Ideas for adventurous family trips

If you ever have the chance to visit New Zealand with your family you will find it a country with plenty of adventure for everyone.

There are opportunities to experience all types of sports from hang gliding, bungee jumping and white water rafting; to swimming, hiking and kayaking. In every area of both the South and North Island it’s a dream come true for the more adventurous.

WHALE WATCHING

If you fancy a spot of whale watching then there’s no better place than Kaikoura on the South Island. On the day we did this there was quite a high swell on the water and so it’s not for the feint-hearted or those prone to seasickness. As you have to stay inside the boat until a whale is spotted there’s not constant opportunity for fresh air if you’re feeling a little ill, as several people were on the day of our trip.

However that aside watching the whales was a marvellous experience. To see them dive and watch the huge tail disappearing into the water is an experience I will never forget. I would highly recommend this as a priority of an adventure trip to New Zealand.

A TRIP UP A VOLCANO

How about a trip up a volcano for an exciting experience? This can be done at Mount Ruapehu on the North Island. which in the winter is a ski resort but is also an active volcano, last erupting in 1996. It is in a row of three volcanoes, the others being Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Tongariro.

Providing the roads are open and there is not present danger of eruption, trips can be taken up the mountain at any time of year. During the summer months it looks beautiful, snow-capped with sun shining on it. A series of chair lifts take you up the mountain to an area where there is a caf and information about the volcanic eruptions. The view from there is outstanding and you’ll want to stay there a while just taking in all the breath-taking beauty around you.

HELICOPTER RIDE

A helicopter ride is another exciting adventure if funds extend to it. You will see these advertised all over New Zealand. In a country that has so much natural beauty the scenery from a helicopter will take your breath away. Some helicopter companies will land you on mountains, so you can walk in the snow and some even provide picnics.

We chose to take a trip over the beautiful Bay of Islands on the North Island and it’s a trip that we wouldn’t have missed for anything. The helicopter ride is an adventure in itself, but coupled with such beauty it’s the experience of a lifetime.

GEYSERS