Kiwi kids

Keep eating waste-free

From lunchboxes to drink bottles, beeswax wraps to sandwich cutters, cooler bags to reusable yoghurt pouches, The Lunchbox Queen has everything Kiwi parents need to pack lunches that are healthy, fun and waste-free!

thelunchboxqueen.co.nz

KIWI KIDS' OUTDOOR PLAY Encourage active imaginative play in your own backyard. Choose a beautiful wooden playground kitset to suit your family. Designed and engineered for ages 3-11, this is a wonderful gift for the whole whānau. Give the gift of play…outdoors…naturally!

kiwiplay.co.nz

Kiwi kids

BUILD YOUR IMAGINATION

Brick Diversity is a locally owned online toy shop. The shop has a large selection of high-quality building blocks and brick sets for all ages. And if we don’t have it, we can get it. The sets are compatible with other famous brands and only a fraction of the cost. Sets starting from as low as six dollars. Now is the time to get some Christmas presents sorted.

brickdiversity.com

THE CREW THAT’S JUST FOR YOU

Personalise these cute and comfy kids’ sweatshirts with a name, or choose any word that best represents your child’s unique personality. 100% cotton, fleeced lined and available in three colours; blush, blue and grey. Relaxed fit, yet smart, these gorgeous crews are perfect for spring or those chillier summer evenings.

otiandmarn.co.nz

Shared style

Shared kids’ bedroom and play spaces don’t need to be boring. Bring together two fantasy worlds, like these dinosaurs and butterflies, using a palette of colours that will appeal to all. Room in Resene Half Washed Green and Resene Otter with floor in Resene Double Sea Fog. Butterflies in Resene Magma metallic paint and Resene Half Washed Green, dinosaurs in Resene Half Washed Green, Resene Permanent Green and Resene Pewter. For more ideas for kids’ spaces, pick up a free copy of the habitat plus – kids’ spaces guide available at Resene ColorShops or view online.

Trout and about

FISH & GAME are making trout fishing easy as they launch their Park & Cast campaign to help Kiwis catch trout this summer!

As Kiwis trip around New Zealand in greater numbers this summer, trout fishing is a cheap family fun activity that’s simple to slot into your travel plans (or your stay-at-home plans for that matter).

The first things most people want to know about trout fishing are where can I fish, what gear do I need, and how do I use it? Fish & Game have put everything you need to know on one page of their website. It will show you where to go and how to get there and features instructional videos on how to catch a trout and even how to cook it. You will find a link to Park & Cast at fishandgame.org.nz or use the QR code on this page on your mobile phone.

For those that are new to New Zealand trout fishing, most people are probably unaware that our own backyard is the envy of the world. Anglers travel every year from all over the globe to catch our trout, but not this year. This year we have the whole place to ourselves, and there has never been a better time for you to have a go.

Fishing for trout in New Zealand requires a Fish & Game licence, which allows you to fish the whole country except for the Taupō region. You can buy this online at our website or from various outdoor clothing and equipment stores. We offer a family licence, which is the most costeffective licence we sell, at $173 for the whole season and includes two adult partners and up to four children or grandchildren between 12-17 years of age. Children under 12 need a licence, but it is free. There are also plenty of other licence options from one day to individual whole season licences.

So, grab your kids or grandkids and prepare to experience world-class fun this summer. A spinning rod and a few lures are an inexpensive purchase if you haven’t already got one or can’t borrow one. You probably already have everything else you need, including a sun hat, sunscreen and the usual picnic essentials.

If you have any questions, the staff at Fish & Game offices around the country are there to give you some helpful tips.

fishandgame.org.nz

STAY CLOSE TO HOME

Whether you’re taking time out to rest and recharge, or to reconnect with loved ones over a short road trip, you don’t have to travel far to stay close to the people and things you love. Stay close to home this season and save up to 25%* on our Best Available Rate, earn 3,000 Wyndham Rewards bonus points and accelerate your way to a free stay. Book by December 31, 2020 and complete your stay by March 31, 2021. Book direct at wyndham.sale/stayclosetohome Stay safe at hotels by Wyndham. You can Count On Us to put your safety first.

Wyndham Garden Remarkables Park Queenstown Ramada Suites By Wyndham Auckland Manukau Pacific Centre Ramada By Wyndham Queenstown Central

Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West

Stay and play

FOR VOUCHER PRICINGS AND BOOKINGS VISIT wyndham.sale/ vouchers

If your family wants to explore, relax and dine in style during the holidays, these voucher deals from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts could be just what you need.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has just launched its Hotels by Wyndham Vouchers campaign – offering a range of incredible hotel deals with savings of 15 to 40 per cent. Across New Zealand, participating hotels are offering fun-filled getaways which include delightful dining deals for you to enjoy. What’s more, the vouchers’ long and flexible validity period means you don’t have to decide on dates now, plus they will make an excellent gift for family and friends.

You can choose to stay in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. This region is a natural playground for all ages, providing a breathtaking setting with a myriad of sights to see, delights to sample and adventures for everyone. Queenstown, a short drive from the worldclass Coronet Peak and The Remarkables snowfields and stay in the hotel’s plush onebedroom Apartment. Also, enjoy a scrumptious breakfast for two at Franks Pantry, which offers wholesome food made from the very best local ingredients. Additions include a bottle of bubbly or wine on arrival, and delicious chocolates.

Or head to Albany in Auckland’s North Shore and stay at the Ramada Suites Albany – located close to key attractions like the Westfield Albany and a short drive to the hiking trails at the Bushlands Park Reserve and Waiake Beach on Hauraki Gulf.

Guests can enjoy Pizza Night in the comfort of their room when they purchase a voucher for a one-night stay in the Studio room with $40 credit for Hells Pizza delivery and late check-out.

Waikato Wonders

The stunning Waikato region is home to a fabulous array of family activities to keep all ages happy and entertained these summer holidays.

HOBBITON MOVIE SET Discover the most picturesque private farmland near Matamata, where you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set which was rebuilt for the filming of The Hobbit Trilogy. Gain a first-hand insight into filming and the way things looked when shooting was in full swing and get up close with over 17 hobbit holes from the film including Bag End, Samwise Gamgee’s house and more. Knowledgeable tour guides provide a fascinating insight into how the movie set was created and what went on during the filming of both trilogies.

WAITAKARURU ARBORETUM AND SCULPTURE PARK This 17.5-hectare arboretum sits on a hillside providing panoramic views over the fertile Waikato valley. The site contains intimate tree-enclosed spaces and interesting landforms including towering cliffs, rocks, a stream, many ponds, and small waterfalls. Along the 2 km nature trail you will discover more than 100 sculptures and installations. This art-in-nature experience aims to inspire imaginations, nourish curious minds, and provide for creative learning in an accessible wilderness environment.

MANGAPOHUE NATURAL BRIDGE A short drive from Waitomo Village towards Marokopa is the Mangapohue Natural Bridge. The natural bridge is a 17-metre high limestone arch; the remains of an ancient cave system. Take a leisurely 5-minute stroll to the base of the natural bridge, or continue along the track for a 20-minute loop walk that takes in superb views of the natural bridge and gorge, stalactite-like formations, farmland and 25 million-year-old fossilised oysters that are exposed in the limestone outcrops. This easy walk is perfect for a weekend outing with family and friends. CAVING IN WAITOMO Millions of years in the making, the world-famous caves in Waitomo provide a playground unlike any other that have been enthralling visitors since 1889. Rising from the sea about 30 million years ago, the subterranean wonders include stalagmites, stalactites and underground waterfalls. There are plenty of options on offer for the whole family, from gentle boat rides under galaxies of twinkling glowworms and walking tours of awe-inspiring limestone formations to a blood-pumping range of adventure activities. You can even do your bit for ‘cave troll’ conservation!

BRIDAL VEIL FALLS A short drive from Raglan, the spectacular 55-metre high Bridal Veil Falls, also known as the Wairēinga Falls is a popular Waikato waterfall. An easy 10-minute walk through native bush, following the Pakoka River most of the way brings you to two viewing platforms at the top of the falls, both providing stunning vistas and ample photo opportunities of the plunging white falls flanked by grey rock and green bush. Looking down to the base of the waterfall, you will see soft sandstone rocks, worn away by the water to form a large amphitheatre.

HAMILTON GARDENS Explore the magical and mysterious world of Hamilton Gardens. Fifty years ago, the site was a rubbish dump, and today it’s an award-winning attraction with a unique concept of telling the story of gardens throughout time. Boasting over 20 individually themed gardens, families will love to step into the new Alice in Wonderland-type garden, the Surrealist Garden with everything five times the standard scale. Let the children explore the gardenthemed playground, with a treehouse and plenty of spaces to hide.

HAMILTON ZOO Home to over 600 native and exotic animals and set amidst 25 hectares of lush and tranquil surroundings, Hamilton Zoo is the destination for a memorable day out. As well as being home to many native and exotic animals, Hamilton Zoo boasts the largest free-flight aviary in New Zealand dedicated to native birds and plants. Get to know the animals during free daily “Meet the Keeper” talks. Hamilton Zoo is committed to inspiring conservation action through participation in various projects and contributing to breeding programmes for endangered species.

BOWL AND SOCIAL Located in the heart of Hamilton, SkyCity is the premier entertainment destination in the heart of the Waikato! With a world-class bowling alley and X-Golf simulator, there are activities to keep the whole family entertained for hours. Bowl and Social is Hamilton’s only Tenpin bowling alley with world-class bowling technology, TimeZone games and a brand new kitchen and bar serving up in-lane dining! With a range of dining and entertainment outlets, including EATBurger – voted the Waikato’s best burger – and The Local Taphouse, there is something for all tastebuds. WAIKATO MUSEUM The Waikato region has a rich history, and there’s no better place to delve into it than at the Waikato Museum. You’ll find interesting exhibitions telling the stories of history, culture and science along with interactive and educational exhibits for children of all ages. Highlights include Exscite, an interactive gallery for kids that aims to foster a learning experience in an exciting and engaging environment. Te Whare Waka o Te Winika exhibition can also be found here which tells the story of Tainui and the King movement and includes the spectacular Te Winika – a 200-year-old Māori war canoe.

SANCTUARY MOUNTAIN MAUNGATAUTARI Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is the largest ecological island on mainland New Zealand. A haven for native wildlife and plants such as kiwi, kokako (wattlebird), tuatara and more, Maungatautari also provides great walking and hiking tracks. For a truly unique experience, guided night-time walks will open up another world – spot glowworms, weta and listen for the calls of the kiwi. BLUE SPRING AT TE WAIHOU WALKWAY The Blue Spring at Te Waihou Walkway contains water so pure it provides over 60 per cent of New Zealand’s bottled water. Follow the Waihou river on a track that heads through wetlands, pastoral land and features sights of small waterfalls, native bush and of course the famous Blue Spring, with glimpses of trout in the crystal clear waters. The Blue Spring walk takes about one and a half hours each way, starting from Whites Road (State Highway 28), near Putaruru. There is also a shorter walk, 15 minutes each way, to the Blue Spring, accessed from nearby Leslie Road.

For more information or other great ideas for a family break in the Waikato visit waikatonz.com

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