Plenty of things to do while kids on break

TAKING RISKS: Children of all ages can spin the Bean Boozled Wheel at Skyline Rotorua these holidays to see what kind of jellybean they have to taste. PHOTO/BEN FRASER 260914BF6

There is no shortage of things to do these school holidays, with a range of indoor and outdoor activities available to keep the youngsters' boredom at bay.

The primary and secondary school holidays officially start today and with the prospect of warmer spring weather, Rotorua is bursting with fun things to do.

Just a couple of hours south of the city, families can trek up Mt Ruapehu to enjoy some phenomenal spring snow on both Whakapapa and Turoa.

Mt Ruapehu customer relations manager Annah Dowsett said spring at the mountain could not get any better.

"It's been some years since we have seen this amount of snowfall at this time of the year, it's incredible. Skiers need to be prepared, waiting and ready to drop everything to be here when the weather clears, you don't want to miss this.

"The conditions for skiing and riding are absolutely amazing. If you are looking for something to do during the holidays, the whole family can enjoy the perfect powder at Mt Ruapehu."

If frozen fingertips don't tickle your fancy, there is plenty to do locally that won't break the bank.

Take the kids to Skyline Rotorua where they can try the three new Jelly Belly jellybean flavours or have a go at the Bean Boozled Wheel game and risk finding out what stinky socks or lawn clippings taste like.

Those that dare spin the wheel will get either a "good" or "bad" tasting jelly bean, but only after popping one in your mouth or taking a tentative bite will you discover if you've got Stinky Socks or the much more favourable alternative, Tutti Frutti.

Skyline Rotorua sales and marketing manager David Blackmore said the new flavours had been received brilliantly by visitors.

"Everyone loves the idea of a kiwifruit flavoured bean and the bad flavours have been a hit too.

"I have overheard plenty of 'yucks' and 'ewws' coming from those by the wheel, as well as many 'mmms' from those trying out the delicious alternatives."

Skyline Rotorua have also introduced a new Half Day Adventure Pass which includes the Skyswing, the Zoom Zipline, five Luge rides and return Gondola tickets.

All children who visit Skyline Rotorua will also receive a special onsite map which includes games, colouring in pictures, a word find, quizzes, fun facts and activities to keep them entertained.

For a wildlife experience, families can see Te Puia's resident kiwi birds, Kenny and Nohi, in their natural habitats.

Te Puia have installed infrared cameras to capture footage of the kiwis in their burrow and hidden parts of the enclosure.

Te Puia Environment supervisor Mariana Te Rangi said the Kiwi House team are now able to offer a glimpse inside the burrow of a kiwi.

"Before, in order to increase the chances of visitors seeing our kiwi, we used to remove their burrow during the day so they would move about in the enclosure. The cameras enable Kenny and Nohi to exhibit more natural behaviours as visitors will be able to see what they are up to whether they are in the burrow or not, it's a win win."

For a bit of creative magic, an original pantomime written by the Blue Baths creative team will have both parents and children in stitches these holidays.

BLUE FOR YOU: Kiri Hannah Tuhakaraina, 13, and Katherine Hanson,12, get ready for the Blue Baths pantomime. PHOTO/SUPPLIED 260914LOLLIPOP1

The play Lady Lollipop and the Candy Land Crusaders will be showing all holidays and managing director Jo Romanes said it shouldn't be missed.

"It will be a good family outing with humour on multiple levels. It is a unique, special production and something you don't often get to see or be a part of."

As well as the pantomime, the Blue Baths are offering drama classes with the stars of the show. To purchase tickets, contact Jo Romanes on (07) 350 2119 or visit the website www.bluebaths.co.nz/whatson.

For parents who are dreading the holidays because they mean extra costs, messy houses and lots of "I'm bored" complaints, The Parenting Place has come to the rescue.

The Parenting Place family coach Jenny Hale said it was good to give a pre-holiday pep talk to ensure a successful two weeks.

"Get in first with talking about the holidays with your kids. Introduce the concept that no one can have their own way all the time."

Ms Hale said the trick to managing the school holidays came down to setting up a holiday box for children to put their ideas for what to do inside, giving children a "holiday budget", creating a "free day", and limiting technology.

"On the free days, the only rule is no money is spent. It teaches kids to be resourceful by considering the free fun on offer at the beach, park, museum, pet shops, or by doing crafts.

"As for limiting technology, if it is too heavily relied on, you will pay for it. How? Less creative and resourceful children and more easily bored and agitated kids."