[Georgebulldog]

Thanks for all the info on the South Island
Well I now need some on the North Island.
As next year will cost a preety penny or cent I'm thinking instead of a big holiday just a 4 day break on the NI but it will be around August time so weather may not be great
Any ideas where we could go that has indoor places for kids in case the weather is bad, needs to have at least 2 places to cover bad days
Thanks

[Carey]

Will it be in school holidays? If so, would you consider a house swap? I'm still banging on about house swaps as they are SUCH a good way to have a great holiday without spending megabucks as the accomadation is free!

[Georgebulldog]

Hasn't got to be but doesn't matter either way as only kindy to think about.
So sell Cambridge to me, what do you have to offer?
House swap is a good idea but I only ever looked when in the UK at some great ones around the world :)

[shakyle2906]

You have to visit Hawkes Bay, biased cos we live here but a lovely place! Taupo and Rotorua are lovely place to visit, lots to do.

If you do come to HB let me know and perhaps we can meet up

Sharon
x

[Carey]

Cambridge is just lovely! Lots of lovely cafe's; am sure SamB will fill you in on the best ones! Heritage trail round town, river walks, large lake for duck feeding, good playground in town and others around and about. Indoor swimming in Te Awamatu, 20 mins away, plus cinema there and several child friendly bush walks, eg on boardwalks so buggy freindly. Hamilton 20 min away for more indoor swimming, bowling, indoor play centre and shopping malls. Beautiful bush reserve on edge of Cambridge called Maungakawa plus picnic area.

Easy to get west to Raglan beach (black magnetic sand) for the day or east to Waihi beach, (wide open yellow sand). Tauranga easy distance for day with Papamoa beach or Mount Maunganui well worth a visit. Various waterfalls nearby, gorges, swing bridges............but of course if you're house swapping with us, you have at your disposal all our toys etc for indoor days! Or use the bikes, scooters, netball or football goal, play with the swingball or if warm enough, swim in our lovely pool!

Just a few ideas; of course, lots of other forum members live here so may come up with more ideas.......

[Tomsk]

I've got to recommend Rotorua, there's loads to do here. Yes, being entirely honest most of it is better in good weather, but you can still have a good time here in the rain. It really depends what sort of things you like to do, but as a major tourist centre there's loads to offer, from lake cruises on an amphibious vehicle, sheep shearing shows, the zorb, the luge, & the Skyline gondola, Rainbow Springs Kiwi encounter, Paradise Valley animal park, the Buried Village, lots of Maori cultural shows, geothermal attractions, spa baths, and the more usual wet weather stuff, climing wall, ten pin bowling, a surprisingly good museum, cinema, some great places to eat....I could go on.
If you want any more info just give me a nudge.

[Georgebulldog]

You have to visit Hawkes Bay, biased cos we live here but a lovely place! Taupo and Rotorua are lovely place to visit, lots to do.

If you do come to HB let me know and perhaps we can meet up

Sharon
x

Was thinking of maybe your neck of the woods as told it is nice so will let you know if we do

[Georgebulldog]

Will it be in school holidays? If so, would you consider a house swap? I'm still banging on about house swaps as they are SUCH a good way to have a great holiday without spending megabucks as the accomadation is free!

Going to PM you

[batgirl1001]

We've just got back from Waitomo and it's been a great visit.

The caves are amazing and beautiful and you can do them in wet or dry weather. In fact it's better if the weather isn't so good so you can see underground waterfalls and rivers. The glow worm caves are nice- beautiful but the tour is too short in my opinion. However the Ruakiri caves are definitely worth the money. It is a fantastic limestone caves spanning about 1.5kms underground and with such beautiful stalactite formations. It is also a feat in engineering.

Aside from that there are natural walks to do. We went to the Marokopa Falls which is just 10 mins walk from the carpark. Lovely, picturesque and easy walk. The Mangapohue Bridge is also another amazing easy 20 min walk. There's also the Kiritekire Beach which a local recommended to us but we didn't have the time to go to. These activities are free so they go easy on the wallet.

We also took time out to visit a rabbit shearing farm- felt like the weirdest thing in the world but the fur is so soft. Took a few pics of ostriches and horses.

Of course waitomo is also world famous for its black water activities like the abyss or labyrinth which are great exciting activities for adults and older kids. We did the abyss 5 years ago, and can't forget the thrill and chill of doing it in winter.