Free things to do in winter in New Zealand

"This easy trail accessible from car parks at Maxwells Drive, Coach Drive and Waihi Road is my inner city wildlife sanctuary. It’s a 9km loop track around the “sparkling waters of a new day” Waikareao Estuary and if that’s a bit of a hike then grab a bike and a few friends. The flat walking circuit takes two hours and takes in wetlands, boardwalks and some shrub-land. As well as meeting Tauranga locals it’s a great way to get introduced to the wildlife."

"Tauranga city has gone through several growth spurts since its first mission station was established in 1834 and it wasn’t until about 40 years later the town and port became established. Little is recognisable of the historic buildings hidden under modernised layers. Pick up a Historic Heritage Walk brochure from a visitor or information centre and pick out the remains of history in the fastest growing area in New Zealand. It’s good to see how the city once was."