Listings

These gardens are unique with their water features and fountains, some of which include controls to allow visitors to experiment with the designs. This hands on experience is set amongst lakes, trees and flower gardens and even a wobbly bridge. Visit the garden after dark and be entranced by more than 200 lights which transform the gardens and light up the fountains and cascades with coloured lights.

Departing either Clyde or Queenstown in New Zealand's Otago region, this is the ultimate sightseeing adventure for those short on time! Travel around this beautiful region on a bicycle to get up close to the local flora and fauna and explore at your pace.

Stretching 55 kilometres in distance, this cycling adventure on the Central Otago Rail Trail is the ultimate challenge for those eager to get out and explore. Beginning in Clyde with a bike fitting, you'll be ready to tackle the trail that lays ahead of you. Throughout the cycling journey, you'll pass some incredible scenery, ride over two viaducts, bridges and tunnels while taking in the beautiful sights.

Though this is an independent journey, you'll be able to easily navigate your way using the easy-to-read maps along the trail. If finishing the 55 kilometres is a little much for you, you can take advantage of the complimentary pickups from Chatto Creek or Alexandra which will take you back to the beginning.

Friendly and safe - this is personalised door-to-door transport to Mt Hutt Ski field. Our 4WDs seat 4 passengers (2 4WDs can be hired for larger families). At just $120 return per vehicle, Methven to Mt Hutt, we're fantastic value, and best of all, you get to leave and return when you want! Staying in Christchurch? We'll pick you up and return you at your required time, for transport to Mt Hutt, any other ski field, or just for a personalised day's sightseeing ($360 per vehicle per day). If you're staying in Methven we also operate the only 24 hr taxi service around town.

Known as “New Zealand’s largest off piste ski area”, this is not a beginners’ field. Suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers only. Steep narrow chutes, wide open powder bowls, un-crowded runs or just a place to take it easy in the awesome vista of the Craigieburn Range. Craigieburn Valley has all this and more for intermediate to advanced off-piste enthusiasts. Lodge accommodation with bar at the ski field.

Gisborne is blessed with a fantastic, sunny climate, year round. It is famed for its gorgeous, golden beaches and turquoise sea. While you can swim at any spot along the Poverty Bay coastline, if you’re with children we would recommend you stick to the popular main beaches as there’s a consistent swell, and surf lifesavers are on duty during the summer, at key swimming spots. Try Waikanae Beach, with toilets and café nearby. These spots are just ideal to learn to surf, or just to play on a boogie board, as the swell tends to be clean and not too large.

Inclusions

• Full day Bay of Islands sightseeing tour from Auckland
• Small groups with a maximum of 19 guests on tour
• Premium Mercedes vans for ultimate comfort
• 4 hour Hole in the Rock cruise
• Possible dolphin and wildlife sightings
• Stop off at Urupukapuka Island
• Visit the famous Whangarei Waterfalls
• Friendly and knowledgeable guides
• Complimentary pick up and drop off at your central Auckland accommodation
• Complimentary bottled water and snacks

A 2.5 -3 hour walk to the hut with fantastic views of the ranges and out to the East Coast from the top of the Pinnacles. This walk is full of gold mining history dating way back in the late 1800. For the more adventurous once at the hut, you can drop your packs and head up the rough climb (40mins one way) to the top of the Pinnacles (759 metres)

Whakapapa, on the north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu, is New Zealand’s largest developed ski area. There are 30 groomed trails and a huge variety of off-piste areas which intermediate and advanced skiers and boarders will love. Happy Valley is a complete learners’ area that is separate to the main ski area so beginners can progress in a safe environment, and this area also has its own cafe, rental complex and ski school meeting area. Private or group children's lessons are available, but childcare is not. However Turoa Ski Area (nearby) provides Mt Ruapehu's on snow childcare facilities. For non-skiers who don’t want to miss out on playing in the snow they have a tobogganing and tubing area for your sliding pleasure! Lift passes are valid at both Whakapapa and Turoa.

Wentworth Valley Falls is an easy 3km walk that will take you around 2 hrs 30 mins (return) to complete.This track, from the Wentworth campsite to Wentworth Falls, follows an easy grade alongside the Wentworth River, with two bridged crossings, before climbing to a good view of the falls. The falls are in two drops of about 20 metres each. From here, a steeper tramping track leads to a basin at the top of the falls. This walk can be followed by a 3km walk up the Wentworth River through old Kauri forest.

A pleasant bush walk, which joins with Bowen Bush Walk to form a nature trail and explores one of the few stands of silver beech/tawai forest in the park.

This centre is in a handy central location with experienced, caring and well qualified staff. They offer all day programmes as well as morning programmes from about 8am to 12pm and afternoon programmes from 1pm to 5pm. Morning and afternoon tea is provided. Abacus has a staff ratio of one to three for under 2s and one to seven for over twos. The centre is well resourced with a separate area for under and over twos.

The seaside at Matarangi is perfect for families with its gentle surf and safe swimming and four and a half kilometers of white sandy beaches. There is a store and café nearby.

Tuesday 10:30-1p, Friday 9:45-12:15.

Playcentre philosophy is based on child-initiated play and recognises the parents as the first and best educators of their own children. Playcentre families receive a unique early childhood experience with opportunities for whanau/families to learn together.

Playcentre offers a programme of education for whanau/parents that emphasises parenting and early childhood education including learning in child development, play and learning, parenting skills, planning and delivering early childhood education, facilitation and management skills.

One of the safest beaches in Northland, this two and a half kilometre unspoiled beach has safe swimming and shade. There is a children’s playground nearby and a shopping centre and restaurant. There is a local product market at the shopping centre every Saturday.

This is a 2hr - 14km bike ride ( a section of the 160km 2-4 day trip). Ride through the historic and scenic Karangahake Gorge past gold mines and through the 1km long tunnel.

This delightful short walk (20mins) follows a stream through the rainforest - it's a great introduction to the forest for children with the added bonus of glow worms at night. It's suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. l short walk follows a small stream through the lush rainforest, and loops back to the start point via Te Weheka Walkway/Cycleway. Glow worms may be seen in the forest after dark - take a torch to find your way.

Waihi beach is one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand. There is plenty of room to relax and play on the nine kilometers of beautiful, white sand. There is a modern shopping centre close by with restaurants.

Mount Drury is opposite Moturiki Island across Marine Parade from the beach. The ten minute walk follows a well established loop track through mature native and exotic trees. There are great views of the Pacific Ocean and the offshore islands from the peak.

Mount Iron is a glacier carved hill, visible from anywhere in Wanaka. Worth the climb, the summit provides panoramic views. The access track is well signed 2km from Wanaka along State Highway 6.

Little Wonders Childcare (Oamaru) is a large, high-performing, privately-owned centre that has been in operation for five years. It provides care and education for children from three months to school age.

Our Pikopiko centre has children aged 3 months – 2 years. Qualified teachers work with parents to stimulate and develop children’s early learning. Teachers in our Takaro and Akonga rooms, support 2-5 year old children to engage with a range of stimulating educational activities within the environment.