package, it's easy to spend half a day or more depending on how many activities you choose to take part in."
Set on a wide and expansive piece of land through which the Kaimarama River runs and rich in native bush and palms, there's a pleasantly calm atmosphere surrounding what is a very upbeat place and serves as a great showcase of true “Kiwi” countryside.
Perhaps the best highlight on offer is the Argo ride, which is an extremely reasonably-priced way to take a thrilling trip out atop a ridge to see some spectacular views of the region's beautiful Mercury Bay, while providing a bump, fun journey through bush, splashing through streams and kicking up some mud – be prepared to get damp!
Younger kids are well catered for as well, with plenty of things oriented specifically towards the younger crowd; the “Kidz Quadz” miniature quad bikes are always a a favourite – designed for little ones between ages 6 and 11, they're able to pilot their own 4-wheeler and make their way around a fun little track that allows them to test their driving skills on a machine that has had its speed capped for safety reasons.
“Soccer Golf” is likewise popular and is exactly what it sounds like, as it offers an 18 hole course spread out over two acres of land where competitors try and kick the ball from point to point and get it in the hole at the end. Meanwhile Laser Tag allows kids to try their hand at shooting without any of the physical pain that paintball can bring, and is a great way to build teamwork with the family.
Keeping the kids happy can be a mission on any trip afield, but if you're in The Coromandel and looking for something to do, Combat Zone Paintball and Fun Park should definitely put a smile on their dials.