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…
This well-known pub is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. While it isn’t specifically child friendly, lots of families visit and because of its relaxed nature, it makes for a good place for meals out. The outdoor space is great especially for those that can’t keep still. There’s…
Real fruit ice cream is really common at the top of the South Island. This is where frozen fruit (often berries) is mixed with either vanilla ice cream or frozen yoghurt and then churned to make swirls of frozen yumminess, often with great height. Because so many outlets sell this…
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…
Whether you’re staying in the area or just passing through Nelson Lakes, this short boat trip and walk has been highly recommended as a way of exploring Lake Rotoiti, the biggest lake in the area. Although steep, the track to Whiskey Falls should be doable for ages 3 and up –…
This cafe has an animal park attached to it (see ‘price’) so it’s a good place to stop and stretch the legs if you’re travelling along SH6 with animal lovers in the car! Pick up some animal feed at the barn ($2 per bag) and visit the donkeys, sheep, goats…
This indoor pool in the Nelson region is a good place to come on a wet day or if you want to escape the heat of summer. While there are no hydroslides at this pool, there is a wave pool with lazy river, 2 spa pools and a separate toddlers’…
If you’re spending more than a day in the Tasman area and you like being outside, you should probably aim to head to the Abel Tasman National Park for at least a day trip. With the use of water taxis, walking in the Abel Tasman is very do-able as you…
The market in Motueka sells lots of different things – it incorporates a Farmers’ Market where local growers and producers sell fruit and veg, freshly baked goodies and cheese. But there’s also a craft market with locally and imported handmade clothes, jewellery and toys. A section of the market is…
The cafe and feeding the eels have been recommended lots of times by Facebook followers – it’s definitely more than just a cafe with a nice garden although it is both of those things too… The cafe menu is full of seasonal, healthy, homemade food that has morning and afternoon…
