Free Activities to do with your mum this Mothers Day

Celebrating your mum shouldn’t be stressful! You don’t need to spend money or worry about what to get her when you can do something special with her. We have some awesome outdoor adventure activity ideas you and your mum can do together without dipping into the wallet. 

Scenic walk/hikes

If you want to spend time with your mum doing something adventurous, a nice walk or hike will be a great option and thankfully we have some beautiful trails to choose from. Whether it's a slow walk along the beach with the dog or a serene hike in a native forest, we have picked some of the best locations fit for the occasion.

Hot water beach - Coromandel

Hot water beach in the Coromandel is great for family fun. It is a “must do” beach with some unique features that will make you fall in love. Whether you just want to go for a casual walk or take a dip in the thermal pools, just make sure to pack a spade just in case! There are many other picturesque beaches scattered throughout the Coromandel Peninsula like Cathedral Cove, Stingray Bay and Te Karo Bay, just to name a few. If you’re just doing a day trip or taking the camper, make sure to check out everything the beautiful Coromandel has to offer!

Location - Pye Place, Hot Water Beach 3510

What you will need:

• Togs and a towel 
• Spade 
• Warm clothes 
• Food and water (there are cafes/supermarkets in the area)
• Sunscreen, hat 

Everything you need available on our website: https://www.outdooraction.co.nz/collections/outdoor

For more information visit: https://www.thecoromandel.com/explore/hot-water-beach

Tongariro National Park - Mount Tongariro 

Tongariro is an 80,000 - hectare park made from three volcanos - Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, also known as the ‘Ring of Fire’. The horse-shoe shaped series of volcanoes showcase breathtaking emerald lakes, old lava flows, steaming craters, vivid silica terraces and unusual alpine gardens. There are many hiking/walking activities available such as the Tongariro alpine crossing, multi day walks, nature trails and water-fall watching. If you’re venturing down this weekend, this superb family friendly hike is a must do!

Location - Tongariro National Park

What you will need:

• Water/windproof jacket, hat, gloves, sunscreen, warm clothes/layered clothing
• Sturdy footwear or tramping boots 
• Plenty of food and water
• Communication device 
• First aid kit 

Everything you need available on our website: https://www.outdooraction.co.nz/collections/hiking-mum

Gadgets and gear: https://www.outdooraction.co.nz/collections/gadgets-gear

For more information visit: https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/national-parks-tongariro/ 

Roys Peak Track - Wanaka

For those who are in the South Island or heading down there, the Roys Peak Track is one of many scenic hikes that will leave you in awe. The breathtaking views looking out over Lake Wanaka and surrounding peaks after the steep climb up makes for a challenging but rewarding hike. This is the perfect day hike to share with your mum if you have the right equipment and skills to reach the top. There is also an easy walking track available if you’re wanting to enjoy a more laid-back hike. 

Location - Wanaka area, Otago Region

What you will need:

• Plenty of food and water
• Water/windproof jacket, hat, gloves, sunscreen, warm clothes/layered clothing
• Sturdy footwear or tramping boots 
• Head torch
• Communication device 
• First aid kit 

Everything you need available on our website: https://www.outdooraction.co.nz/collections/hiking-mum?page=2

Gadgets and gear: https://www.outdooraction.co.nz/collections/gadgets-gear

For more information visit: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/wanaka-area/things-to-do/roys-peak-track/

Water activities

Living in a country surrounded by a substantial amount of picturesque oceans and lakes naturally provides the perfect opportunities for water activities! If you’re a family who loves getting out and about on the water and you've already got some water equipment of your own, we have a few activity ideas you can enjoy with your mum this weekend.

Kayaking 

Kayaking is always a fun activity which the whole family can get involved in. These are just a fraction of the many beautiful locations to choose from.

Lake Taupo- Sightseeing options are practically limitless with Lake Taupo being the largest by surface in the country. Rock carvings, volcanic hot pools, waterfalls and rapid rivers are just some of the many attractions you can discover while kayaking. 

Rangitoto Island - Embarking your journey from the Waitemata Harbour across the Hauraki Gulf then surfacing at the Rangitoto Wharf is the way to go if you want to get up close. On the way you may encounter some Blue Penguins, Cook's petrels and some other marine life. You can also do the Rangitoto summit hike if you feel like it!

The Bay of Islands - Islands, marine reserves and stunning beaches are some of the highlights the Bay of Islands has to offer. If you kayak from Paihia or Russell that will set you on a three to five hour trip, visiting places such as the Waitangi River, Haruru Falls, Motorua and Urupukapuka Islands. 

Milford Sound- The inky waters and breathtaking mountains of the Milford Sound makes for a prime location to kayak. It is famous for the beautiful waterfalls, wildlife and peaceful surroundings.

What you will need: 

• Kayak
• Life Jacket/buoyancy Aid
• Paddle
• Dry Top/wetsuit
• Wet shoes
• Rope bag
• Dry bag

Everything you need available on our website: https://www.outdooraction.co.nz/collections/watersports

For more information visit: https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/new-zealand/articles/the-11-best-places-to-kayak-in-new-zealand/

Scuba diving 

If your mum is a bit of a thrill-seeker, scuba diving will be a great day or weekend trip for her and the family and here in New Zealand, we aren't short of stunning locations!

Goat Island -For those of you in the Auckland region, Goat Island is a marine wildlife reserve home to species such as Snapper, Crayfish and Blue Cod. It's an easy swim so suitable for the kids, and the dive spots have a 9 to 18 meter depth. Creatures like sea squirts, sponges and shellfish, just to name a few live amongst the deep reefs, rocky shores, canyons and underwater cliffs. 

Kapiti Island - This popular place is not only well-known for it's delicious cheese and ice cream, but it also inhibits a large amount of wildlife species onshore and offshore. Kapiti Island is known to be the best for scuba diving and spearfishing in the Wellington region.

Aramoana Mole - You can explore the most amazing underwater forests and spot some seals on your way over. You can easily access this mesmerising place from Dunedin, but make sure to come prepared as the South Island water can be chilly!

What you will need: 

• Diving mask & snorkel
• Drysuit/wetsuit
• Scuba gloves
• Fins
• Scuba tank 
• Regulator
• Compass & depth gauge, submersible pressure gauge
• Dive computer

Everything you need available on our website: https://www.outdooraction.co.nz/collections/dive-snorkel

For more information visit: https://traveltriangle.com/blog/scuba-diving-in-new-zealand/

Standup paddle boarding 

If you enjoy standup paddle boarding we have found some spectacular waterways and coastlines that will take your breath away.

Raglan - Known for being the 'surf town' of New Zealand, Raglan has more to offer with its calm harbour which is perfect for standup paddle boarding and some fish and chips! 

Christchurch - The waterways in Christchurch are ideal for paddle boarding. Lyttelton Harbour is a more central location and Akaroa is a two hour drive out of Christchurch, but you'll get to encounter some penguins and Hector Dolphins while you're there. 

Gisborne -  There is both surf and sheltered estuaries located on the East Coast of the North Island. Early morning paddle boarding is truely special as Gisborne is the first place to see the sunrise. 

What you will need: 

• Swimsuit/shorts 
• Rash shirt 
• Wetsuit/drysuit
• Hat & sunscreen 
• Wet shoes 
• Life jacket/personal flotation device (PFD)
• Leash, Helmet, Dry bag
• Water

Everything you need available on our website: https://www.outdooraction.co.nz/collections/watersports

For more information visit: https://www.earthriversup.com/info/inflatable-sup-technical-info/what-to-wear-and-bring-on-board-while-stand-up-paddle-boarding/ 

Cycling tracks 

As you may know, there are many ways to see our beautiful country up close and personal, the most popular way is cycling. Off-road and on-road cycling is huge here, and good fun with friends and family. These sensational locations are perfect to take your mum this mothers day!

The Redwoods -  Located in Rotorua, the Redwoods is home to one of the best cycling tracks and downhill mountain biking. With over 130kms of evolving tracks, this is also one of New Zealand's oldest. There are beginner and expert tracks to choose from, with a beautiful forest scenery. 

Alps 2 Ocean Trail - This world famous cycle trail is located in the South Island and highlights the sublime mountains, lakes and rivers. You can cycle up to the highest mountains back down to the ocean and is suitable for all ages. The track starts from Mount Cook Village, stretching 300+km! There is a shorter route available which starts in Tekapo but if you want to have the full experience, Mount Cook is the place to begin.  

The Old Ghost Road - If you're a fan of Lord of the Rings then you'll get a full taste of what it's like to be in the movie. Located in the North West corner of the South Island, an old miners' road has now been transformed into a biking and tramping trail. The trail runs 85kms from Upper Buller Gorge to Mokihinui River taking you through majestic native forest, rivers, valleys and ghost towns. The eerie trail is one to truely experience. 

What you will need: 

• Bike & helmet 
• Plenty of food and water
• Sunscreen/sunglasses 
• First aid kit
• Spare tubes/patch kit 
• Pump 
• Tire levers
• Cycling multi tool 
• Padded shorts/tights, top, jersey 
• Lock 
• Cycling computer, watch, compass 

Everything you need available on our website: https://www.outdooraction.co.nz/collections/outdoor

For more information visit: https://www.gorentals.co.nz/explore/blog/10-new-zealands-best-bike-rides-check-summer/