Aug 31, 2020

Kiwi school holiday adventure ideas

<p>Somehow another school holiday is not that far away - what a year! It’s nearing time to put your thinking cap on about what you all might like to do when October rolls around. Here are some great…

Somehow another school holiday is not that far away - what a year! It’s nearing time to put your thinking cap on about what you all might like to do when October rolls around. Here are some great family options to consider (as things can change quickly  in the current environment, please monitor websites to check these attractions are all open at the time you want to book).

Fly into Christchurch, rent a car and head to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa for some relaxing family time, it’s an easy and scenic drive from Christchurch central. Parents can relax in one of the many  geothermal pools and children can have a blast on the slides and rides - all with spectacular views of the Southern Alps as your backdrop. Going from hot to cold, another great family trip is to the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, right across the road from the airport as you return your car. This is the perfect opportunity to befriend a husky or penguin and get to experience sub-freezing temperatures in the Storm Dome. 

If you are planning on exploring our capital city Wellington these holidays, rent a car and drive to the Adrenalin Forest aerial obstacle course in Porirua, 20 minutes from the CBD. There are over 100 excitement filled challenges across six levels high up in the trees. All levels are catered for with obstacles starting from 1.5m off the ground to 20m! A car will also enable you to explore a bit further afield too, especially if parents like the idea of Martinborough wines. Of course in the city itself there is plenty to do with Te Papa, Zealandia and Weta Workshop all a huge hit with families.

Fly into Tauranga or Auckland and drive up to Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel, about a two hour drive from either city. Despite the cool spring air, the natural spring water will still be piping hot within two hours of either side of low tide at Hot Water Beach. Get the kids to dig their own spa pool and just relax; a unique experience for everyone. Just up the road in Hahei you can get out of the car and onto the water; the Hahei Explorer takes visitors into the coastal islands of the local marine reserve including magnificent reefs, bays and sea caves, including the world famous Cathedral Cove. Another hours’ drive will take you to Driving Creek Railway, always popular for family holidays.

Renting a car in Invercargill gives you plenty of options to explore the city and surrounds. The kids will all find something to enjoy at the Bill Richardson Transport World, just four minutes from the town centre. It houses one of the largest private vehicle collections in the Southern Hemisphere as well as the World of Wearable Art exhibition and LEGO geeks will just love the Construction Zone LEGO Room. For nature at its best get out of town and head to the Catlins to immerse the family in sweeping coastlines and pristine rainforests. On your travels you might get a glimpse of yellow eyed penguins, sea lions, waterfalls, blowholes, caves and shipwrecks as well as a 180 million year old fossilised forest. It’s about half an hour from Invercargill to Fortrose, the start of the Catlins or just over an hour to Curio Bay. There are plenty of family photo opportunities in this stunning location to preserve all the happy memories made here.