Got a house-full of Energiser bunnies that need taming? Or maybe just a sofa-full of couch potatoes in desperate need of some excitement. Wherever your crew fits in, we have a summer adventure to suit, from leg-burning big bike rides to a small bird-spotting stroll through a regenerating wetland.

BIG VIEW

The Crater Rim Walkway offers spectacular views of Banks Peninsula along its entire length. From the Godley Head car park it’s a 2 ½ hour jaunt to the Urumau Reserve Track junction, with historic gun emplacements to explore followed by views on either side along the ridgeline. For a hidden-gem hillside jaunt, head up the Eastenders Track through Barnett Park in Redcliffs and up over Summit Road to meet the Crater Rim Walkway. Enjoy the views down to Sumner on the Captain Thomas Track – just keep an eye out for the sometimes territorial sheep dotting the hills.

BIG BIKE

Relaxed rollers can ride the railway that used to run from Hornby to Little River way back when and enjoy the enduring appeal of rail trails (the trains couldn’t do steep hills and you shouldn’t have to either). But if you really do want that steep-hill burn, head to the Port Levy Loop which takes in the scenic summit ridgeline on the Te Ara Pātaka shared-use walkway, the glorious waters of Pigeon Bay, and the hit-list Port Levy-Pigeon Bay road.

SMALL CAMP

We are so spoilt for choice in Te Waipounamu South Island when it comes to finding a piece of paradise where we can pitch a tent and just relax. Subdivisions have gobbled up campgrounds in many tourist areas but thanks to the extensive network of DOC campsites, there are plenty more places in stunning locations where you can pitch a tent. Some are dog-friendly, too. Access might challenge some vehicles – there's reason behind the old South Island description ‘Accessible by 4WD or company car’. Check out www.doc.govt.nz and don’t forget the frypan!

BIG WALK

A short drive from Christchurch, North Canterbury can feel a world away, with snow-capped peaks, whispering waterfalls and vineyards as far as the eye can see. The area has several sensational slogs, and Mount Thomas has three of them leading to its summit. Straight-to-the-point hikers will choose the summit track; in 2 hours, it does what it says on the tin. Easy-going folk will love the Ridge Track, lolling along a ridge taking in views galore before eventually meandering to the Mount Thomas summit in 3 ½ hours. Unfortunately the gentlest option, Wooded Gully Track, has been closed since July 2023 due to a slip – keep an eye on the DOC website for updates on its status. If you are looking to rope in some walking buddies, a post-walk tipple on the Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail will sweeten the deal as it combines world-class vineyards, historic farms and the historical steam train at Weka Pass Railway – and it’s all set to the stunning backdrop of the Main Divide.

SMALL STROLL

Hit up Ōruapaeroa Travis Wetland for an uber-cool wetland walk near New Brighton, complete with viewing tower and bird hides so you can tuck your scary self away and check out the introverted avians in their natural habitat. Included in the bird population is a colony of royal spoonbills. Even rarer kōtuku white heron are making an appearance in the area as nature returns large tracts of red zone to wetland.