West Coast, Children's Birthdays

With three secluded private pools and three larger public pools surrounded by breathtaking rainforest and native wildlife, there is plenty of inspiration to invigorate your senses and realign your body, mind and spirit (or your tinana, hinengaro and wairua in Māori). These amazingly therapeutic Hot Pools – which sit at an inviting temperature of 36 - 40 degrees Celsius – are actually fed by the pure waters of the renowned Franz Josef Glacier. Ka Roimata o Hinehukatere (‘the tears of Hinehukatere'), is the traditional Māori name for Franz Josef. The story behind the name tells of Hinehukatere's lost love, Wawe who was swept to his death by an avalanche. It is said that Hinehukatere was so broken hearted, that her tears of aroha (love) flowed down the mountain and were frozen by the Gods to form the glacier.

One of New Zealand’s leading tourist attractions, including heaps of children's activities, Shantytown is a faithfully restored replica of an 1860’s West Coast gold mining town. A living monument to the hardy pioneers who forded the wildly exotic rivers and streams, and scrambled through the rugged subtropical rainforest in search of gold. Visit the old schoolhouse, shops and church, take a buggy ride, or trip on a vintage steam train. Pan for your own gold and post your cards in the still operating Shanty Town post office. School and group programs available.

Offering your family the opportunity to travel in the footsteps of the early pioneers, down one of the west coast's most beautiful and unspoiled wild beach. Enjoy the following activities during your two hour experience: gem stone collecting, make damper bread, boil the billy over an open fire, wildlife spotting and photography. Note: this is a child friendly beach.