A stay at a holiday home isn’t just about relaxing on the deck or enjoying a barbecue in the evening sun. It’s also a perfect opportunity to get outside, be active together, and create memories that last long after the holiday ends. Whether your holiday home is near the beach, in the bush, or by a lake, there are countless outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy. Here’s some inspiration for making the most of your days under the open sky.

Play and Explore in Nature

Kids love to explore, and the natural surroundings of a holiday home are the best playground imaginable. Even a simple walk can turn into an adventure if you add a bit of creativity.

• Nature bingo – make small cards with pictures of native birds, plants, or insects for the kids to find. It makes the walk more exciting and helps them learn about New Zealand’s unique wildlife.
• Treasure hunt – hide small items around the garden or bush and draw a map with clues. It’s a timeless activity that always brings laughter.
• Build a hut – use branches, blankets, and rope to create your own hideaway. It’s a fun mix of teamwork, imagination, and exercise.

For adults, a morning jog along the beach or a bike ride through the countryside can be a refreshing start to the day while the kids play nearby.

Fun by the Water

If your holiday home is close to the sea, a lake, or a river, a whole world of water activities opens up. Water draws both young and old – and it doesn’t always have to mean swimming.

• Skim stones and see who can get the most skips.
• Go fishing – whether it’s surfcasting on the beach or trying your luck in a nearby stream, it’s a relaxing way to spend time together.
• Build sandcastles or have friendly competitions in beach cricket or frisbee.
• Try kayaking or paddleboarding if you have access to equipment. It’s a great way to experience the landscape from a new perspective and can be enjoyed by beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

Always keep safety in mind, especially with children around. Life jackets and supervision are essential whenever you’re near or on the water.

Adventures in the Bush and on the Trails

The bush around your holiday home offers peace, shade, and plenty of life. A walk through native forest can be a sensory experience if you take time to listen, smell, and look around.

Try going on a bird-spotting walk – see if you can find tūī, fantails, or kererū. In late summer, you might go berry picking or collect leaves and pinecones for creative projects later. Many areas also have marked walking tracks with information boards about local flora and fauna, perfect for curious minds.

If you’ve brought bikes, explore the area on two wheels. It gives you the freedom to go further – maybe to a lookout point, a local café, or a quiet spot to watch the sunset.

Relaxation and Togetherness in the Garden

Some of the best holiday memories are made right outside the door. The garden or deck can be the perfect setting for cosy family moments.

• Light a fire pit and toast marshmallows, make damper bread, or share stories as the stars come out.
• Play outdoor games like pétanque, Kubb, or backyard cricket – fun for all ages.
• Dine outdoors – set up a picnic on the lawn or have a shared barbecue where everyone helps out.

Even a rainy day can be fun if you put on raincoats and gumboots, jump in puddles, or look for worms and snails in the garden.

Create Your Own Traditions

What makes a holiday at the bach special are often the small rituals that become traditions. Maybe it’s the morning swim in the sea, the evening walk along the beach, or the card game on the deck as the sun goes down. By creating your own little routines, the holiday gains a rhythm that everyone looks forward to year after year.

Enjoy the Peace – and Each Other

Outdoor activities aren’t only about movement; they’re also about finding calm. Put the phones away, listen to the birds, and feel the breeze on your face. A holiday home stay is a chance to disconnect from everyday life and be present in the moment – together.

Whether you choose to paddle, cycle, play, or simply sit quietly and take in the view, it’s the shared experiences that make the holiday truly memorable. Nature takes care of the rest.