Fun ideas for the school holidays

By HEATHER RAMSAY

Horse or bike treks

Kiwi Outback's Toney and Shelly Christensen take you up the foothills of Tongariro on a mount of your choosing - on four wheels or four legs. The quad bike ride through native bush and forest tracks is thrilling and spectacular. The 3 1/2-hour morning-tea trip is a treat and costs $145 (bookings are essential). Or travel by horse. The gentler pace lets you take in more of the scenery and they guarantee to have a mount to suit everyone. Rides start from two-hour treks and custom treks for beginners are available.

Contact: ph 0800 628 642

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Quest for treasures at the zoo

The Paddle Pop lion's Ancient Treasures Trail is an action-packed journey around the world within the zoo, and to the Temple of Treasures. Children on the quest will discover living treasures and meet the famous treasure hunters and conservationists Paddle Pop lion and Indiana Smith - a famous archaeologist who digs up fun. Paddle Pop lion will be at Auckland Zoo from 10.30am to 1.30pm daily, and Indiana Smith from 11am to 2pm daily. Two 15-minute shows featuring Paddle Pop lion and Indiana Smith will take place at the Temple of Treasures (Kidzone) daily at 11.30am and 1pm. Runs until October 5. Normal admission fees apply.

Auckland Zoo
Contact: ph 360 3819

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Go by boat

Ports of Auckland runs free community boat tours for the public and schools, every Wednesday until December 31, 11am-noon, Pier 3, Quay St, Auckland.

Contact: ph 367 9111 (public); 309 1393 (schools)

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Off the wall

Turangi's 14m climbing wall has speed routes, chimneys and overhangs to test all skill levels. The adjoining cafe offers a latte while you watch the youngsters clamber, but you'd be a fool not to join them. Serious fun for $15 an adult, $11 a child all day. Contact: ph (07) 386 8949

The National Park backpackers also has good walls. Ph (07) 892 2870

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Hawke's Bay on stage

Hawke's Bay's twin cities have school holiday productions that will appeal to children and adults alike. At the Playhouse in Hastings the pantomime Old King Cole takes on a new look, and runs until September 28 at 2pm. Adult $12.50; child $8.50. The musical Annie will run at the Municipal Theatre in Napier until October 4.

Contact: ph (06) 878 4752 (Old King Cole); (06) 835 1059 (Annie)

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At the museum

Wetasaurus Wednesday, Inca Storytelling, Dig it up Dinosaur day and craft competitions and activities are part of the exciting holiday programme at the Auckland Museum Children's Discovery Centre. There's also an Adventure Trail that celebrates the history, geography and people of Auckland City. The programme runs until October 5. Check the website or phone for details.

Auckland Museum
Contact: ph 306 7077; 306 7032

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Community spirit

Fresh air, exercise and the chance to be involved in the future of a public park are the benefits of helping with the Mutukaroa Park care programme. Get your gardening gloves on and head to the park on the last Sunday of every month to help with pruning, weeding, planting, and maintaining tracks. Meet at 1.30pm at the main entrance, Great South Rd (40m from Sylvia Park Rd), Mt Wellington.

Contact: ph 379 2020 ext 9532

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Hamilton's Big River

Big River is the musical adaptation of Mark Twain's great novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This heart-warming slice of musical Americana runs at Riverlea Theatre, Hillcrest, Hamilton from Saturday, October 4 to Saturday, October 18. Show only, or dinner and show options are available.

Riverlea Theatre
Contact: ph (07) 856 5450

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Nelson blooms Nelson welcomes spring with a family event set among the azalea and rhododendron blooms in the grounds of Isel Park, Stoke. There's an English-style village fete with local crafts and produce, lots of scrumptious food, and live music and entertainment. It takes place on October 5, 10am to 3pm, and admission is free.

Contact: ph (03) 546 0427 or 025 582 382

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Fun in the snow

There's plenty of fun planned at Mt Ruapehu on Saturday, September 27. At Turoa it's the Yeti's birthday - and although no one is exactly sure, they think he's around 800 years old. This snowy sasquatch is Turoa's friendly mascot and every year he ventures out of his cave to play with the kids in Alpine Meadow during the school holidays.

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Around the mountain, the Pepsi Fireworks Spectacular continues a Whakapapa tradition. When the sun goes down, there's a stunning fireworks display with Mt Ruapehu as the backdrop.

Mt Ruapehu ski areas

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The great outdoors

Fresh air, exercise and good company are benefits of two regular Auckland events. Adventure Cycles, 36 Customs St East, is the starting point for the Can (Cycle Action Network) cunning urban bicycle ride, free, at 10am on the last Sunday of every month. The ride explores cycle-friendly routes around the city. Anyone wanting to join in can turn up with their bike.

Auckland Adventure operators group
Contact: (09) 309 5566

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Tramping in the Waitakeres costs $7, every Sunday, 9am-5.30pm, Club Garage, 31 Sandringham Rd, Sandringham.

Contact: (09) 378 7735