The school holidays are not far and now is a good time to start planning. While a few lucky families will be jetting offshore, most of us will be having adventures in the confines of Aotearoa.
We're here to say you don't need to get on a plane to give kids a great holiday, as our own backyards are bursting with stellar things to do.
We've put together four different adventure themes you and your whanau could be having these school holidays.
Online booking company Bookabach has listed their choice of Kiwi school holiday destinations.
Auckland escapades
If you're kids are wanting to give snowsports a try then Silverdale's Snowplanet is the perfect place to start. And if skiing or snowboarding's not their thing, snowtubing is certainly an exhilarating rush - all of which can be witnessed from the comfort of the cosy 7 Summits Restaurant and Bar.
A little more central is the Auckland War Memorial Museum which boasts a new family-friendly exhibition. The Secret World of Butterflies has fluttered its way into the building and features thousands of butterflies from collector Ray Shannon.
And if your kids want to feel like Ben Stiller the museum is running several Night at the Museum events which gives you a chance to explore the buildings' iconic history after dark.
Wellington escapes
If you're Wellington based or fancy a bit of a trip to the capital then Te Papa always makes for a great educational experience. But don't forget the Wellington Museum too. This will be sure to transport you to the 1800s, allowing you to discover the weird and wonderful past of our capital city.
And if anyone's a bit of a film buff the Weta Cave is the tourist hub of the legendary Weta Workshop. Behind the scenes tours offer an in depth look at the phenomenal work of Weta's internationally renowned special effects art.
Down on the farm
There's no shortage of family friendly experiences to be found outside the main urban centres. The stunning Hawkes Bay is an idyllic rural setting perfect for young kids.
Explore Te Mata peak by foot or bike and then enjoy a picnic at the top with stellar views of the Heretaunga Plains. But watch for the grazing sheep.
There's also the Ranui Farm Park, a working sheep and beef farm that can be visited in the Central Hawkes Bay. While the kids enjoy the flying fox or obstacle course you can sit back and relax with a coffee in the cafe.
Hitting the slopes
If your family is after a snow adventure then Mount Ruapehu's Happy Valley is a superb place to start. With its own chairlift, cafe and ski school, this special family zone will keep kids safe from the expert skiiers that speed the slopes above. This means there's always the option of building a snowman too.
By the sea
Don't let the winter gloom put you off heading to the seaside in winter - our rugged coastlines are a great getaway regardless of season.
Canterbury's Akaroa, an hour and a bits drive from Christchurch, is a sheltered and secluded harbourside town perfect for the family to unwind.
If you're a little further north then the Bay of Islands offer a similar experience, with plenty of sunshine still bound to show in the "winterless north". Paihia and Russell are the hotspots but you'll also find Te Tii Bay is great for kids with its popular playground.
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