Cole B.'s
Find peace with these school holiday ideas
- 12If you don't have a head for heights then it might not take your fancy, but trying to scale a wall is a great way for kids to challenge themselves and have a blast too. They can start on the smaller walls before attempting some of the overhanging upside down climbs. There isn't a need to worry either with the experts always close at hand.
- 24AC BathsTaupoYou could come here in the morning and still be having fun at the AC Baths in Taupo well into the evening. The AC Baths are perfect during any kind of weather as the pools are heated and the two large hydroslides are even enclosed! Swimming lessons are also a great ideas as we are surrounded by water every day in our lives. Their learn to swim holiday programmes can give your children, and you, the confidence to be around the Lake over the summer months.
- 32Taupo Events CentreTaupoThe Taupo Events Centre runs one of the best school holiday programmes in New Zealand. Kids aged 5 - 13 will be worn out every single day with this action packed programme that includes field trips, sports and swimming lessons, movies, baking, arts and crafts, music and so much more.
- 40Huka Honey HiveWairakeiHuka Honey Hive is the bees knees, literally. Keep the kids brains working over the holidays with the educational bee displays featuring live bees crawling around inside their honeycomb homes. And they can even enjoy a few sweet treats afterwards with fresh honey made foods.
- 51It's only a hop, skip and a jump down to the Taupo Academy of Dance where you kids can learn to "bust a move". Pirouetting, prancing, break dancing and having a boogie is the best way to burn up some energy every day. Learn ballet, hip hop, jazz or contemporary dance from some of the best in the business. Who knows, they might even make it onto the next X Factor.
Cole B.'s
Find peace with these school holiday programmes
- 11KidzStuff Theatre for ChildrenMount VictoriaIf your kids are talented dancers or singers (or just think they are) then they should get involved in the Kidz Stuff Theatre productions. Every school holidays they produce spectacular shows to entertain you. And don't worry, if you aren't the best actor or actress then you are welcome to just show up to watch the production anyway!
- 213For something a little different these school holidays why not introduce your kids to the underwater world? Kids as young as 10 can learn to dive in a safe environment (and heated pool) with the PADI dive experts at NZ Sea Adventures. They will learn all the necessary skills including first aid and learning to swim properly. It only takes 3 days to become qualified and best of all, you only need to bring togs and a towel and they provide the rest.
- 32Little Makos Swim SchoolBerhamporeWe are surrounded by water every day of our lives in NZ but there are still so many that cannot swim. This school holidays help your kids be safe in the water by giving them swimming lessons in Wellington. The intensive learn to swim holiday program at Little Makos will give them, and you, the confidence to be around water over the summer months.
- 42Goodtime Music AcademyPetoneIf you're sick of the kids pulling the pots and pans out of the cupboards at 7am on a Sunday morning while you're trying to have a sleep in then it might be time to invest in some school holiday music lessons. Jonny and the talented team at Goodtime Music Academy will teach you kids to attack the axe, pound the piano and crash the cymbals, all in the peace of their studios and not your house.
- 51TwinklepinkWellington CentralIf your little Princess was inspired by Kate last week then it's time to send her to the Twinklepink school holiday programme. For these April school holidays in Wellington the team are putting on their fun "Fantasy Food" classes. The girls will get to spend time with their friends learning how to make edible jewellery, fantastic cupcake decorations and other fanciful food fit for a Queen.
Cole B.'s
Easter weekend
- 12BreadworksPalmerston North CentralFor the best hot cross buns in Palmerston North then you have to try the ones at Breadworks. Their hot cross buns are baked fresh every morning and delivered throughout the city (and NZ) as well as kept warm in their own retail store. They are soft and packed with the perfect ratio of spices, orange zest and sultanas.
- 22Delicious Cafe & Wine BarWanganui CentralThis place is the bees knees for coffee in Wanganui. They do healthy portions during breakfast time but I prefer to come for lunch or dinner when their pizza oven is cranking. Check out the garlic prawn pizza for something a little different.
- 31The Paper PackageWanganui CentralOld school is new school again. If you can't be with your friends and family this Easter weekend then a stylish Easter gift basket is the perfect solution. The Paper Package has personal gift baskets wrapped in ribbons that will make anyone's Easter weekend memorable. Choose from a mix of traditional treats such as chocolate, bunnies and Easter eggs.
- 42Theobroma Chocolate LoungePalmerston North CentralThere is nearly too much chocolate for me at Theobroma Chocolate Lounge. That's not a bad thing of course, although it does make it hard for me to pick what I want to take home for presents every time I visit. Well worth checking out their speciality Easter bunnies that are just waiting for someone to chew off their ears.
Cole B.'s
Easter weekend goodies
- 15Taste CornucopiaHastings CentralIf you are a local then you already know about Cornucopia, but if you're a visiting Hastings then you need to put this on your to-do list. While they specialise in organic and local food their menu definitely isn't limited by it. If you come for breakfast try the smoked scramble. For lunch it's all about lamb shanks and then the Kingfish at dinnertime (Friday only).
- 21Bayview BasketsMayfairWhen you can't be with your friends and family this Easter then you want to cheer them up with a gourmet Easter gift basket. Bayview Baskets has the Easter gift basket ideas for you which will make anyone's Easter weekend memorable. Mix and match all the best regional goodies including traditional treats like chocolates, Easter bunnies and of course wine.
- 33Heavens BakeriesTaradaleWhen a business has won the NZ baker of the year 6 times then you would hope that their bread is a cut above. Luckily the bakers at Heaven's Bakery does deliver with the best hot cross buns in Napier. Of course you can never stop at just one.
- 44Silky Oak Chocolate Company LtdWaiohikiEaster eggs have come a long way since the early days of pillow-y marshmallows coated in a thin coat of milk chocolate. Some of the best Easter eggs in Napier are from Silky Oak's chocolate store. Their handcrafted Easter eggs are perfect and it's always a shame that I scoff them so quickly.
Cole B.'s
Local gems for your Easter weekend
- 12Batemans BakeryNew Plymouth CentralThere are two smells in the morning which I love. Freshly baked bread and coffee roasting. That's why walking past Batemans and not going in is basically impossible. If you want to try hot cross buns in New Plymouth then you have to get the ones from Batemans. All their breads are baked fresh every day but you want to be in quick here as they do sell out quickly.
- 22The Chocolate LadyOkatoEaster has to be one of the best celebrations every year. Who does't love chocolate Easter eggs and cute little bunny rabbits that melt in your mouth? The Chocolate Lady creates the most marvellous hand made chocolates in Taranaki. If you can make it out to Okato on a Thursday afternoon then make sure you pop in and chat to Nicci. It's guaranteed you won't leave empty handed after a nibble or two.
- 32Empire Tea and CoffeeNew Plymouth CentralIf you can nab a spot out in the courtyard in the sunshine then you're onto a winner. They serve locally roasted Inca-Fe coffee in colourful cups and it would be rude not to have a slice (or two) of their fresh home made cakes. Well worth stopping in at Easter if you have the time.
- 42When you can't be with friends or family over Easter then a stylish Easter gift basket is the perfect solution. The Easter gift baskets from Simply Blooming will be sure to please with a personal message from you and special goodies that will make anyone's Easter weekend memorable. Choose from a mix of flowers, tasty snacks, teddies and of course chocolate.
Cole B.'s
Easter weekend goodies
- 19Fine Fettle CafeTaupoIf you want to try hot cross buns in Taupo then you have to try the organic ones down at Fettle Cafe. Their breads are baked fresh every day and displayed lovingly before whipping out the door in a steady stream of passerbys. You've got to be in quick here, but it's all worth it when you have that first bite of sultana spiced hot cross bun.
- 24If you have ever been to Taupo during a Saturday morning then you must know that the Riverside Market is where everyone heads. There is a little stall there which specialised in hand made chocolates. Cherry makes deliciously rich, smooth truffles and Russian fudge. So if you are looking for some unique and boutique Easter chocolates then pop down to see here. You're welcome to even try a nibble or two before you buy.
- 310When you can't be with friends or family over Easter then a stylish Easter gift basket is the perfect solution. The Easter gift baskets from 'The Merchant' are sure to please with a personal message from you and special goodies that will make anyone's weekend memorable. Choose a mix of wines, tasty snacks, oils, cheeses and of course chocolate.
- 46Replete Food CompanyTaupoWhile the tables and chairs outside clearly identify it as a cafe, on entering you're not quite sure. This is one cafe where it's hard not to be tempted by all the gourmet goodies and deli treats that are packed on the shelves to take home after eating. Chow down on the Complete Replete breakfast for brunch then go about kitting out your home in style.