Mary Hamilton
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Ruapehu Adventure Rides
5.0/5
What a great family adventure!
We stayed overnight in the Campable motorhome campsite at Ruapehu Adventure Rides so we were ready to go for our morning ride through the hills. Our guide Karl (and the business co-owner), who comes from a farming/contracting background knows everything you need to know about how to operate the 4x4 quad bikes for maximum fun (and safety). Karl and his wife Maria are very professional operators so we felt very safe in their care. They have built some awesome tracks across their farm to give riders the experience of steep terrain, native bush, stream crossings, and mud! And then there's the magical views of Mt Ruapehu and even a glimpse out to Mt Taranaki in the west. I thought I'd enjoy playing around on the quad bikes but it exceeded my expectations - I absolutely loved it! Thanks Karl and Maria.
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Methven ▷
Methven Camping Ground
4.5/5
This campground has the feel of campgrounds as I remember from childhood - spacious, laid back and friendly.
No need to worry about campers crammed into a handkerchief-sized area. The facilities are fairly retro but impeccably clean. The kids enjoyed the playground.
We used the campground as our base for a few days skiing at Mt Hutt and it was perfect. The campground is a short walk to the shops and cafes in town and only 5 minutes from the ski access road.
The host is a friendly and generous guy. We left our campervan hose bag behind and he kindly delivered it to the rental company base in Christchurch a few days later saving us the replacement cost.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kaikohe ▷
Ginn's Ngawha Spa
5.0/5
A truly authentic mineral pool experience!
There's no frills here, just bubbling hot water seeping up through the sandy bottomed pools. The strong mineral smell gives an indication of the composition of the "super powers" of the water at Ngawha - supposedly capable of improving skin, bone, and muscle conditions. I don't know about that but it sure felt good and the good feeling lingered for a few days!
Beware if you're travelling with kids. If your kids are used to the likes of Waiwera and de Bretts, they will be disappointed. There are no waterslides or outdoor movie theatres.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kerikeri ▷
Aroha Island
5.0/5
Fantastic nature reserve tucked away on bush covered island (accessed by causeway).
The army of volunteers who run Aroha Island have done a fantastic job of not only providing a great habitat for the growing population of kiwi but making them accessible to visitors - at night of course. Bring red cellophane to cover your flashlight to improve your chances of seeing these elusive birds. Also, avoid insect repellant which the kiwis will pick up.
We camped on the shoreline and enjoyed a peaceful night listening to the birds and watching the night sky. Campground facilities are very good.
We are so glad that you enjoyed your stay at Aroha. Thank you for taking the time to post this review
Helen & Tim Lee - Winter Managers
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo ▷
Tekapo Springs
4.5/5
Just had a second visit here because we love it so much.
Fantastic way to revive tired muscles after day skiing or to relax after day on the road. Views from pools across the lake to the mountains are stunning. The front desk was training a new recruit when we checked in and kept us waiting a long time. Could have been handled better.
Thank you for taking the time to post a review. Fantastic to hear you found the Hot Pools relaxing with the stunning views. We are about to launch New Zealand's first Summer Tube ride this summer that will make Tubing a year round attraction at Alpine Springs. We have recently undergone a recruiting process taking on several new staff, sorry for the inconvenience of the delay at reception. This issue has been raised and more efficient procedures have been put in place to avoid this in the future. I look forward to your return to Lake Tekapo in the near future.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Thames ▷
Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk)
5.0/5
Took the family on an overnight hike and had a wonderful time.
The climb up the Webb Creek side is strenuous but totally worth it. Make sure you do the extra hour hike after the hut to the top of mountain (The Pinnacles). It's even more strenuous but views are stunning. A fantastic weekend trip for the family.
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Orewa ▷
Waiwera Infinity Thermal Spa Resort
4.0/5
Took my 6-year old daughter here on a mother-daughter weekend.
She loved it - had two visits in 24 hrs. I enjoyed the movie pool - very cool. Prices quite steep so we appreciated the discount on the 2nd visit.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Lake Tekapo ▷
Lake Alexandrina
5.0/5
Our favourite place to camp in Mackenzie Region.
Quiet and tranquil with only a few locals there on weekends in summer. Lots of bugs around when the weather is warm so cover up. But the views are worth it.
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North Island ▷ Coromandel ▷ Coromandel Town ▷
The Waterworks
5.0/5
Had a wonderful visit with a big group ranging in age from 7 months to 60+.
Everyone had a ball. Congratulations on the improvements since we last visited a couple of years ago. The gardens, paths, and new signage really give the place a well cared for look. Verdict from the kids "much better than Disneyland" and there are no queues and you get wet!
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South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Timaru ▷
Te Ana
5.0/5
Congratulations to the team at Ngai Tahu who put this 'must see' attraction on the map.
It sets the bar interpretative centres in New Zealand. After half and hour or so taking in all the information and talking to the very knowledgeable guide, we set off to find a piece of Maori rock art on location in the hills behind Timaru. We appreciated it all the more having learned all about it at Te Ana.
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South Island ▷ Mount Cook - MacKenzie ▷ Omarama ▷
Glide Omarama
4.5/5
Very professionally run operation in an idyllic location for gliding.
A truly memorable experience.