Maggie's Funtastic Garden

Venture off the beaten path and into the whimsical realm of Maggie's Funtastic Garden near Edgecumbe, where artist and sculptor Maggie Fenton has created two acres of themed gardens that will delight kids.

Stroll through Delmingo Old Western Town, which offers a taste of the Wild West, complete with a saloon, bank, an old-fashioned bath house, and a mouthwatering spread of doughnuts, steaks, and blueberry pies. Peek into mining tunnels and unearth hidden gold nuggets – be careful of the TNT explosives! - before side-stepping the menacing crocodile lurking by the pond, surrounded by vibrant pink flamingos. And don't forget to take a quick selfie at the wooden pillory before the skeletons in Eric's Man Shed break loose.

An interactive Time Machine pod lets you set coordinates for a thrilling journey through time – check out the Quantum Teleportation guides for some handy space-travel tips. But beware of the caged two-headed lime tree vipers and the mischievous red-flying Tickity Boos nearby at Bernard's Weird & Wonderful Pets.

Kids can also run around in the grassy areas, where there's a wooden plane (a nod to Maggie's former flying career), a pirate ship, a train, and climbing forts that will tire out even the most energetic youngsters. As you leave, don't forget to say hello to Basil, the sun-bleached skeletal Baslosarus, and eyeball Thelma Triceratops and Mavis the Megalosaurus. Bring a picnic and enjoy a few hours in this one-of-a-kind destination. 

Information: Bookings essential on 027 272 9828. $5 for adults and $2 for children. 34 McCracken Road, Edgecumbe, Whakatāne, New Zealand

Words and images by Ceana Priest of Kids Outdoor Guidebooks