Lifestyle and Leisure
Top ten family activities
One of the most common reasons Brits give for emigrating to the southern hemisphere is ‘to spend more time with the family’, writes Maike van der Heide
Whether they do or not once they arrive is up to them, but New Zealand is certainly full of opportunities for a bit of quality time together with the kids – and I don't mean in front of the telly. Kiwis are, not surprisingly, quite keen on the outdoors lifestyle, and before long even the most urbanised of Brits will probably see the beaches, lakes and bush as 'just part of the scenery' and will need to venture further afield for a bit of excitement.
While this list is by no means exhaustive, we have picked out ten popular and adventurous outdoor activities which are bound to keep you and the kids busy for a few hours at least. But, more importantly, these activities will show you the side of New Zealand that was always promised on those colourful brochures.
Waitomo Caves, King Country, Waikato
One of the best places to view larvae with glowing backsides in New Zealand, Waitomo Caves has guided tours departing every half hour. The caves themselves are famous for their stunning limestone formations and, of course, the many glowing insects which light up the cave ceiling like a night sky full of greenish stars.
A 45-minute tour takes you through 250 metres of the caves, including the aptly named 'Cathedral' and a short boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto. The adventurous can opt for the more involved Aranui Cave tour, three kilometres west from the glowworm cave or even go black water rafting in the Ruakuri Cave.
To reach the cave, follow State Highway 3 south from Hamilton for about an hour, then follow the signs along State Highway 37 until you reach Waitomo Caves township.
Tongariro Crossing, central North Island
This challenging but extremely popular one-day walk is one of the most scenically varied in New Zealand. Steep climbs and precarious descends take you past bright blue and green crater lakes, over a moonscape-like plateau of volcanic rocks and debris, up crumbling ridges, past steaming cracks in the earth and through lush native bush.
The Tongariro Crossing traverses active volcano Mount Tongariro and passes conical Mount Ngauruhoe. Most people start the crossing at Mangatepopo, and end at Ketetahi, climbing to a height of 1,886 metres at the Red Crater before descending to the vivid Emerald Lakes.
While a moderate level of fitness is most definitely required for this 17-kilometre, seven- to eight-hour walk, it is possible to take the kids. Be aware you should be adequately prepared for any weather conditions and always tell somebody of your plans. The track is serviced by a regular bus from Taupo and Turangi.
Hanmer Springs, North Canterbury
Nestled at the bottom of some very large, snowy mountains, only 90 minutes north of Christchurch, Hanmer Springs is not exactly the most strenuous of outdoor activities but it would be rude not to include it on this list.
There's not much that can rival soaking in a hot pool surrounded by large pine trees, alps, clear skies and not much else. Based around a substantial hot pool complex, the tiny township of Hanmer is growing in terms of accommodation options and other tourism activities, but it has managed to retain an atmosphere of peaceful isolation which sets the scene perfectly for the natural hot springs.
Besides the really hot pools, the complex has a beautifully landscaped hot river system where kids can explore and adults can lounge in the many small pools. Right at the bottom of the complex there are two hydroslides and a kids' fun pool. The perfect end to a day of skiing up nearby Mount St Patrick – or you could just spend the whole day at the pools.
Auckland Dolphin and Whale Safari
While it may not be New Zealand's most popular whale-watching spot, what makes the Auckland Dolphin and Whale Safari so unique is that it is so close to the country's biggest city. Established in 2000, this relatively new tour takes passengers beyond Rangitoto and Waiheke islands into the Hauraki Gulf's open waters where marine mammals are found all year round. The tour takes place on a two-level, 20-metre Powercat catamarine boat. Passengers usually encounter common dolphins and bryde's whales, with occasional sightings of orcas (killer whales) and bottlenose dolphins. The boat departs every day except Christmas Day from Viaduct Harbour in downtown Auckland.
Abel Tasman Kayaking, Nelson Bays
The soft splashing of the paddles, a quiet ripple of water parting before you, sand gently scraping the bottom of the boat as you land on a deserted beach. Kayak is definitely the way to go in the Abel Tasman National park if peace and quiet is what you're looking for. There is no shortage of kayak hire companies vying for your business, making it harder to choose which one to go for rather than to actually kayak around the park.
The waters in the Abel Tasman area are generally calm, although this depends on weather conditions. Because you can rent double kayaks, this can be the perfect option for a day out with the kids. Tours can include pick-up by boat at the end of the day if you don't fancy paddling back to base you can take kayaks for several nights, camping or staying in huts along the way. Marahau, the entrance of the park, is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Nelson, or 45 minutes from Motueka at the top of the South Island.
Hole in the Rock cruise Paihia, Northland
While we're on the subject of cruises, the following trip is one of the most popular excursions in New Zealand and definitely the highlight of the Bay of Islands. The 'Dolphin Seeker' catamaran slices through the blue waters with the climax being – you guessed it – the entire boat going through a gigantic hole in a rock.
Departing from Paihia or Russell, the cruise passes isolated beaches, coves and bush-covered inlets before reaching said hole, known as Grand Cathedral Cave, at Motukokako Island. The trip, run by Kings Dolphin Cruises and Tours, departs several times a day. Expect to meet dolphins and sometimes even orcas.
Seal Swim Kaikoura, North Canterbury
Most people only know Kaikoura as a place to go whale watching, but did you know you can meet the local seal population as well – intimately? Usually, these furry creatures are observed lazing around on rocks, yawning and looking fat, but in the water they are surprisingly agile and acrobatic. In Kaikoura, it is possible to join in with the antics of the New Zealand fur seal around the reefs on the Kaikoura Peninsula. You can choose a land-based or boat-based snorkelling tour with Seal Swim Kaikoura, and the tour's owners will jump right in with you as your guides.
Doubtful Sound, Fiordland
While you may need to open the wallet a bit wider for these tours, it is certainly worth it to see the truly wild side of New Zealand. Not far from Milford Sound, but far less popular as a visitor destination, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of Fiordland's 14 fjords and a world heritage area.
What makes Doubtful Sound special is its extreme isolation. Unlike Milford Sound, there is no public road into Doubtful Sound and you're unlikely to meet more than a passing pod of dolphins, a lazy seal or a group of kayakers at most during your visit.
A tour will take you from Te Anau across Lake Manapouri, over Wilmot Pass and finally board a catamaran for either a one-day or an overnight cruise, where you will sleep on board the Fiordland Navigator and get a chance to use the on-board kayaks.
Glacier walking, West Coast
It's not every day you get the chance to walk on a river of ice, so instead of just looking at the West Coast's glaciers why not strap on some cramp-ons and take a stroll on one as well. At Fox Glacier experienced guides will take you and your family on a half-day or full-day hike either at the base of the glacier, a short walk from the car park, or right at the top where you will be dropped by helicopter. There are also multi-day and ice climbing packages available. While there are also guided tours available on the Franz Josef glacier, Fox is known as the 'quieter', less crowded glacier and has a more relaxed atmosphere.
Orakei Korako, central North Island
Known as 'the hidden valley', Orakei Korako is a true geothermal wonderland found only by crossing the Waikato River by boat. Nestled between lush native bush and huge rocks , Orakei Korako is a world of boiling mud, the most active geysers of any New Zealand geothermal field, hot springs and some of the largest silica terraces in the world.
Orakei Korako's real highlight is a cave called Ruatapu or 'sacred hole'. Reaching 120 metres deep, the cave has a hot pool right at the bottom. The park has several accommodation options available or you can park up in your campervan for free. Orakei Korako is a 25-minute drive north of Taupo or 45 minutes south of Rotorua.
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