Life Is A Ride: Auckland is full of awesome attractions and activities for the ultimate family fun.
When winter's in force, the best way to get through it completely is by embracing it. Lucky then that from Kawakawa to Manukau to Turoa, New Zealand is full of great activities for the family to enjoy. If you're looking to take some time out for the school holidays to travel or prefer seeking fun closer to home, these recommendations shared by locals from all over the country will have you experiencing your most thrilling winter yet. There's lots of free things to do, some great little finds and a whole lotta fun to be had - whether you're into riding a rollercoaster at Rainbow's End in Auckland, star gazing in Wellington, mountain biking through a Christchurch park or soaking in hot pools surrounded by snow in the South. Plus, if you have a local recommendation for a winter activity you love, why not share it on Localist so others can discover your favourite spots too. Brought to you by our local partner, Rainbow's End.
Kylie loved Rainbow's End
There's so many cool thrills and spills to enjoy at Rainbow's End. I love the Classic Corkscrew Rollercoaster because rollercoasters have always been a favourite ride of mine. I rode them at this awesome Auckland theme park when I was younger as I'm sure have most Kiwi kids because a school holiday trip to Rainbow's End is a real rite of passage. Today, the rides are more thrilling than ever before with Fearfall - an 18-storey, 80km drop - and the fast-paced, head-spinning Invader.
Kawiti Caves, Waiomo
This is a fascinating activity for the whole family. The glow worms are absolutely spectacular and the guides are really knowledgable. They tell you lots of interesting facts like how it’s a transparent larva of the Fungus Gnat. I love taking kids and guests here - an easy way to impress them and whittle away the school holidays.
Mokena Geyser, Te Aroha
Right at the base of Mt Te Aroha is the Mokena Geyser. It’s one of those forces of nature that never fail to astound. It’s also the world’s first hot soda spring geyser. I took my cousins here while they were on holiday in NZ last year to witness the geyser spurting out. It took a 45 minute wait, but was so worth it!
Turoa Ski Area, Mt Ruapehu
Turoa Ski Area on Mt Ruapehu is a great place to take the kids over the winter school holidays. Alpine Meadows comes with a great bunch of fully qualified ski or snowboarding instructors for the littlies, while the adults can enjoy the more advanced thrills of High Noon or Park Lane.
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, New Plymouth
If you couldn’t guess by now, Taranaki really loves the work and design of Len Lye, there’s now a whole new section in the art gallery that has been created just for him called the ‘Len Lye Centre! The exterior design of the building is beautiful, with wave like curves that are mirrored and distort you if you stand in front of them! At sunset it reflects the light and looks absolutely stunning!
Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park, Nelson
Even in winter a day trip to Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park is full of fun The sandy tracks are usually dry, there are trails for all levels of skills and ages, and of course once you’ve run out of steam on your bike you can head to the cafe or enjoy a picnic on the beach in the winter sun.
Carter Observatory, Wellington
The Carter Observatory is a great place to take older children or teenagers to fuel – or jumpstart – their interest in the world around them, as well as the galaxy it occupies. With a revolving array of exhibits, some of them set to music, there’s plenty to occupy stargazers of all ages. The observatory is open every day until 5pm, except Saturdays when they’re open late so you can use the Thomas Cooke telescope.
Maruia Springs Thermal Resort, Maruia
One of the best South Island roadtrips is to get off the ferry at Picton and head straight up the guts through the middle of the Mainland from Nelson down to the picturesque West Coast. You'll weave through beautiful pine forests and mountainous landscapes before finding your way to the most remote hot springs in all of New Zealand. Don't drive past, stop, put your togs on and take a dip because this place truly has one of the most majestic, relaxing views of any hot springs in New Zealand. They are pools in their natural state and the perfect way to soak away sore limbs after hours spent in the car.
McLeans Island Mountain Bike Park, Christchurch
A great family day out and easy to get to in Christchurch, McLeans Island is an easy 10km loop track which is great for all ages. It’s loads of fun and there is heaps of other amazing stuff to do in the area too!
Cardrona Alpine Resort, Wanaka
One of my favourite family ski fields in the South Island, Cardrona is a great spot for children learning to ski and for those who have never experienced the snow before. The runs are gentle, there's a large and friendly beginners' area and the chair lift facilities are excellent. I spent most of my winters on the slopes here as a child and have very happy memories of my time in the snow at Cardrona. Highly recommend this spot if you are travelling to the South Island.
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