Taking your children into the outdoors is a great way to spend time with your family, have fun and discover new things. There are lots of easy outdoor activities. Walk one of many short tracks suitable for mountain buggies, take a longer day walk, or plan an overnight stay in the bush at a hut.
Here are some more suggestions:
- Walk to a lookout and watch and listen for birds. See how many different birds or plants you can identify.
- Join in on a planting day, or any of the holiday activity programmes taking place in parks throughout New Zealand.
- Check out the displays in a visitor centre or visit one of the Department's interpretive centres to see birds and other wildlife close up.
- Visit a mainland or off-shore island where you are sure to see plenty of wildlife.
- Visit the best spots on the coast, check out the shells, rock pools, birds and if you are lucky penguins or seals and other marine mammals.
- Introduce the children to camping, be it near the beach, beside a river or in the forest. Find a rock pool in a stream and just muck around. The natural environment is a fascinating place of wonders and adventure. Kids will love it!
For all activities make sure you are well prepared for the outdoors with warm and waterproof clothing and a sun hat.
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