Head west for the holidays

The school holidays are fast approaching, with the last day of Term 3 falling on 22 September.

This will be the last chance to go on a decent family trip before the hectic end-of-the-year period kicks off. Use this as
time for the whole family to take a proper break.

Why not check out the West Coast?
Start your journey in the quaint town of Hokitika. There you can explore the vibrant galleries, where local artisans showcase their talents, and immerse yourself in the world of jade carving, a craft deeply rooted in Māori culture.

For a leisurely day, stroll around Paroa’s Shantytown Heritage Park, and visit nearby Greymouth. Highlights include 30 historic buildings, heritage train and traditional confectionery store and check out the black beaches.

For something to excite the kids, ziplining through the dense rainforests or biking along the West Coast Wilderness Trail offers an adrenaline rush against a backdrop of untamed nature.

Drive north on State Highway 6 to check out the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, the unique limestone formations and blowholes are a sight to see. Time your visit to witness the waves crashing against these ancient rocks.

Just out of Westport is the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony. A quick 10-minute walking track from the car park leads
to viewing platforms directly overlooking the colony.

If you want to start further south, don’t forget to check out the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. These popular shrinking ice formations will leave you and the little ones awestruck. Guided glacier hikes and helicopter rides provide a chance to get even better views and photographs.

Throughout the trip, the West Coast’s warm hospitality and rugged beauty will make this school holiday family trip an unforgettable experience.