We chat with Zazi Henderson, founder and CEO of @Zaziplays and @Youvegotthispodcast, about her favourite child-friendly spots in Christchurch.
Starting her blogging journey during maternity leave, mum of two gorgeous children and Speech and Language Therapist, Zazi Henderson has since fostered a huge community of parents who “feel empowered to be the best parents they can be.” Unable to find products on the market that were suitably beneficial for her children’s development, @Zaziplays was born, with all products designed and curated by Zazi herself, they have quickly become an NZ family favourite. Now venturing into (and killing it in!) the world of podcasting too, we are addicted to seeking Zazi’s respectful parenting advice, expert recommendations, and free online resources for families – so we just couldn’t resist finding out her favourite child-friendly faves in Christchurch, too!
Read on as we chat with Zazi Henderson, founder and CEO of @Zaziplays and @Youvegotthispodcast, about her favourite picks for kids in Christchurch.
Read more: Made By Mums: 5 of Our Favourite Finds This Month
Read on for Zazi Henderson’s top child-friendly picks in Christchurch…
Hi Zazi! Tell us a bit about yourself…
How many kids do you have? 2
What age are they? August (5) and Etta (almost 3)
How many years have you lived in Christchurch: 2 and a half years (but I lived here for 4 years whilst I studied too!)
We’re spoilt for choice with great eateries in Christchurch, and even better when they cater for kids! Tell us, what is your favourite…
Child-friendly café in Christchurch: Halswell Quarry Café. Where better to play than out in nature?! There’s a great little hill to roll down, frisbees to throw and a piano to bang on ’til your heart’s content.
Café to go for a fluffy: We’re not fluffy people, but LeBakermen does some pretty cool milk art on their kids’ hot chocolates!
Ice cream spot: Utopia Ice in Sumner. Insanely delicious flavours and a gorgeous little garden seating area with toys.
Bakery to take the kids to: The Donut Destination in Wigram. Delicious fresh donuts, a new colouring-in sheet every week and lots of pens and pencils! Top-notch coffee and cabinet food too.
Farmers market to potter around – kids in tow: Riccarton Market. There is so much green space to run wild – plus, we love spotting eels in the river.
Restaurant or café to treat the kids: C1 Espresso – who WOULDN’T love the novelty of hot chips arriving in a metal capsule through a tube?!
We’re always on the hunt for cool, child-friendly spots and things to do in Christchurch, tell us, what is your favourite…
Shopping mall to take the kids to in Christchurch: Hornby is our go-to to get stuff done because there’s the bonus of the warehouse AND a Toyworld opposite!
Free thing to do: A trip to Christchurch Botanic Gardens to explore, walk by the river and play in the playground.
Attraction to take little ones to: Halswell Miniature Trains. Wholesome entertainment, ducks to feed plus the playground in the domain is great too.
Place to feed the ducks: Westlake Reserve. There are swans too!
Spot for a family picnic: Victoria Park Playground in Cashmere.
Child-friendly hikes and walking trails: All the trails at Halswell Quarry, especially the quarry rim track. Suitable for all ages and abilities but with such fab views, the kids feel like they’ve done a proper hike!
Destination for a day trip: Lake Roto Kohatu in Harewood is such a gorgeous spot with a little stream for kids to play in.
Pool or splash pad to hit during summer: Te Hapua Halswell. Plenty of green space to relax, lots of pool floats, a café, slide, toddler pool, and a whole library attached. It’s the BEST!
Creating unique ways to play is, naturally, a big part of growing your community, so we’d love to know some of the best places to play in The Garden City, too. Shout out your favourite…
Playground to take the kids to in Christchurch: Harrington Park in Riccarton. Modern equipment, big slide, flying fox plus a big (real) Caterpillar Bulldozer to pretend to ride!
Place to go on a rainy day: You can’t beat chipmunks, really.
Nature play area or walk: Harry Ell track. We found a jewelled gecko!
Local toy shop: Toyworld, Hornby
NZ small business for kids: We love Growbright.
Venue to hire or place to book for birthday parties: We just booked a bouncy castle from a local on FB marketplace! Whole venues would probably overwhelm my kids.
Pump/scooter track: Knights Stream Park. It looks like a real road with road signs and everything!
Beach for making sandcastles: Sumner Beach! We love the cave and all the little rock pools which the tide leaves.
At-home activity for keeping kids entertained: Water play! Forever and always. Even if it’s just up at the sink. Honourable mention to making camps out of sheets.
Place to go… when you just don’t know where to go: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a consistent hit and we especially LOVE feeding the deer. An annual pass is always worth the money.
And of course, we parents need some TLC. Shout out your fave…
Date night activity/restaurant: We’re suckers for an escape room. I was recently taken to Rascal and was super impressed.
Place to go for a night out with the girls: Pub Quiz at The Church Pub
Place to go for some ‘me’ time: The gym! Eternal Fitness is my escape!
Spa in Christchurch: The Beauty Studio by Emily is the best place I’ve ever been – my whole family goes now!
Nail salon in Christchurch: I go somewhere private, and they aren’t taking new clients… sorry!
Instagram accounts for some mindless scrolling… I love @jessurlichs poetry.
Parenting hack: Backwards chaining!
You can follow Zazi Henderson on Instagram here, and check out all of her products online at zazi.co.nz.
All images courtesy of Zazi Henderson and @Zaziplays
