Located in the heart of Marlborough wine country, Blenheim is known as a hub for wine tourism.

With more than 50 wineries located along the town’s edges and many more within a short driving distance, it’s hard to imagine visiting here and not imbibing.

The region is also famous for the annual Marlborough Wine and Food Festival, held in February each year at the Brancott Estate.

However wine tasting and tours aren’t the only attraction in Blenheim, there are lots of other fun activities to occupy your time while visiting.

Where to Stay

Sunny Blenheim is a great place to base yourself to explore the Marlborough region.

Stay at Blenheim TOP 10 and introduce yourselves to friendly hosts Arnold and Chile Kremer. Hire bikes from the park to explore the town, or do your very own winery tour, equipped with your phone’s GPS, a local map and winery guide.

Cycle through the quiet countryside and explore the vast array of wineries in the district. There are plenty of wineries within 10 km of Blenheim and  the roads are flat, so you don’t need to be a trained cyclist to enjoy yourself. Choose a sunny day and head out with friends, as a group or solo, either way you are guaranteed to have plenty of fun.

Your other TOP 10 option in the region is Picton TOP 10 Holiday Park, located at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, which gives you access to the Marlborough region as well as the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, and of course the Cook Strait Ferry terminal for travelers heading to the North Island.

1. The River Queen Riverboat cruises

Iconic to Blenheim, the River Queen is a family owned and operated river boat that travels up and down the Opawa River. Relax on the purpose built boat as you wine and dine while enjoying the peaceful journey along the most scenic sections of the river. Even when the River Queen isn’t traveling, you can pop in while she’s moored at the dock for coffee and light refreshments.

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2. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Peter Jackson, Wingnut Films and Weta Workshop came together to produce this amazing attraction which is also filled with rare and unique memorabilia and dramatic depictions of past war-time events. The showmanship and quality of the exhibitions at Omaka is enough to captivate any visitor and incite an interest in aviation. This is a definite must-do!

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3. The Millennium Art Gallery

Located right in the centre of Blenheim, the Millennium Art Gallery is filled with stunning art ranging from photography and paintings to sculptures and crafts. The Millennium Art Gallery is dedicated to hosting and promoting locally produced exhibitions, making this the perfect stop for anyone who wants to see the direct result of the area’s scenery on the artistic imagination.

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4. Blenheim Dive Centre

Sure, the town itself is landlocked, but that’s not say you can’t organise a great diving trip from Blenheim. For scuba diving, free-diving or spearfishing, pop into the Blenheim Dive Centre. Operating for over two decades, the crew cater for experienced divers as well as first-timers. With a variety of dive options, including the famous ‘Koi’ dive you’ll find a great dive to suit you. One of the most popular options is the ‘Twin Wrecks’ dive, which will take you to see the Koi—a sunken 84ft steamer that once plied the waters of the Nelson region during the early 1900’s.

5. Makana Confections

Wine isn’t the only indulgence in the region. To satisfy your sweet tooth, pay a visit to Makana Confections. This company produces fine, gourmet chocolates and candies. From Marlborough Pinot Noir Truffles to chocolate dipped apricots, you’ll find some great treats to share (or not).

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6. Delights for Connoisseurs of Caffeine and Gourmet Foods

Hunters Garden Cafe is nestled in a picturesque garden setting at the famous Hunters Winery, allowing diners to enjoy an alfresco meal with a glass or two of Hunters’ best.

The Fix Cafe in Market Street is regarded to have the best coffee in Blenheim as well as great food for a light lunch or anytime break.

Figaro’s is another great place for coffee, with the added bonus of a great little tapas menu for Friday nights. Figaros are licensed, so you can choose from a selection of beers and great Marlborough wines to have with your meal.

If you are in Blenheim over a weekend, one of the best ways to sample all of the local gourmet delights is a visit to the Marlborough Farmers Market on a Sunday morning. Stallholders sell everything from oysters to empanadas, locally grown pinenuts to Riverina almonds and figs.

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With school holiday season over, now is the time that many in the know choose to take their annual break, with plenty of summer days and daylight saving left to make the most of.

If you haven’t yet planned your annual “escape”, why not consider a trip to the very beautiful Fiordland region at the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island.

Fiordland is one of New Zealand’s most famous regions, notable especially for the stunning Milford and Doubtful Sounds. These fiords, in which waterfall festooned mountains rise dramatically from the water, are considered among the world’s top tourism destinations, and a regular drawcard for tourists.

Though many visitors come through the area with only enough time to take a boat tour, there is plenty to see and do. The charming town of Te Anau makes a great base for some of Fiordland’s finest activities.

Where to Stay

The award winning Te Anau TOP 10 is a great choice for a base if you are planning to spend some time in this spectacular part of New Zealand.

Boating

Of course, there’s no sense in coming all the way to Fiordland and not taking a boat tour of the Sounds. Spend a day at Milford Sound, or take an overnight trip to Doubtful Sound which takes you right out to the Tasman Sea, to get an understanding of why so many people have listed the region as a must-see destination.

You can also choose to see the Sounds via sea kayak. Tour operators Sea Kayak Fiordland will pick you up in Te Anau and take you on day or multi-day kayaking trips to explore the area.

Tramping

Fiordland is home to some of New Zealand’s best tramping trails, including three of the country’s nine ‘Great Walks’: the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler Tracks. All of these are multi-day tramps, and should be booked in advance as the trails and huts get crowded in the summer. Experienced hikers looking for a less popular, but equally beautiful trail, might also enjoy the Dusky Track or the George Sound Track.

If you only have a few hours to spare, rather than days, take a look at the Key Summit (part of the Routeburn Track) or Lake Marian Tracks—you can get a look at the area’s beautiful scenery and still be back in time for dinner. There are even shorter walks around Te Anau, including a trip to the Te Anau Wildlife Centre.

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Wildlife: Native Birds and Glowworms

The Te Anau Wildlife Centre, operated by the Department of Conservation, is a great opportunity to see some of New Zealand’s endangered, native birds. The enclosures are scattered around the park, giving you the opportunity to stretch your legs while you view the birds. You might even see a rare takahe.

In addition to native birdlife, the caves around Lake Te Anau are populated by tiny, luminescent glow worms. Book an evening Glowworm tour for a memorable outing.

Lake Manapouri Power Station

Close to Lake Te Anau is the equally beautiful Lake Manapouri, home to New Zealand’s largest hydro power station. Take a trip across the lake for a guided tour of the underground station – but make sure you take plenty of insect repellent, the blackflies (sandflies) are prolific on the far side of the lake.

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Eating and Drinking

Not known as a cultural capital, it comes as a surprise to many visitors that there are so many excellent dining options available in Te Anau. The Fat Duck and The Ranch Bar & Grill are area favourites. Be sure to try locally farmed venison while you are in the area, as well as a glass of Otago Pinot Noir.

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Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges, Queenstown has the perfect combination of snow, clear mountain air, river rapids and lofty peaks and bridges to create the perfect playground for anyone who loves an adrenaline rush!

But Queenstown is not just for young thrillseekers who want to jump off bridges during the day and party all night – this is a great place for families too.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

When you are looking for accommodation in Queenstown, TOP 10 has two great options to choose from: Queenstown Top 10 and Shotover Top 10. The Queenstown park is located just a five minute walk from the town centre, while Shotover TOP 10 can be found on the other side of the Shotover River, about 6km from Queenstown on the road to Arrowtown.

So just depending on where you want to spend most of your holiday, take your pick of these two different locations and the range of accommodation options from campsites to fully equipped motel rooms to suit your budget and your style.

Adventure

Taking a ride on the Shotover Jet is a great way to start your Queenstown holiday – if you have kids who love rollercoaster rides and don’t mind getting wet, that is!

A slightly more sedate ride is the Skyline gondola to the top of Ben Lomond. At the top you can enjoy the views from the restaurant while you have a meal, or take a more adventurous turn with a jump off the AJ Hackett Ledge Bungy. And if your kids are keen on finding a different way down the mountain, you can each hop in your own three wheeler cart and head down the mountain on the luge – choose the Scenic track or the Advanced track, depending on your comfort level.

The AJ Hackett team has also been expanding their offering, with the new Kawarau Bungy Trampoline being a great, affordable option for adults and children. It’s one of Queenstown’s newest attractions and is open to anyone over the age of two and between 10kg and 90kgs. The Kawarau Bungy Trampoline is on SH6 in the Gibbston Valley, just a 20 minute drive from Queenstown.

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Hot Pools

Other family fun activities you can explore during your stay include the Onsen Hot Pools high on the cliffs overlooking the Shotover River Canyon – a different hot pool experience, with private cedar hot pools equipped with retractable roof and walls so you can soak up the stars or the alpine views.

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Fun in the Snow

If you’re visiting on a winter break, of course there are the usual fun activities up at Coronet Peak and the Remarkables, but for something different, you can go on a guided snowshoeing trip.

On a full or half day trip, you can experience some of Queenstown’s most beautiful wide open spaces, far from the hectic ski fields. Walk across unbroken snow, without sinking up to your waist, wearing the modern version of snowshoes – and no they don’t look like old tennis rackets anymore!

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Movie Locations

The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy is one of the things New Zealand is most famous for in recent years, and much of the footage was filmed in this part of the world. Take the family out on a unique Lord of the Rings 4WD tour with Paradise Safaris – taking you through Glenorchy into beautiful Paradise Valley.

You’ll see movie locations including Isengard, Lothlorien Forest, Ithlien Camp, Amon Hen and the Misty Mountains. You’ll also see locations from X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Water Horse, Willow and more.

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Free Time, Golf, Wine, Food and Movies

Any family holiday needs a good mix of “paid” adventures, alongside some cheaper days out, and the Queenstown area is the perfect place to simply head out with water bottles and a picnic lunch to go walking, mountain biking, swimming, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Mum and dad might also want to indulge in a few rounds of golf, some wine tasting at the many local vineyards and of course, some great shopping, interspersed with excellent coffee.

Cafés and restaurants abound in Queenstown itself, and nearby Arrowtown makes for a great day trip, experiencing some of this historic gold rush era town – again, the shops, cafes, museum and the fabulous Arrowtown movie theatre, Dorothy Browns.

One thing we can guarantee is that a week or two of holiday time in Queenstown will have you coming back for more.

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Famous for the growling sound they make, as much as for their gleaming good looks, Harley Davidson motorbikes have become an icon of freedom and the open road for owners around the world.

The Harley bike has captured the imagination of middle-class professionals like no other motorcycle or vehicle, representing the lure of the open road and the sense of community that Harley riders share with each other.

This month TOP 10 Holiday Parks around the country will enjoy some of that rumbling growl, as Harley owners take part in the Rolling Thunder Freedom Tour.

The tour wends its way south to Dunedin for the 2012 HOG nationals from Feb 10 – 16 and riders will be dropping into TOP 10 parks down the country to pick up tickets and stay the night.

HOG group members are encouraged to pick up tickets from each TOP 10 as they travel, and the more tickets they collect the greater their chances of winning prizes at the party hosted by Rolling Thunder on Thursday.

The national event itself happens over the weekend of February 17 – 19 and will draw around 1250 people and over a thousand bikes from all over New Zealand down to Dunedin. One of the highlights of the leadup to the weekend will be the Rolling Thunder ride from Palmerston into Dunedin on Friday the 16th.

“We are expecting at least 200 bikes to be making the ride into the city, which is always a great sight – and sound, for those nearby,” says Rolling Thunder organiser, Chris Ells.

“Lots of riders will be stopping off at the TOP 10 parks as they travel, which is something we are happy to encourage. There are TOP 10 parks all over the country and they all offer the same great experience, so we suggest our members make the most of what’s on offer – and get the chance to win some great prizes at the same time.”

If you’re a bike lover, or just enjoy a spectacle, keep an eye on the roads next week and give the HOGs a wave as they head south.

When it comes to the sorts of events you plan for as a holiday park owner, dealing with containers washing up on your beach is not normally high on the list, says Waihi Beach TOP 10 holiday resort owner, Ian Smith.

The sinking of the Rena has presented a unique set of challenges for one of the region’s most popular beaches and the tourism businesses that depend on it, but Ian says visitors have still been having a great holiday at the resort.

“We are set up for all weathers and all events here – with plenty of indoor activities, and our own swimming pool and spa area for when the beach is not at its usual standards and the Kids Club helping to keep the children occupied.

“Having those options has served us and our guests very well this summer.”

Ian says the debris washing ashore from the Rena has now been fully cleared from the beach and is hopeful that it will be less of a problem going forward.

“Local volunteers have been amazing at helping the authorities to clear the beach.

“Everyone here values the beachside environment and we do our best to protect it.”

Over the last few days, all the debris has been cleared, the sun has been shining as usual in the beautiful Bay of Plenty and the beach has been really busy with holidaymakers.

The resort has plenty of capacity for anyone still to take their summer holidays, and the best, most settled summer months are still stretching out ahead.

Check out availability at Waihi Beach TOP 10 .

Facing extreme weather events is the last thing any park owner wants, and unfortunately Brent and Del at Pohara TOP 10 have had more than their fair share in the lead up to Christmas – normally their busiest time of the year.

The good news is that over the last few weeks, the sun has been doing what it usually does best in this part of the world, and campers have been appreciating a long awaited break, especially those arriving from Christchurch.

Pohara is also a great example of how events like the recent flooding and heavy rains can really bring a community together, with the efforts of the locals who helped with removing silt and debris, and local Fonterra tanker drivers, who have been trucking fresh water to the park five to six times each day, making it possible for the park to keep running.

Pohara’s campers themselves have also done a brilliant job, by conserving fresh water to make sure there is enough to go round.

Park owner Brent says the saving has been impressive, going from the usual 200 litres per camper, down to just 73 litres per camper per day – which is pretty good in the middle of summer.

“These Cantabrians really know how to save water. The Fonterra drivers told us we would be surprised at how little Cantabrians can get by on after their experiences with the quakes, and we have been blown away.”

The two main water conservation measures have been removing the boat wash, with boat owners allowed to flush their engines only, and reducing shower times from 6 minutes to 4 minutes.

“We are saving 15,000 litres a day with the shower measure alone. Parents have been great at supervising their kids more in the showers, and people have been really good at self policing – even letting us know when they spotted water leaks in the park and helping us to fix them,” Brent said.

Still, summer goes on, with the very best Golden Bay has to offer being just as good as ever – namely awesome swimming and fishing in one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand.

Canny holidaymakers often choose February when the weather is more settled to take their time off, so Pohara is looking forward to welcoming plenty more visitors over the next month or two, with the best of summer still ahead.

Brent says there is plenty of room in the park at the moment and still loads of great fishing to be had!

If you are thinking about escaping for the last weeks of the school holidays, or into February and March, you can easily check availability at Pohara Beach TOP 10 .

The beautiful Hanmer Springs is located 65 kilometres southwest of Kaikoura (135 km by car). The township is built around a hot mineral spring which was created by a fractured rock bed along the Hanmer fault. It’s an increasingly popular tourist destination and is famous for its mountain views, relaxing hot pools and outdoor activities.

If you are traveling through the South Island, definitely pencil these 5 top Hanmer Springs attractions into your itinerary.

1. The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa

Whether you are traveling as a family, couple or solo there is something to suit everyone at the famous Hanmer Springs thermal pools. Enjoy the healing properties of the rock and sulphur mineral pools which are renowned for soothing away aches and pains and creating the ultimate stress-free and relaxing experience.

There’s an extensive family area, complete with activities for the kids and adventurous water-slides, and the complex has recently been expanded to include more public and private pool options.

The complex also include the world class Hanmer Spa where you can indulge in luxurious massages, skin therapy or just about any beauty treatment you can think of.

2. Mountain biking

For a slightly more adventurous day out have a go at the scenic mountain biking tours through the Hanmer Forest. Jacks and Jollies Passes offer around 25 km of riding and are suitable for beginners.

The trip should take between 3.5 – 5.5 hours depending on your speed and the track is a mixture of uphill, downhill, sealed and unsealed tracks. The scenery is remarkable so don’t forget your camera!

3. Hanmer Forest Park walking tracks

If you feel your co-ordination isn’t up to mountain biking standards, a walk through Hanmer Forest Park could be a better option. The tracks are suitable from beginner levels and take around 2.5 hours for a return trip.

Depending on the track you choose there are waterfalls, astounding plantations and perfect spots for picnics. If you are walking with children, stick to the Conical Hill-Majuba-Woodland Walk, it is a short looped track of an easy grade and has several beautiful areas to stop and rest, as well as a great view of the Hanmer basin from the top.

4. Hanmer Horses

For a down-to-earth and memorable experience, enjoy a trek with Hanmer Horses. Located just 10 minutes from the Thermal Pools, Hanmer Horses offers a huge selection of treks through forestry, farm land and mountain streams. The horses are well trained and are matched to your experience and ability.

The treks themselves operate daily and range between 1 – 2.5 hours in length depending on weather conditions and the route taken. Better yet, these rides are suitable for all abilities and children over 5. The treks really bring you closer to nature and the views are simply spectacular.

5. Wai Ariki Farm Park

A unique farm park that isn’t only for kids, Wai Ariki farm is set on a 14 acre lifestyle block looking out over majestic mountain views. Suitable for the whole family, there’s a cafe, craft gallery and even a horse drawn taxi providing rides around the complex.

Children’s horse trekking is also offered for children 2 years and over – a great experience that parents can have as much or as little involvement in as they choose. The farm animals cover over 2 acres of land and there is lots for children to do, including pony rides and animal feeding experiences. For a fun family day out visit Wai Ariki Farm Park.

Where to stay

If you are planning to take some time out in Hanmer, the Hanmer TOP 10 Holiday Park offers a great choice of tent sites, motel accommodation and cabins.

Over the last six weeks, people around New Zealand have been following developments surrounding the stranding of container ship the Rena on the Astrolabe reef outside of Tauranga.

The fuel oil leaking from the Rena onto the pristine beaches around the region was fortunately limited to a narrow stretch of coastline. All of the oil has now been successfully pumped from the fuel tanks and a massive clean up effort by 6000 volunteers has seen local beaches returned to their normal state in record time.

It is very much business as usual, with only a few days when small globules of oil washed onshore at Papamoa. All traces are now gone, and the beautiful white sandy beach is ready and waiting for holidaymakers taking time out over the summer months.

TOP 10 Papamoa Beach owners are celebrating the fact that this potential environmental disaster has been averted, by offering some very special deals on accommodation over the next month at the resort.

Check the TOP 10 deals box on the homepage of the site to book. Deals run from 10% – 50% discount, depending on how many days you book to stay at Papamoa.

The Bay of Plenty is a large bay on the northern coast of the North Island.  The 259 km of coastline, mild climate and abundance of sea life make this a great summer holiday destination.  There’s plenty to do at this aptly-named bay.  Check out some of these great activities…

Beaches

The coastline along the Bay of Plenty varies quite a bit.  Look for sandy beaches between Waihi Beach and Opape and rocky beaches between Opape and Cape Runway.  The sandy beaches are especially great for recreation, and invite activities like surfing, swimming, boogie boarding and kite boarding as well as good, old-fashioned hanging out.

Boating

The calm waters of the Bay of Plenty are ideal for boating, and exploring the harbour from the water can provide a unique vantage of the area.  Kayakers can discover isolated beaches and spot sea bird colonies, while fishing from kayaks off Papamoa Beach is a popular hobby.

To enjoy the water with less exertion, you can always hop on a scenic cruise of the area.  Options range from sailing trips to ferry cruises—shop around and see what suits you.

Fishing and Shellfish Collecting

Named for its abundance of resources, it’s no surprise that the Bay of Plenty is home to some of the best fishing in New Zealand.  The waters around Waihi Beach are rich with snapper, trevally, kahawai and John Dory.  There are plenty of fishing charter operators in the area, which will provide you with the boat, equipment and expertise needed for a successful catch on the Bay.

Shellfish are also abundant and tuatua can be gathered along the beaches at Waihi and Papmoa.  Simply head out at low tide and dig your feet into the sand at the tide line: when you find a tuatua, start digging with your hands.  They live in beds, so where there’s one there are likely to be more.

Islands

There are a few islands in the bay, some of which can be explored.  By far the most popular island attraction in the Bay of Plenty is White Island—an active volcano.  The island is privately owned and operates as a reserve, accessible through certain tour operators.  Whakatane (convenient to TOP 10’s Ohope Beach holiday park!), is the most popular jumping off point for tours.

Wildlife Encounters

With so much fish life teeming in the Bay of Plenty waters, it’s no surprise that the bay is also home to a large population of dolphins.  Bottlenose, Hector’s, dusky and Risso’s dolphins all make their homes here.  Swimming with dolphins is a popular activity on the bay–tour operators will provide you with wetsuits and find the dolphins.

Additionally, seals, humpback whales, pilot whales, orca and sea turtles are all occasionally spotted in the bay.  Keep your eyes peeled!

Accommodation

To make the most of the activities available on the Bay of Plenty, look for accommodation accessible to the beach.  Waihi Beach, Papamoa Beach and Ohope are all great choices!

Always be prepared.  Not only the mantra of boy and girl scouts the world over, but also a great thought to live by if you are thinking about heading into the wilderness (or not so wilderness) to enjoy a camping holiday.

Your camping holiday may vary depending on the type of traveller you are.  Whether you are the true outdoors type who likes roughing it, family campers who make the most of camping grounds with flush toilets and power supplies, right through to the top end of the scale where “glamping” a relatively new buzzword, or ‘glamour camping’ for the uninitiated.

If glamping is your thing, you will be looking for exotic locations with personal service, Egyptian cotton sheets and all the trimmings … in your tent with a view. If you are the more traditional type of camper, all you need are the basics and your wits.

For those who have never ventured on a camping trip before, you might find the following list a handy guide of what to bring and what to remember.

1)      Bug repellent – vital to remember, and possibly could make the difference between a great camping holiday and a really itchy one where you spend half your evenings swatting off tiny biting insects. The latest development on the bug repellent front is bracelets or anklets impregnated with repellent that keep the bugs at bay while you are wearing them. Wearing long sleeved tops or long pants is also a good idea if you are in an area where the the little critters are biting. Keep in mind that sand flies and mosquitoes will be at their worst around dusk and anywhere near water, particularly standing water and lakes.

2)      Torch/Flashlight or battery powered lantern (better than a torch for reading or playing cards at night) …and the torch to dodge those shin-bruising obstacles as you go to toilet in middle of night.

3)      Plenty of Toilet paper – This universally useful item serves as tissues, for general mop-ups and of course, for when supplies have run out wherever you need to make a pit-stop. (If you are staying at one of New Zealand’s basic camping grounds, you no doubt will be introduced to the “long drop” toilet, a place where it is strongly advised to take your own TP… and a deep breath before you enter!

4)      Digital Camera – Someone has to capture those moments of joy, excitement, chronic sunburn to post on your Facebook page! Also useful to capture that reliable evidence of “the one that got away”… or the one that did not get away and you ate on the first night.

5)      Sunscreen – an essential in NZ for the summer months, especially when you are spending all day outdoors. Something with a factor higher than +35 is probably a good idea, and don’t forget to keep reapplying it every 2 hours during the day – it will wash off with swimming and perspiration.

6)      Matches/Cigarette lighter – a campfire just does not have the same friendly ambience if you can’t get it lit! Rubbing two sticks together a la Survivor is vastly overrated if you want to eat anytime soon, or keep warm on a cooler night. Before you try to light a fire or barbeque though, make sure there are no fire restrictions in the area you are camping. A gas camp stove is an alternative to the traditional campfire and more effective for cooking and boiling water.

7)      Hammer (for tent pegs) – Taking a hammer is a good idea – much more effective than trying to find a rock or using your boot heel to bang tent pegs into the ground. And while we are on the topic of tent pegs, it is a good tip to remember to loosen up your guy ropes a bit if the weather is windy, and make sure they are nice and tight if it is raining.

8)      Hats -  bring a sun hat if you are camping in the summer months – especially if you want to get a bit of protection under our ozone-free skies, or a woolly hat if it you are camping in the cooler months of Spring or Autumn. Keep in mind that up to 55 % of body heat can be lost via the head if you are not wearing a hat.

9)      Knife – A good pocketknife comes in handy for a multitude of things, from cleaning and gutting the fish that didn’t get away, to acting as an impromptu can opener if the fishing trip doesn’t result in anything for dinner.

10)   Food – chilly bin (Esky/cooler) – you want to keep your food and drink cool as long as possible, so a chilly bin or Esky is a great idea, especially if you are driving to your campsite.

11)   Water – make sure you have fresh water on hand, or know where to get it and have suitable water bottles to carry it if you are planning on going hiking/walking during your holiday.

12)   Alcohol – your choice, but keep in mind where your campsite is located and what facilities might or might not be nearby. A few cold beers can be the perfect finish to the day (keep them in your chilly bin, or maybe firmly anchored in the river to keep cold if you have one close to your tent site.)

13)   Beach towel and swimsuit – clothing is not optional at most beaches and camping grounds around New Zealand with a few exceptions.

14)   Jandals/sandals/flip flops you can slip on at night for a quick run to the toilets! Going barefoot in the dark in unfamiliar territory is never a good idea.

15)   Sleeping bags/pillow – for a decent night’s sleep, you need at least the basic bedding that packs down to not take up too much room. Definitely leave your duvet at home even if you are glamping – in which case all your bedding will be provided!

16)   Cellular phone charger – if you have a car charger, this can be a good idea, or if you are booked into a camping ground with power, then your normal charger will be fine. Take your cellphone with you on day trips, just in case – if you get lost, there might just be a cellphone tower somewhere handy which makes it possible to call for help.

17)   Pack of cards – to while away the evening hours and hone your poker, bridge or 500 skills.

18)   Earplugs (tent walls are thin, and noises do carry) – often overlooked, but a great idea if you are camping somewhere with lots of other families or couples, and especially if you are camping over holidays like New Year’s Eve.

19)   Beach sunshade/shelter – remember, that in NZ the ozone layer is pretty thin and you will need some protection from the sun if you are outside most of the day. These are cheap to buy, light to carry, fast to put up and you can fill the pockets on the sides with sand or rocks to make sure they don’t blow away.

20)   Decent tent, camp table and folding chairs – Well the tent is the most important of these three, but having furniture to sit on and eat off is a bonus if you have room for it. Sitting on a rug and eating off your lap night after night gets old pretty fast. There are plenty of sites that will give you the rundown on what sort of tent to buy, depending on – your budget, how many you want to accommodate and whether it is just a back up for a night or two, or you are planning to set the whole family up in it for a week or more of quality time.

21)   Lilo (air mattress and pump) or foam bedrolls, plus spare plugs and a patch kit in case a plug gets lost or your airbed has a puncture! Unless you are of the very hardy variety and enjoy sleeping on the wooden floor at home, you will want a comfort layer between yourself and the ground – and a way of keeping dry should the weather not co-operate.

22)   Check all your camping gear at home BEFORE you go away – Make sure all the tent poles and pegs are there, there are no holes in the tent or fly, airbeds all stay up and your camp stove has enough gas (if you are not using shared kitchen facilities). Enough said – always be prepared, and don’t let something relatively minor affect your whole trip.

23)   Compass (if you are planning to go tramping/hiking) – an essential – get one with a string on it so you can have it around your neck for easy reference, and work out how to use it before you head into the back country.

24)   Refillable water bottles for day trips – as per above. You don’t want to get dehydrated and it can be quite a way between sources of fresh, drinkable water.

25)   Emergency whistles (for all the family?) – a great way to find each other quickly, when necessary.

26)   Emergency light sticks or glow sticks – again a great idea to find each other easily and throw a little light to find the trail home.

27)   Energy bars/snacks/scroggin – again a good thing to have on-hand for those day trips, and the peckish moments between lighting the fire and actually getting something to eat.

28)   Tarpaulin or groundsheet to put on the ground inside your tent – to help keep your bedding and your possessions dry and tame the prickly dry grass you are camping on top off.

29)   Rubbish bags, especially if you are not at a structured camping ground or holiday park – remember to take away everything you bring in.

30)   Bowl for washing up dishes and anything/one else that needs washing – again, great idea if you are not in a campground with shared kitchen and washing facilities.

31)   Clothesline (rope) and pegs – to hang out any wet clothes, swim suits and towels.

32)   Large water container with tap – for general water use at your tent site – you don’t always want to be trekking to shared taps when you need water or the kids are thirsty.

33)   Multi-purpose liquid soap – for dishes, hands, laundry.

34)   Pots, cooking utensils, plates, bowls and cutlery – a well equipped picnic set is a real bonus.

35)   First aid kit – sticking plasters/bandaids, bandages, gauze strips, cotton wool, disinfectant, anti-histamine cream for bites and stings, aloe vera gel for sunburn, insect repellent, tweezers, scissors, aspirin/panadol. Your local pharmacy will probably have something that comes readymade.

36)   Spare batteries – to fit your battery powered gear.

37)   Avoid pup tents – go for an easy to put up Dome style tent and keep in mind that if the package/salesperson says it will sleep 4, then it will comfortably sleep 2 with your gear.

38)   Practice setting up your tent in the backyard so you’re not stuck looking for the instructions when you arrive at your campsite late and try to set up an unfamiliar tent.

39)   Bring citronella candles to burn and help keep the bugs at bay during the evening hours.

40)   Don’t worry about wild animals,ticks or poison ivy!! It’s likely you might come across a curious weka (native bird) but no wild animals. NZ has none apart from ferrets/stoats/weasels and certainly no animals likely to be a danger to campers. Poison oak or ivy is non-existant here, but you might want to look out for stinging nettles, particularly the native variety which can be large and vicious.

41)   Be prepared for wet weather – NZ weather can be unpredictable, even in summer, so make sure you are geared up for keeping your essentials dry if necessary. Rule of thumb is to move everything away from tent walls if it does start raining, otherwise water will channel in through that contact point. If you have a smaller tent, take a tent fly to help keep the rain off and provide extra shade. Take plastic shopping bags or large ziplock bags to put clothes into in case it is wet.

42)   On hot days the inside of your tent will become very hot too – so buying a tent that has mesh windows can help keep air circulating and cool things down a bit.

43)   If you are going out for a half day walk, check conditions with the local Dept of Conservation office or information centre. Always be well prepared for a change in conditions – NZ weather is very changeable!

44) Follow the signs

Pay attention to the signs, wherever you are in the country – they are there for a good reason!

45) Take or buy current maps of the region and the immediate area you are staying in – use them to teach your kids about where you are staying, and to plan day trips/walks.

46) Plan to arrive early enough in the day to get your camp set up in daylight and leave plenty of time to prepare an evening meal and check out your surroundings. You might want to bring something pre-cooked for your first night to make it easier and quicker.

47) Day packs for walks/day trips – you really don’t want to be lugging your full sized pack with you, so ideally everyone in your group should have daypacks to carry a water bottle, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen and a lightweight, showerproof jacket.

48) Fishing gear and a fishing licence, depending on the season and what you are fishing for. Fish and Game is a good starting point if you are in New Zealand. A great idea for your family camping trip is to get a Family Licence which covers 2 adults and up to 5 children. If your children are under 12, you don’t need a licence for them to fish. If they are 12- 17 yrs old, they need a junior licence, and over 17 years requires an adult licence.

49) Wet wipes – comes in handy for multitude of things when you are away from a bathroom or kitchen tap. Previously mentioned toilet paper will do in a pinch, but having something a little tougher that doesn’t disintegrate when wet is always a good plan.

50) Always have a Plan B – if the weather is bad (not just drizzly and occasional showers kind of bad), it really pays to have some kind of back-up plan to rescue your holiday from going down on the list of “worst ever”. The most sensible way to do this is to check out alternative accommodation nearby, whether you choose a campsite that also has cabins and roofed accommodation, or you suss out availability in the general area. Most importantly, keep an eye on long term weather forecasts before you head into the wilds and look out for predictions of things like fast rising rivers. You really don’t want to be stuck across a raging torrent from your food, warmth and shelter!

This information might seem a lot to keep in mind, but we’ve tried to bring together tips that will help ensure you have a holiday that is fun, relaxing and memorable for all the right reasons.

Exploring the outdoors with your family and friends can be very rewarding and a great way to get away from all the pressures (and conveniences) of city life – so make the most of it, be safe and have a great time.