Weekend Away with a 12 Year Old?

[cathgates]

So, we finally have a weekend were neither of us are working
We have decided to go away, but as we haven't really been anywhere, we aren't sure where to go. We live in Taupo, and although we don't want to spend too long travelling, we want to make sure we are far enough away - if you know what I mean? I fancy the beach, even though we no longer have guaranteed weather, I love museums and small boutique type shops, but this is not so for Karl, my husband, or Danny my son. They used to enjoy theme parks in the UK and fun stuff like paintballing and zorbing type stuff. We definately don't want Auckland
I may have a long list of awkwardness......
But if anyone has any ideas..........

Cath XX

[JandM]

I know somewhere with lovely places to stay at all prices, with museums, and small boutique-type shops, and beaches, that's not too far from Taupo to travel. Auckland.

[catt]

Rotorua for zorbing and the luge and then on to Mt Maunganui beach and shopping and you can drop in for coffee it would be lovely to catch up ..........

[Fern01]

Napier and Hastings, has small boutique shops, 2 museums, Napier, there is paintballing for the kids. Hastings theme park has Splash Planet, unfortunately its closed now until November.

[cathgates]

I know Jand M, it has all I want, but I think it's a bit like Marmite - you either love it or hate it!!!

Catt, I know, we have to catch up, I can't believe how time has gone so quickly, we moved here for a slower pace of life, but we both work full time, we are rennovating a house and find we have no time for anything. We are having a party in July for Danny and my birthdays, so we would love it if you were abloe to come down XXX

Cath XX

[cathgates]

I quite fancy Napier, but I'm not sure if there's enough to keep the boys happy??

Cath XX

[Georgebulldog]

Wellington? Although we have the wind so you may want to stay up on Kapiti coast & travel in but there's everything you list around the city, indoor rock climbing, looking forward to trying that but mine are still too young, if you do decide to head this way send me a pm & I can look into what you may want to do & find some stuff out for you
Napier is lovely but like you say is there enough, being from the outside you are not always aware of what's going on which is why someone from the area will know of more things available than is first obvious
Good luck & enjoy

[JandM]

but I think it's a bit like Marmite - you either love it or hate it!!!

So you hated Marmite when you tasted it. But if someone's stored various other things in a big box that happens to be labelled 'Marmite'...?

[Flutterby]

Manukau isn't really Auckland but has beaches and theme park plus butterfly creek etc you wouldn't have to go as far as the mad hustle and bustle.

[mooncalf]

Manukau isn't really Auckland but has beaches and theme park plus butterfly creek etc you wouldn't have to go as far as the mad hustle and bustle.

Tell that to the supercity brigade