Kapene-Kakariki
Challenge
Kids love their devices, but that often means less time outdoors. Parks and reserves struggle to compete with the pull of screens, even though parents know fresh air and adventure are what children need most. The challenge is how to make the outdoors feel exciting and enticing.
Solution
Kāpene-Kākāriki is currently in development by Geo AR Games, building on the success of scavenger hunt apps like Scout About and Captain Green. The game recycles proven mechanics and is reskinned with new artwork, animations, and a brand-new storyline. Children meet an explorer from the future whose airship has been wrecked in a storm. To fix it, families explore local trails, scanning QR codes to find the missing parts. Each scan reveals an animation, a clue in the story, and fascinating details about New Zealand’s plants and animals. The app works on most devices and once downloaded does not require mobile data or wifi. Unlike static information signs, Kāpene-Kākāriki delivers visitor insights. Through its analytics portal, the resort can track dwell time at key locations, monitor overall foot traffic, and understand which content engages families most.
Positive Impact
Kāpene-Kākāriki encourages children and their families to run, explore, and notice the world around them. The adventure story keeps everyone moving forward, while the nature facts and animations spark curiosity about local wildlife. For councils and communities, the recycled app model makes it affordable to offer fresh, family-friendly attractions that can be adapted and reused. And for families, it turns screen time into outdoor time, creating memories that stick.
Overview
Kids love their devices, but that often means less time outdoors. Parks and reserves struggle to compete with the pull of screens, even though parents know fresh air and adventure are what children need most. The challenge is how to make the outdoors feel exciting and enticing.
Video Trailer
Kāpene-Kākāriki is currently in development by Geo AR Games, building on the success of scavenger hunt apps like Scout About and Captain Green. The game recycles proven mechanics and is reskinned with new artwork, animations, and a brand-new storyline. Children meet an explorer from the future whose airship has been wrecked in a storm. To fix it, families explore local trails, scanning QR codes to find the missing parts. Each scan reveals an animation, a clue in the story, and fascinating details about New Zealand’s plants and animals. The app works on most devices and once downloaded does not require mobile data or wifi. Unlike static information signs, Kāpene-Kākāriki delivers visitor insights. Through its analytics portal, the resort can track dwell time at key locations, monitor overall foot traffic, and understand which content engages families most.
