Get them away from their screens and out into the fresh air with these leisurely walks, writes Grace Ellis.
1 Okere Falls Reserve, Rotorua
If you're looking to inform and entertain your little ones, this simple DoC walk is perfect for the whole family. Just a 20-minute drive from Rotorua, Okere Falls marks the location of NZ's first hydro-electric power station, which ran back in the early 1900s. Interesting facts about the natural and human landscapes are dotted along the one-hour journey, with the opportunity to detour via trout pools or even observe adrenaline junkies plunging off the top of the Kaituna waterfall in whitewater rafts.
2 Taranaki Falls, Tongariro National Park
If the kids aren't fond of calf-burning hills but still want to enjoy picturesque views of one of New Zealand's must-see waterfalls, Taranaki Falls walking track will provide a few hours of fun, without the constant complaints of exhaustion. Kids can rampage through alpine grasslands with a mesmerising view of the volcano Mt Ngauruhoe, before trekking through beech forest and arriving at the base of the gushing 20m waterfall. This wonder is a result of a lava flow from the eruptions of Mt Ruapehu 15,000 years ago. Pop yourself down for a break and a bite to eat at the waterfall's base where crystal-clear water crashes into the rock pool. Remember to dress warm, wear sunscreen and drink lots of water to make the most of what this beautiful location has to offer.
3 Shakespear Regional Park, Auckland
Animal-loving kiddies will appreciate the wildlife that this open sanctuary provides. Forty minutes north of Auckland CBD on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, the park is the perfect spot to bird-watch, observe cattle and sheep in the farmlands and take in the breathtaking views of Te Haruhi Bay. The walk will take only 90 minutes but with so many sights you may as well make a day of it and enjoy the rest of the activities the park has on offer.