For kids that like fishing or for those wanting to try for the first time, coming to a lake that’s stocked with farmed salmon just waiting to be caught isn’t such a bad idea – but be warned, there’s no guarantee that you’ll actually catch one! You can’t use your…
If you get a sunny day in Wellington, this is the beach that locals wanting an alternative to Oriental Bay often head to. Largely sheltered from a north/north-westerly wind, with a big wide beach, grassy area and generally calm shallow water, this beach has it all. Go prepared with sand…
These are the largest fresh water springs in New Zealand and are said to contain some of the purest water in the world. It is sacred to the Maori and no matter how inviting it looks, contact with the water mustn’t be made. There are information boards at the start of…
Takaka is an area that has lots of caves and limestone features. The one at Rawhiti is free to see and spectacular – you just have to be prepared to walk for about an hour to get there. But if you manage it, the stalactites and stalagmites on display are…
Tahunanui is a suburb about 10 minutes drive south west of Nelson city, in the direction of the airport. It’s well known for its white-sand beach which is long and wide. The water here is usually calm and shallow for a long way out. It’s patrolled part time during the…
This rock along with the Sugar Loaf Islands are distinctive and visible from much of the New Plymouth coast but did you know that you can walk up Paritutu? It’s really not a long walk in terms of distance but due to being really steep and rocky under foot, it’s…
This small playground is set just near the beach and right next to the skatepark so together they make a good destination for multiple ages. You can’t see the beach from the playground or skatepark but you could keep your eye on a child at the skatepark and the playground…
Wharariki Beach is featured in most New Zealand travel guides and has to be up there with one of the most visited tourist spots in New Zealand. It makes for a great family trip, especially if you can time your visit for low tide (a couple of hours either side…
One of the best things about this reserve is that it can be blowing a northerly/north-westerly gale in the rest of Wellington but you’d never know it here as it’s well sheltered. The other great thing is that there’s plenty of space with a few key things to do as…
If you’re wanting to spend time at a lake near Rotorua, whether it be for a swim, beach time or fishing, Lake Tarawera is a lot quieter than the more famous Lake Tikitapu or Blue Lake. One of the largest lakes in the area, it is surprisingly uncommercial – if…
