If a hassle-free classic Easter egg hunt this weekend sounds appealing, the Katikati Bird Gardens' 13th annual Great Easter Egg Hunt this Easter Sunday may be just the ticket.

Hundreds of balls are hidden around the gardens for the children to find from midday onwards.

The ‘Easter bunny' will be on-site all day on Easter Sunday at Katikati Bird Gardens.

With different colour balls for different age groups, the children roam the gardens to find a ball which they return to the Easter Bunny to exchange for an Easter egg.

Different colour balls for different ages means it's challenging for teens, who search around trees and bushes, while toddlers can find one quite easily on the grass.

Gardens owner Scott Robinson says children are also invited to count the number of life-like sisal rabbits they spot to win another prize. 'Those with the correct tally enter a draw to win a giant chocolate Bunny Egg, drawn at the end of the day.”

Scott says the weather forecast is now looking fine for Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. 'So as usual we aim to continue the hunt on the following day until all the eggs are given away.

'It's a fun family day and we invite families to bring a picnic if they wish to stay and enjoy the gardens and birdlife before winter sets in.”

For those visiting for their first time, Scott says it's a good idea to arrive early to avoid queuing at midday.

'The café will be operating as normal serving espresso coffee, sandwiches, cold drinks, ice-cream and cakes.”

Katikati Bird Gardens' Easter egg hunt is on Easter Sunday from 12 noon. Doors open 10 and usual garden entry fees apply. Or tickets can be bought online from Eventfinder.