WEC have an ‘Adopt a Pony’ holiday programme. Having done something similar as a child, I can whole heartedly say this will be a great introduction to horses, riding and a lovely way to make friends for your little ones. This is a fully supervised 3 day course, where each participant has their ‘own pony’ to get to know. $195 per child.

Edventure runs a really mixed holiday programme for kids with all sorts of interests. This July they’ve got workshops on everything from cooking, science, t-shirt making, ipad movies and museum visits. Pay per day $40 or enrol on one of their themed weeks; ‘Creative Animaniacs’ or ‘Edventure Outdoors’.

Got creative kiddies? Then this is the perfect programme for them. Split into two sections, the first days are packed with artsy activities and high energy games leading up to the second half of the week where focus is on stories, props and costumes for an original play on family Friday! Ages 5-13.

Another varied schedule of activities over the July two week break, with a mix of action packed sports days, factory visits, dress up, trips to watch shows and cultural exploration. Kids get to finish the week with a snazzy sounding ‘Red Carpet Dress Up Lunch’. See the YMCA website for a full programme.

Their July ‘Live Large Holiday Programme’ looks to offer a great week for 11-13 year olds with an interest in the outdoors and practical activities. Stating it’s focus as development and leadership, these guys have a week of workshops on everything from the environment, cooking, prawns and problem solving! $195 for the week, $55 per day.

Smitty’s seems to do a bit of everything! Lots of large screens for sports viewing everyday of the week, a large classic pub food menu, lots of bar snacks, TAB betting facilities, plus weekly events such as karaoke and quiz nights. There’s something for everyone in this lively environment. Find them: 37 Albert Street.

With heaps of TVs and 5 big screens, you never miss a moment at Zone. It’s pretty central, just in the Sky City complex, so easy to get to after work. I like their long balcony that overlooks the Waikato river- great for warmer evenings! Tip: Watch a game at lunchtime and grab their $8 lunch deal 11am-2pm.

Homebase screens a wide variety of different sports, so you’ll usually find the game you’re looking for. Chilled out vibe, NZ beers on tap and bar meals available. Tip: If you’re a local, join the loyalty club and help choose which games to air. Find them: Bryant Road

A little more than just a sports bar, Homestead suits both sports fans, and their not-so-interested friends and families! A modern, friendly gastro pub with an excellent menu (including awesome pizzas). There’s a big screen TV for sports, a gaming lounge and often live music.

An English pub serving good old English beers and ales, home-cooked meals and showing sports on the big screen TV. Last I looked, they had England Vs the All Blacks followed by a live band- all the makings for an evening full of fun and friendly banter!

A modern, elegant Italian restaurant in central Cambridge. Exceptional staff and beautiful food with all my favourite flavours: sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, truffle oil, parmesan… expect the best! Find them 43-45 Victoria St.

A typical, modern Italian restaurant in central Hamilton. Wide, classic Italian menu and a good wine list. The food seems fresh, and the service good. I suggest it’s a great place to take a large group and there’s a lovely ambience.

These guys do a great gluten free pizza base. A cosy family run restaurant, they serve all the pasta, pizza and al forno options you’d expect. Recently refurbished, it has a more modern, cosy feel. If you don’t fancy dining in, they also do take out. Find them at 640 Pollen St.

Everything about this place looks and feels like an authentic Italian restaurant! You wouldn’t even know you were in Hamilton… Excellent and friendly Italian chefs, superb food and a favourite with locals- this one’s a winner. Top tip: You must order dessert!

A bit snazzier than I’m used to, this restaurant/bar serves a varied, mouthwatering menu. Modern decor, an enjoyable lively atmosphere and (my favourite) a covered fire garden for all year round al fresco dining. Great range of pizzas and drinks.

As soon as you walk into Extreme Edge you feel cool. It’s super colourful, the staff are really friendly and the climbing looks awesome. Kids can burn off energy in the special ‘climbzone’, a room full of themed walls, all with automatic belay systems- easy peasy! Find them next to Royale Cars on Greenwood St.

This is the perfect place for parents to sit back while the little ones get rid of some steam. It’s pretty much in Hamilton, so easy to fit into a day of errands or other activities. Suits 0-11 year olds, with a designated under 5s area, mega-slides and ‘ball blasters’- heaps of fun!

Get hands on at Splashy, a groovy ceramics studio just out of town. I love working with clay, and this is a great way to get kids involved too. With a bunch of pre-made items, you can paint a mug or a dragon on a rainy afternoon. Tip: call ahead to make sure there’s space!

If your children love cars and going fast- this is the activity for them. After a quick introduction and a bit of basic tuition, kids, mums, dads and even nans can get racing. I recommend going with a group- you’ll find out who has a competitive streak and probably get beaten by the ones you least expect! Min age 7yrs.

There’s never a bad time to go swimming! Hamilton’s Waterworld is a bit like a water playground and a fun way for kids to spend a rainy day. They’ve got a couple of wicked ‘hydroslides’ and an outdoor ‘splashpad’ for the younger ones.

I love the ocean, though I’m not sure how strong my sea legs are. If they’d cope, I’d spend a long weekend on a wildlife spotting sailing tour. All meals included, 3 nights onboard the 62ft Windborne, dolphins, Bryde’s whales, gannets…sounds like a real adventure!

There’s something special about Raglan. A town of artists and surfers, this place makes me feel like an adventurer and local at once. Whether it’s action or peace you’re seeking, stay central at the Bow Street Studios. Modern and fresh with lovely staff and gorgeous waterfront patios, this is the perfect location for star-gazing and catching colourful sunsets.

The idea of a ‘Chocolate Indulgence Getaway’ sounds like heaven to me! Brenton lodge offer a two night package stay in one of their suites including hand-on chocolate truffle making classes complete with chocolate history and tasting sessions! Yum. Ideal for one-off, special celebrations as it’s not especially cheap… Although, you stand to gain very useful skills..!

Coromandel town’s not far from the peninsulas beaches and there’s heaps to do for a long weekend. The boutique Fern Lodge has four accomodation options- the studio, chalet, tree house and cabin. All have that rustic, homey feel, plus the surrounding native bush and gardens can make you feel like you’re miles from anyone!

Located in the beautiful seaside town, Hahei, The Church makes for a quiet escape. Originally built in 1916, the property has been redeveloped using recycled timber into a collection of simple and fresh rooms. For ultimate tranquility I’d stay in one of the self-contained units and go for long walks in the stunning Coromandel native bush.

If Raglan were a mealtime, it’d be brunch. Soak up the laid-back vibes at the sunny Shack. Light and airy it’s the perfect place to wake up slowly. Sip down a velvety cappuccino, watch the world go by and munch on yummy organic kai, sourced locally when possible. My favourite is the bagel with avo, cream cheese and pesto… but try the Full N’ Proper if you’re hungry!

Tuck yourself away from the busy street in this long narrow cafe, and tuck into high quality, delicious food. An award winning spot where you’ll find great coffee and a range of classic brunch options, each with something a little different. Start the day sweet and try the crepes with passion fruit curd, banana, cinnamon mascarpone and toasted coconut or go savoury with ‘Green Eggs and Ham’!

Quirky and central, Metropolis has one of the largest brunch menus in town. Leaving out none of the classics, from porridge to pancakes, French toast to corn fritters, you can order something different every time you visit. Its chequered floor, high ceiling and rotating art display together give it a kind of cosmopolitan European feel.

It feels like there’s been a lot of love put into this little rustic cafe in Thames. With top quality coffee, a range of yummy brunch options and a comfy, spacious feel, it’s a perfect spot to share a Sunday morning. Try the banana bread with berries and mascarpone, and if you have a bacon and egg butty, don’t forget to add halloumi! Delicious

Ok. If you love lizards, this is your brunch haven. If not, just join locals and tourists alike and get on the funky lizard buzz! There are lots of veggie options, and tasty classics like eggs benedict and French toast .