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Auckland Museum | Real-life Cludeo

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:26:00 GMT

Very clever Auckland Museum, very clever! How you so slyly woo us in with free admission for Auckland locals just to tempt us with a brilliantly interactive exhibition. Seriously, the best $5 I've spent all school holidays. Go people, go! If you have kids and have a spare couple of hours in your day, head to the Poisoners Exhibition.

Just like a real-life Cludeo board game, this exhibition is overflowing with intrigue and deadly intent. Unfortunately Professor Splicer came to a despicable end, but there's four very wicked suspects all with a massive motivation to kill according to the Police Reports, all leaving sneaky clues.

The weapon of choice? It's not a gun, nor a candlestick nor a dagger. Nope, it's one of the deadly poisonous 'living' things on our planet: a virus, an insect, a sea creature, or some other noxious monster.

But which one? Find which suspect has the motivation to kill and learn about nature's poisonous killers, whilst collecting clues along the way. Very educational, very fun, and very worthwhile at the end! Solve the murder, and you go into the draw to win an ipod touch. Bonus!

Very entertaining, the kids will love the journey. Detective Sharp is at hand to brief you and assist investigations. (Quietly he's exceptionally brilliant, you'll love him too).

$5 per adult, kids are free. Exhibition hall, 10am-4pm daily. The exhibition runs until 6 May 2012 hurry. For more info check with Auckland Museum.

Where in the world is the Auckland Museum?

Auckland, North Island, New Zealand

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AWOL with a Great Excuse

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 02:30:00 GMT

I may have been quiet on the blog front, but the planmyplay.co.nz team has been keeping me occupied with road trips and other such fun things! Can't really complain at all :)

If you want to check out where we've been recently in a photo-blog, check out some of our recent updates so far for 2012:

The road trips have been eventful and fun, and like any good Kiwi experience comes with a few stories!

More photos the merrier we reckon, so if you have a few favourites of your own that you'd like to share --- don't be shy. Either post them up yourself on our Facebook page , or if that sounds a bit scarey you can always email me direct on julie@planmyplay.co.nz

Shining a little light at Christmas

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:17:00 GMT

As at 3.20pm today, I officially declared myself excited about Christmas. My eyes literally welled up with tears as I witnessed thousands of dandelion seeds swirling from the heavens, dancing blissfully through crazy traffic with aimless determination. And it wasn't hay fever. The skies were clear blue. It was a 24 degrees Celsius afternoon. This was as close to a White Christmas as I think I'll experience in Auckland.

If anything was going to get me in the mood, this moment catapulted me into the Christmas spirit. With only days until all chaos was to break loose in my household, I decided it was time to embrace the Kiwi Christmas with both hands. I needed to tick off Franklin Road from my to-do list immediately.

So, tonight I hit Franklin Road in Ponsonby, Auckland. A tourist attraction by all accounts for the month of December, visitors and home owners were in good form.

All over New Zealand though, individuals and complete streets get into the spirit of Christmas and go mad for the silly season of lights. Every city or township has them, the enthusiasts that is. If they have the passion to source and pay for elaborate lighting from sleeping reindeer and Santa Claus climbing palm trees, to flashing angels and laser light shows --- good on them, and they have my full support!

Santa and his little elves handed out sweets, 13 year old Vincent entertained passers by with a most excellent violin rendition of Jingle Bells, children squealed in delight and parents captured every second on their i-phones. Christmas bliss!

If you haven't already discovered a pocket of joy in your neighbourhood, may I highly recommend you do with not a moment to lose. May it bring a smile to your dial and shine a little light in your heart this Christmas.

Merry Christmas folks!

The Explorer Gene

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 05:38:00 GMT

I was fortunate to have nomadic parents, who despite having three young children, were not fazed by change nor a challenge. We lived on Kawau Island in the Hauraki Gulf for a chunk of my childhood with no electricity and no school nearby.

It was up at dawn for Correspondence School studies on foldaway desks, and fishing in the afternoon for the evening’s tea.

We enjoyed the delights of battery powered National Radio (seriously) on Sunday mornings and gleefully quoted random passages of Bad Jelly the Witch and The Goon Show. Not quite 'The Simpsons' but in the absence of television, it seemed to do the trick and at least keep us quiet for an hour or two.

I had learnt how to play 500 by kerosene light by the age of 6, hand wrung the wet washing through a manual hand-fed roller, and befriended stray wallabies. We grew our own veges, built huts, and clambered through thick bush just ‘for fun’.

Life was pretty simple. Although it sounds like something our great-greats would have done, this was a lifestyle of choice. My folks were just 'modern day romantic hippies' I suppose.

As a grown-up (I guess I can call myself one now), every available weekend I still enjoy the outdoors and on an adventure. It’s a time to join friends in thought-provoking chats side-by-side as we clamber up muddy banks, solve a few of the world’s problems as our feet dangle off a wharf, and laugh a lot.

But is the Explorer gene part of your DNA or can it just rub off on you through exposure? Possibly both. We may all be explorers in our own right, just some may look more inward and some more outward for inspiration. (Thanks Simon, I'll steal that frame of thought).

Either way, exposing yourself to the beauty of the ‘simple things in life’ including all that New Zealand has to offer, goes a long way to ignite a spark. It is good for the mind, great for the body and is available to us all for free.

If you are stuck on the sofa and in need of some inspiration, be sure to filter a range of activities on the Home Page. Life is for living, so get out there and discover something new. You never know, you may just get hooked.

Auckland | Dog Friendly Beaches and Exercise Areas

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:04:00 GMT

Absolutely a subject so close to many....dog friendly places and beaches! With plenty of options, you don't have to leave your dog behind on an adventure. Thankfully there are some great dog friendly beaches and walks in Auckland.

Most beaches allow "off leash" exercise time before 10am and after 6pm during daylight savings (and it seems no problem outside of daylight savings hours), but check with the information board on the beach front to be certain.

With this rule applying, most beaches are in fact dog-friendly any day of the week. There are heaps of options readily available, and a few surprises too.

Note: WE TRY, oh we try, to keep up with the council/DOC regulations. This list is with good intent and recomemndations from the public. Should we fail, please don't shoot the messenger --- rather kindly drop us an email should you notice regulations in your area have changed, and we'll kindly and our list.

Auckland Central off the leash:

Meola Reef in Westmere has a great fenced in dog exercise area

We Reckon | There's a large fenced off area which makes up just part of the Meola Reef reserve. It was quite muddy when we visited, and while the owners stick to the grassy paths, dogs are racing in all directions. It's fun, and very chaotic at times! It's free, open to the public any weather, and a good option we reckon.

Mt Eden has a fenced zone and certainly worth a look

Grey Lynn Park

Waiatarua Reserve, Remuera

Western Park, Ponsonby

You Reckon | Fantastic off lead area for dogs! Can be accessed from Ponsonby Road or all of the streets running off Hepburn Street. Just keep away from the playground and sports field at the bottom but there's plenty of room to play for 4 legged and 2 legged. Enjoy. -- Jude, NZ

Mt Albert has a newly fenced off dog exercise area too, small but certainly a great local option.

North Shore off the leash:

Attwood Road (wharf reserve area), Paremoremo

Rahui Beach, Greenhithe

Chelsea Bay Beach, Birkenhead

St Leonards Beach, Takapuna

Takapuna Beach (before 10am)*

JF Kennedy Memorial Park Beach, Castor Bay

Churchill Reserve Beach, Rothesay Bay

West Auckland off the leash:

Craigavon Park, Blockhouse Bay

South Auckland off the leash:

Totara Park, Mangere

You Reckon | While this is a great dog friendly area as far as being off leash is concerned, you should have a warning here regarding the ticks. For safety's sake, only bring your dog here if it has been treated with Frontline. -- Tania, NZ

Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa

You Reckon | All the Gardens are available to dogs apart from the cafe, visitors centre and library and a substantial area is available off lead. -- Tania, NZ

The local councils have listed some details zones and dog friendly exercise areas:

South Auckland - Franklin City Council
North Shore - North Shore City Council
West Auckland - Waitakere City Council
Auckland Central - Auckland City Council

Auckland | Farm Parks and Fresh Air

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:50:00 GMT

Sometimes the idea of taking the family on a stroll seems to be a brilliant idea, however after the novelty of an ice-cream at the end has worn off, it can be hard to keep up the enthusiasm for the younger members of the family.

Think fresh air + exercise + farm animals = happy family outing. If you haven't yet discovered the Farm Parks around Auckland, we'd like to introduce you to a few.

One of South Auckland's favourite farm park is Ambury Regional Park, nestled on the shore of the Manukau Harbour. The park sits on ash-covered lava flows from Mangere Mountain and takes its name from the Ambury Milk Company, which milked cows and ran a town milk supply farm here from 1893-1965.

Today sheep, goats, cows, pigs, pet lambs (in spring), chickens, turkeys, rabbits and peacocks co-exist. Mingle with them in the paddocks or time it right (between the months of June and December) to see the jersey cows are milked once a day at 10.30am.

Yep, just what the doctor ordered. Best part: our delightful bundles of joy will forget their tired little legs and be mesmerized by the four legged variety.

For another coastal farm, Duder Regional Park, set on a peninsula in the Eastern Bays, also has a fine display of spring lambs which are delightful to watch. Nearby Omana Regional Park has some resident Kunekune pigs to tickle too.

The Highfield Garden Reserve in Algies Bay (Warkworth) offers a paddock full of donkeys during the walk.

Take your pick! A winner for the kids, and great coastal appreciation time for the grown-ups!

RWC 2011 | The six weeks that have been.....

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:26:00 GMT

Now that my voice has returned, my eyelids no longer need to be prized open due to overexertion, and my wallet is securely fastened, I can gather my thoughts and reflect on the past six weeks.

What an awesome six weeks that was. The hosting of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand certainly brought fans, family, friends and strangers together to embrace the world of rugby with symphonic orchestration.

Am I an avid rugby fan? I am now, let's say. I think many would join me to say that while not a self proclaimed 'rugby-head' at the beginning of September, the atmosphere and seeing the city come-alive with so much vigor, it was hard not to be drawn into the epicenter!

In previous years I would have been happy to be in the kitchen during a test match with the other rugby-widows. These past few weeks however, I found myself not only willingly partaking in the Opening Night mayhem, Fan Trail experience, Fan Zone enthusiasm, Finals Night craziness through to the finale of the Queen Street Victory Parade, but instigating half of it too!

And who couldn't feel the excitement with all the colours, the costumes, the songs spilling from the lips of enthusiastic supporters. The good-sporting nature of opposing team supporters enjoying the atmosphere with friendly banter, was very refreshing. No argy-bargy shoving and profanities thrown at any stage, seen with my eyes anyway.

Auckland City came alive, as did all the cities around New Zealand. I haven't personally witnessed the pure passion shown from young and old, since our last America's Cup win.

Well done Martin. Good on you John. Richie and the boys, thank you. Nice to see you smile Graham. You're a clever bunch of blokes. We're pretty proud of ya.

Whangarei | Canopy Bridge Markets

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:28:00 GMT

Approaching the Artisans Fair Bridge Markets at the Town Basin, we weren’t the only ones seduced by the bustling atmosphere, people and chatter.

This sunny Saturday, stalls offered original artworks to glass beaded necklaces, freshly cooked crepes to wooden toys, tempting smoothies to boutique clothes and ornaments.

Open from 10am-3pm each Saturday (October through to April) this relatively new initiative has certainly kicked off to a good start. Also known as the Canopy Bridge Markets, regular and casual stall holders can offer their wares, creating their own ambiance in this special part of town.

Due to a younger member of the touring team lulled by the offerings of free chocolate tasting samples, I was fortunate to stop and chat to Kay Mears "The Chocolate Lady" from Flutes. All hand-made, these chocolates looked exquisite. So many flavours!

But hands down, it was the colourful macarons that stole my attention. These colourful delights (a fancy-pants meringue based cookie really) are the latest and greatest in French temptations, and today is the first time Kay had sold them at her stall. Hours in the making, these little beauties are clarified, infused, stood down, lovingly baked to delight then finished off with a homemade ganache. No wonder they are $2.50 each --- these are works of art ready for the appreciative taste-buds.

Not only are the Saturday Markets kicking into life, they soon will begin a Wednesday evening market, so be sure to check with the Canopy Bridge Markets for dates and details.

Where in the World is the Canopy Markets?

Whangarei, North Island, NZ

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The Great Living Legends "Muck In " - Rugby goes Green

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:22:00 GMT

With the build up of the Rugby World Cup 2011, it's nice to know it's not all about sport during the months of September and October. Yeah right! The Great Living Legends Muck In combines the planting of almost 85,000 native trees and the honouring our living Rugby Legends at the same time. Whether you're a tree hugger or a rugby enthusiast, this could be the event for you!

There are 17 native tree planting projects planned throughout NZ during the RWC. Working with provincial rugby unions and community groups, everyone is invited: overseas visitors (who are taking a spell between games) and locals alike are all welcome.

Each planting site is dedicated to a New Zealand rugby icon.

Dig a few holes, consume a few jugs of milo, and tackle a few mud puddles and help restore some beautiful parts of the country with pride. Are you in? These organised plantings are quite therapeutic (and great for a family day out too).

Check out the line-up:

Canterbury | Otukaikino Reserve
3 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Tane Norton

Horowhenua/Kapiti | Whareroa Farm
4 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Christian Cullen

Mid Canterbury | Harris Scientific Reserve
4 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Jock Ross

Auckland | Motuihe Island
10 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Bryan (Beegee) Williams

Southland | Bushy Point
11 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Kevin Laidlaw

North Harbour | Long Bay Regional Park
11 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Wayne (Buck) Shelford

Rotorua | Hamurana Springs Recreation Reserve
11 September 2011, Hika Reid

Waikato | Lake Areare
17 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Duane Monkley

Taranaki/Wanganui, Coastal Walkway
17 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Ian Eliason

King Country | Whakaipo Bay Recreation Reserve
18 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Sir Colin Meads

Northland | Uretiti Rest Area
18 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Richie Guy

Hawkes Bay | Ahuriri Estuary
24 September 2011, Ian MacRae

Tasman | Haven Estuary
24 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Todd Blackadder

Wellington/Wairarapa | Wellington Town Belt
25 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Sir Brian Lochore

North Otago | Orokonui Scenic Reserve
25 September 2011, Rugby Legend: Kees Meeuws

Buller/West Coast | Punakaiki Coastal Restoration
1 October 2011, Rugby Legend: John Sturgeon

Manawatu | Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve
1 October 2011, Rugby Legend: Sam Strahan

Tauranga | Kaituna Wetland
2 October 2011, Rugby Legend: Hika Reid

Don't get off-side with the family, bring them too.
Couldn't resist.

School Holiday Antics for Kiwi Tweens

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:45:00 GMT

School holidays are just around the corner, again. As our little delights grow older, they seem be less enthralled with 'a trip to the library and a raspberry bun' as they used to. It's time to think outside the square on behalf of your energy-prone tween, with some "out of the bag" ideas:

Celebrity Spotting: Strike it lucky and join The Erin Simpson Show's live studio audience in Christchurch. Filming 19 July, get in quick to register your interest and your teenager can have a few laughs, and enjoy live TV from the other side of sofa. Open to children/teenagers aged 10-18 yrs, this is a primo experience. Hurry, go and book your place.

Modern History: Make a trip to the museum a little more interesting. Armed with a digital camera and an obscure list of items, put down the challenge to snap themselves with as many random 'pieces of old' within 60 minutes. They'll be kept busy while you make a b-line to the cafe! Our favourite place: Te Papa of course (free entry, extra bonus)!

High-Tech Hide and Seek: Yes, I've blogged about this before, but seriously - there are extreme geocaching converts across the country, so there's bound to be hidden treasure close to you, where ever you are!

Climb every Mountain: Well, maybe not all of them, but have a go at a couple. But none of this naff walking-the-track effort, scale it from the side like a mountain goat! Regardless of the weather, you're sure to find several awesome mountains to conquer, even in the city. One Tree Hill and Mt Eden are a couple of urban gems in Auckland.

and for a few "spoil yourself" dollars:

Soak Away Winter: Hey, if you're going to get wet, may as well have fun in the process. Leisure pools across NZ are sure to bring 'smiles to the dials' of the whole family. From wacky wave machines, humungous slides, sandy beaches and lazy rivers, it's a treat any time of year! Our favourite: Splash Planet in Hastings and Taupo Hot Springs.

Phtoto Credit: Splash Planet, Hastings

Enjoy the school holidays kids, parents and grandies! For those working parents, do what you can but try and enjoy whatever moments you can grab --- your kids will remember them more than you can ever imagine.

'til my next set of ramblings....take care

Julie

Geocaching - the high tech game of hide-and-seek

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:28:00 GMT

You've heard of geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing), right? A modern day high-tech game of hide-and-seek, complete with GPS. Hardly a game when you get the co-ordinates right? Yeah, nah, yeah, nah. The thing is, GPS co-ordinates only gets you within arms reach of a hotspot - the rest can be truly challenging!

You're looking for a hidden treasure, probably camouflaged, buried under a log, or squished in nook of a tree trunk! Sounds interesting? Thousands of Kiwis think it does, and millions of people around the globe are hooked.

You don't need to join a club as such. It's free. The odds are that there are hidden geocaches in your neighbourhood, so can be done in most parts of New Zealand any day of the year.

You do need a GPS however (or a smart phone with a GPS app) and a few hours free. Log into www.geocaching.com (sure you need to register and login, but that's free and no drama) and use the map to find (a) where you live and what local hidden treasures are near and (b) what's further afield.

It's very addictive and the kids will love it.

You'll need:

a pen (to write down the co-ordinates and clues) or a printer
some little treasures of your own [see once you've found a treasure you can take it, but you need to replace it with something of equal value. Given you have NO IDEA what to find, it's good to bring a selection (think $2 shop: a compass, a pen, a broach, shiny stone - whatever you think someone else may like). Don't make them big - some of the hidden treasures may be stashed in a matchbox].
a mobile phone - get lost, and you could be walking for hours!
drinking water

The clues and instructions you'll find online are really helpful. Note how long it is likely to take you to find each treasure (the folk that have hidden it, will let you know).

I am probably a bad advocate for geocaching success stories as I've had more epic fails than successes - but I haven't given up yet and totally recommend it as a great excuse to get out of the house and run around like a madman.

Random Lessons:

check out your GPS equipment before you leave the house. Each GPS has different settings (there are 3 types of co-ordinates, and none of them relate to each-other so you can't wing it).
do write down the clues. It may seem like you are cheating, but these treasures can be hidden really well. It helps to narrow down your search just a teeny-weeny bit.
if you are going on a long adventure, do note the GPS location of your car! If you are walking through forest and give up, as least you know the direction of a quick exit!

North Shore Coastal Walkway (Part Two) - Ticking off the other half

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:48:00 GMT

"Ticking off the other half" last weekend didn't involve having a domestic, simply knocking off the second part of the North Shore Coastal Walkway: Long Bay to Devonport. If an 8 year old can walk 3 hours solidly with an ice cream as incentive, virtually anyone can, surely.

OK, we had to throw a few crab apples and do Monty Python's Silly Walk to keep up the morale at times, but we made it -- some 10+kms later.

I'd conquered Long Bay to Campbells Bay last ANZAC Day (a cruisy mix of stunning beaches and leafy suburban footpaths) and was determined to complete my pilgrimage before another year rolled by.

Castor Bay to Milford Beach - Unfortunately there's no link along the coast (any tide) regardless how tempting it is to try, so it was inland all the way, linking back to the beach at the Milford Marina.

Photo: Takapuna Beach

Milford Beach to Takapuna Beach - One of my favourite innercity coastal walkways, the pathway is so varied, there is never a dull moment. Clambering over rocks one minute, trotting over wooden bridges, then sinking into soft sand. Bliss. The Boat Ramp Cafe was humming with the late afternoon ice-cream trade, and the other walkers on the beach was a great reminder how fortunate we are having this beautiful April weather.

Takapuna to Devonport - The true coastal route takes you via St Leonards Bay at the southern end of Takapuna Beach, then briefly on suburban streets until pealing off again to Narrowneck Beach, past Fort Takapuna on to Cheltenham Beach, Devonport.

Photo: Cheltenham Beach

Photo: Memorial Drive Walkway, Devonport

At Belmont, with Mt Victoria taunting us in the distance (so close, but yet so very far), a quick vote mooted not take scenic route. Rather than walking down Old Lake Road towards Narrow Neck, we continued south "as the the crow flies". While the photo opportunities were diminished 100 fold, we did get a chance to check out chunks Memorial Drive Walkway en route as it linked up with Devonport streets.

The walk was good. The ice-cream was great. The bus ride back to Castor Bay was heavenly.

Was it better than the first half? I'm sitting on the fence with this one. Perhaps the enthusiasm had diminished somewhat after being spoiled with so many delicious sandy bays, or the distance between the beaches became longer and therefore perceptually more arduous. I'm not sure.

What I am sure of though, is how privileged we are to have such a wonderful coastline. Auckland is such a beautiful city, and sometimes we need to make pilgrimages of our own to appreciate it.

Where on Earth is Devonport?
North Shore, Auckland

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22 February 2011 - The Nightmare, Christchurch

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:21:00 GMT

Those not living this terrifying nightmare in Christchurch, watched glued to television screens as the nation's darkest day cruelly unfolded. To keep this in perspective, I don't have a special survival story. I did fly to Invercargill during the 24 hours post-quake however. The gut-wrenching state of a nation in grief, was clearly apparent in the eyes and on the faces of all.

Auckland Airport was a solemn place indeed. Usually bustling with laughter and chatter, a solo commentary feed from TV monitors reporting the latest Christchurch update, held the attention of most.

Departing flights were mostly all delayed (some inevitably). It was announced over the loud speaker that Victim Support and Red Cross were at the ready and should be approached without hesitation. Arrivals from Christchurch began to flow. As did the tears. While hundreds of kilometres away from the epicentre, arms were outstretched and open in Auckland.

Christchurch terminal was silent. Silent in grief. Those at the departure gates seemed in shock. Those arriving home, were speechless. Those transferring onto other flights did so in silence. Planes were exited via stairs on the tarmac and the usual airbridge, in an attempt to speed up the inevitable turnaround.

To my disgust, one warped individual chirpily stopped random passengers to preach "it's good this earthquake, coz all the f***ing tourists go away " before blasting a tune on his harmonica and skipping off. How anyone takes pleasure in causing further grief to an already grieving terminal, I do not understand.   I hope he feels better now. What a sad little man.

At Invercargill airport, the mood was different still. The community seemed close. The majority of those on the flight were returning to loved ones. They were greeted with tears and hugs that lasted for eternity it seems.

One passenger summed up today for me. You could see it in her face as it ruptured into misery. She literally fell into the arms of her elderly parents, wailing in utter silence.

12.51pm Tuesday, 22 February 2011, will be a moment in time etched in the minds of all New Zealanders.   Our hearts are with all those effected. What an absolute tragedy.

Where in the World is Christchurch?
South Island, NZ

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Taupo Hot Springs - Oozing New-Zealandness

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:56:00 GMT

Off the beaten track yet only minutes from Taupo township, you'll find the Taupo Hot Springs. Tucked behind the Taupo Debretts Resort (which neighbours The Hilton Hotel *darling*) this swimming complex simply oozes 'New Zealandness'.

It's like a slice of picture-postcard Kiwiana from the 70s. Not that it looks old (far from it), the Taupo Hot Springs is simply uncomplicated, very functional, very fun, and offers a range of pools all within waving distance.

We were lucky to be invited to swing by and indulge in a soak on our recent road trip. We are glad we did.

While small, there is everything you may need. If you want heat - there's hot spas; if you want tepid - there's tepid; if you want privacy - there's private pools available. And if you want a good giggle, there is the Dragon Slide at the far end of the complex. One slide, four stories high, and a ridiculously awesome ride!

Simple rules: if the water is green, keep your head above water (it is mineral springs so while natural, does have a few bugs - but this is expected). If the water is blue, no worries (it's chlorinated like most of the public swimming pools you will encounter) to submerge to your heart's content.

For the smaller members of the family, there's a water play area with pipes and taps to activate some fun showers, spills and fun water time.

Good, old-fashioned Kiwiana fun! Any weather, the kids would adore it, and the grown-ups would too, just quietly.

Getting to Taupo Hot Springs, drive into the carpark at Debretts Resort and park. You'll find a pedestrian gate to the left of the main office and wander down a driveway to the Taupo Hot Springs complex.

Thanks guys, we'll be back.

Getting to Taupo Hot Springs:
Taupo, North Island, NZ

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Getting Lost | The Amazing Maze in Maize, Edgecume

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 01:54:00 GMT

The "Amazing Maze in Maize" is chanted melodically across radio frequencies in pockets all over the North Island during the summer months. It rhymes. It sounds pretty self descriptive. But, what is it like to get lost and loiter with intent in a field full of 9 foot high maize? I found out first hand.

I'm in Edgecumbe, not far out of Whakatane. I'm prompt. The car park is empty. A solitary scarecrow points me in the direction of the office. So far so good.

Do I want a map? No.
Will I want a two-way radio just in case I get lost?
Perhaps this is a good idea.
Hand over money, check.
Receive a pencil and clues to find along the way, check.
I'm off.

It's fun following dusty paths in amongst the maize. Some lead to "kernels of knowledge" where you generally get rewarded to heading in the right direction with interesting trivia. I found a whole heap of things that I didn't know: like why ladies shirts are traditionally buttoned to the left, and decibel rating of the loudest recorded burp. This is fascinating stuff.

Other paths lead nowhere, so the adventure party turns on heels and single files aimlessly into another direction. The field in the scheme of things isn't massive, but by the time you wind your way through most of it, you can easily spend an hour or more walking the passageways.

It's quite clever, this maze in the maize. There's a bunch of operators that do it every year - in Karaka (Auckland), Hastings, Manawatu and Edgecumbe. Each year they pick a theme which matters not really to the visitors getting lost, but makes an interesting aerial photograph all the same.

Photo Credit | Amazing Maze in Maize, Edgecumbe

Once you emerge into the clearing, there's more fun things to do: corn kernel spitting (I failed miserably), walking boards (try co-ordinating three pairs of feet at once), and giant checkers.

And, for those after more of an adrenaline thrill, you could always check out Corn Evil, R16. Bring your own torch, bring your own courage. I'm told first hand that even the blokiest of men will shriek like a girl!

Where on Earth is Edgecumbe?
Bay of Plenty, North Island, NZ

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