Get them away from their screens and out into the fresh air with these leisurely walks, writes Grace Ellis.
1 Okere Falls Reserve, Rotorua
If you're looking to inform and entertain your little ones, this simple DoC walk is perfect for the whole family. Just a 20-minute drive from Rotorua, Okere Falls marks the location of NZ's first hydro-electric power station, which ran back in the early 1900s. Interesting facts about the natural and human landscapes are dotted along the one-hour journey, with the opportunity to detour via trout pools or even observe adrenaline junkies plunging off the top of the Kaituna waterfall in whitewater rafts.
2 Taranaki Falls, Tongariro National Park
If the kids aren't fond of calf-burning hills but still want to enjoy picturesque views of one of New Zealand's must-see waterfalls, Taranaki Falls walking track will provide a few hours of fun, without the constant complaints of exhaustion. Kids can rampage through alpine grasslands with a mesmerising view of the volcano Mt Ngauruhoe, before trekking through beech forest and arriving at the base of the gushing 20m waterfall. This wonder is a result of a lava flow from the eruptions of Mt Ruapehu 15,000 years ago. Pop yourself down for a break and a bite to eat at the waterfall's base where crystal-clear water crashes into the rock pool. Remember to dress warm, wear sunscreen and drink lots of water to make the most of what this beautiful location has to offer.
