Adventure companies offering SUP lessons, hire, and experiences such as night paddles have popped up all over NZ in the past wee while. Most have a range of gift vouchers available, with many tours totally suitable for children. Fantastic for developing their confidence on the water! Get out there and have fun afloat with companies such as Blue Adventures and SUP Bro Tours.
If this isn’t the most fun in a kiwi back yard on a hot summer’s day, then sit in the cupboard under the stairs and read the 1992 Yellow Pages. Get thee to Rebel Sport. (No, I’m not affiliated. I actually just want one myself).
Many zoos have amazing programmes available for the budding zoologist in your family. For example, Auckland Zoo has a kids’ only overnight safari that will be the highlight of your child’s year, and it is really good value in my opinion. $65 for a BBQ dinner, evening zoo safari (when many of the animals are at their most active) and a sleepover! 3.30pm – 8am for over 8’s. (Score. You get a date night with your honey/bestie.) See what your local zoo offers.
Put together a wee list of outdoorsy things for your little one to find locally, packaged into a small bucket. Head out with them to find the items on Christmas morning, and once they’ve gathered them up, there may be a string bag of chocolate coins waiting. Or a matchbox car, or native bird puzzle, or whatever you like. Design it so it doesn’t take too long – 15 minutes or so. My two year old would love it. This could become a Christmas tradition.