KEY POINTS:
As we reach the tail end of the school holidays, it's likely the kids will be spending more time complaining about being bored, than getting out and doing anything. So, if you're craving an afternoon's peace and quiet while keeping the kids occupied, consider one of the following family-friendly activities for the perfect way to farewell the school holidays on a high note.
Sun, sand and beaches
Nothing says summer school holidays like the beach, and we must be the luckiest people in the world to have so many beautiful beaches on our doorstep. A swimsuit, sunscreen and a beach towel - what could be easier to organise than that?
Pack a small picnic basket with a large bottle of water, some fruit and perhaps a sandwich or two for a day at the beach everyone will enjoy.
My top beach picks are: Unwind at the calm Oneroa Beach or Little Oneroa on Waiheke Island.
Take your pick of the many sandy, white beaches around the Bay of Islands.
Sink into Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel - the best feature is the warm water that bubbles through the sand at low tide. Don't forget to bring your shovel to dig your own hot tub.
Get on your bike
A playground will keep most younger children happy but older children need to burn off a bit more energy and nothing beats the adrenaline rush of mountain biking. Mountain bike trails can be found all around New Zealand and range from those suitable for beginners through to advanced skill levels.
The Redwood Forest is one of Rotorua's treasures and is free. You'll find everything from pushchair-friendly walks to great mountain bike trails. Then, at the end of a day, you can always find a hot pool somewhere close by to ease all those sore muscles.
Woodhill Mountain Bike Park is located off State Highway 16 near Waimauku in Auckland. Trails suitable for mountain bikers of all levels provide ample opportunity for kids to try out their new bikes.
Dunedin's Signal Hill Reserve has great mountain bike tracks that are suitable for all abilities.
Try something new
If mountain biking isn't your family's thing but you still want to challenge yourselves, how about a bit of rope work or jumping off a bridge - secured by nothing but a big rubber band around your feet.
Around the country you'll find rope confidence courses such as the one near the Huka Falls in Taupo. Tree Adventures at Woodhill Forest in Auckland is uniquely located in the treetops and is suitable for children over 5.
From aged 10, children - and adults - can take the plunge and have a go at bungy jumping. AJ Hackett operates in Auckland and Queenstown - your child will have the memory of a lifetime.
Museums aren't boring
Don't reserve museums for a rainy day: museums are no longer the boring relics of our childhoods and make a great alternative to outdoor pursuits.
Today, museums around New Zealand, including Te Papa in Wellington and Otago Museum in Dunedin, are exciting, stimulating places to visit and happily provide hands-on experiences for children.
A favourite for 8-year-olds and over is the Tactile Dome at MOTAT at Western Springs, Auckland.
Take the children for a fascinating walk around the remains of the early Chinese settlement in Arrowtown in Central Otago to discover how the first Chinese immigrants lived during the gold-rush days.
Discover nature at her best
Children love animals and if you haven't taken your kids to the zoo, then make sure it's on your list of school-holiday things to do.
Other animal trips can offer something a bit different so why not try some of these places?
See the rare yellow-eyed penguin at Katiki Point, Moeraki when they return to their nests at dusk. Remember to be quiet as these birds are extremely shy.
Visit the butterflies at Butterfly Creek near Auckland International Airport, where you can also see lizards, insects and fish.
Take a ride on the glass-bottom boats to see the diverse marine wildlife at Stewart Island or at Goat Island Marine Reserve, Leigh.
Visit Hooker's sea lions at Cannibal Bay in Southland.
Watch sharks swim directly above you in the glass tunnel at Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World in Auckland or at Napier's National Aquarium.
Of course, this list has barely scratched the surface of family-friendly activities and places to visit around New Zealand.
Your local i-SITE Visitor Information Centre will have lots more information about key attractions in your area.
Also, don't forget your local beaches, parks and reserves all make superb holiday spots.
So go on, banish school-holiday boredom, discover something new and enjoy the last few days of the summer holidays as a family.
Gaye Miller is the author of Where Shall We Take The Kids? A New Zealand guide to family-friendly destinations and activities (New Holland, $24.99) and editor of kidsfriendlynz.com.
