[vixxann]

Hi friendly folks - yet another question... ;)

Whilst we are over on our reccie - it will be our middle childs 11th birthday (about one week into the trip)

We're travelling down North Island in a camper for first stage of trip so although we don't know yet exactly where we'll be, I reckon it will be either around Taupo or Hawkes Bay.
so I wondered if anyone could recommend anything/place to go and do something really special for his birthday?
Obviously just being in NZ will be fantastic for him, beaches, BBQs, etc etc but we'd love to do something thats specifically for his birthday. Our other children are age 13 and 4.

Maybe also good places to eat - pretty special /unusual. I don't really know - hoping you'll inspire me ;)

[Kim39]

If your around Taupo, may i suggest treating him to The Rapid Jet. Don't get mixed up with the Huka Jet. The Rapid Jet does exactly what it says.....rapids. You go down them and then return up them. I haven't done them just yet, but hope to very soon.

Kim

[sarahw]

I'd agree with the above & say boat trip of some kind - either the above or a fishing charter if there are family members that don't fancy the jet? Hows about cooking up whatever you catch if you do fishing on the bbq? That would be a pretty unforgettable experience.

[zardell]

How about 'The Luge' at Rotorua ??

Good fun for all ages eh Kim39 ?

I tried to post a few piccies for you but - Mmmm..nuff said !!

Julie

xx

[Carol]

A day at Rotorua for kids your age wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Zorb.
It is fab!


Very special!

http://www.zorb.co.nz/

[nippa&pippa]

A day at Rotorua for kids your age wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Zorb.
It is fab!


Very special!

http://www.zorb.co.nz/

OH YES :yes , been there and done it :nice1

[Kim39]

How about 'The Luge' at Rotorua ??

Good fun for all ages eh Kim39 ?

I tried to post a few piccies for you but - Mmmm..nuff said !!

Julie

xx

:yes got to agree there with Jules. The luge is a good crack for all ages, and cheap too. Can't comment on the Zorb as i ain't had the pleasure.

Kim

[jubjub]

I was going to suggest Zorb, hubby did it and loved it, I had to babysit.. (good excuse eh??)

Rotorua would be a pretty good place for a birthday actually.... although it depends on your budget how much cool stuff you would get to do.

[Brijan]

If your around Rotorua you could try white water rafting, we did it while up there 3 years ago, brilliant day out, you may need to check that there is no age limit for the grade of rapids though. have a great trip
Brian and Jan:)

[vixxann]

Thanks folks

The boys were already pestering for a zorbing experience whilst in NZ so I think we're already planning to do that - well they can, I'll sit and watch with the four year old ;) Might look into the luge thing though, that sounds fun.

For the actual birthday I'm fairly sure we'll be nearer to Hawkes Bay area by then (in our camper van travels!) - anything we can do over that way??

[gpbenton]

I'm just looking at the Hawke's bay visitors guide I kept after I visited earlier this month. Here are some web sites that might be useful.

Splash Planet - www.splashplanet.co.nz
National Aquarium www.nationalaquarium.co.nz
Gannet Beach Adventures www.gannets.com or www.gannetsafaris.co.nz
KiwiAdventure Co www.kiwi-adventure.co.nz
Laser Force www.laserforcehb.co.nz

I haven't tried any of these, so I can't recommend them, but it might give you an idea.

[Carol]

The National Aquarium is - honestly - AMAZING!

( I got up close and made eye contact many times with the biggest turtle I have ever seen in my life - it was magic!)

:yes

[sarahw]

Parents went to the aquarium last weekend & said it was fab!

[sizzlingbadger]

We went to the Aquarium in Napier. As everyone else has said it was fab, the kids loved running around and spotting all the fish :clap

There's a really good pool, I think, out at Hastings with flumes, wave pools and things. Quite expensive but another great option.

[toesonthenose]

My kids had a great time at Splash Planet in Hastings. Nice Aquarium in Napier!
Have fun!

[vixxann]

I'm dishing out thanks yous (very generously) again :clap

Looks like we're doing the Aquarium for a definite whilst in Napier then - it sounds fab - had a look at the website too, we've been to several sea life centre in UK and I cannot believe how cheap the NZ aquarium is - I think it will only be about £15 for the five of us :D very nice

Unfortunately the water park nr Hastings shuts for winter at end of March so we'll just miss it - shame, looks good:wah

The kiwiadventure centre looks quite good for the indoor rock climbing and age limit is 4yrs upwards so even my littl'un could have a go! I've never done that and would like a bash plus I think both my boys would love it. (And again , very reasonably priced I thought)

book of ideas filling up nicely
(I am really writing all this in a book to take with us - husbands getting worried as its turning into an epic novel size!)

[Kim39]

Also in the Aquarium you can jump in and have a swim with them there Dolphins. Am led to believe that one died at the back end of 06. We got there 10 mins too late to do it, but said we would return and let the youngest do it. Would like to do it out in the ocean myself with them in their natural habitat, but am unsure on the youngest being in that situ. I think she would as they say, "brick it"!!!!

Seems to me that you have plenty of things to think about between now and his birthday. Good luck with your decision making;)

Kim