Now you’re on holiday and it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy relaxed adventures with your family. This is your guide to a family day out in Mid Canterbury.

Summer holidays call for unexpected adventures to keep your kids entertained, without breaking the bank. It’s not about ticking off the obvious, it’s about finding the extraordinary in places you didn’t expect.

As you’re on holiday, we’ve done the thinking for you:

• Start with a stroll around Lake Hood, gaze at the spectacular Southern Alps in the distance as you wander past the rowing club. Remember your togs – it’s the perfect spot to make a splash during hot summer days!
• Embrace the relaxing summer vibes and refuel with a pizza at The Lake House, where you can make the most of those stunning lakefront views for a little longer.
• After your outdoor adventure, it’s time to take it indoors, but the day out doesn’t have to end! Stop in Ashburton township where you will find Rokowhiria, Ashburton’s Art Gallery & Museum. Perfect for your family to explore, learn and create, thanks to the school holiday activities available.
• It wouldn’t be a Kiwi summer without real fruit ice cream! Visit the Honeycomb ice cream truck to choose from one of many flavours and enjoy on your way home.

Find more inspiration here.

Top Tip

If you’re looking for something to do with your family on 28 December, visit the Plains Railway & Historical Museum between 11am and 4pm to enjoy one of their public open days. You’ll find all-day rides on trains, free classic games and activities for the children, working machinery displays and much more.

Also onsite is the Ashburton Fire Museum, Ashburton Steam & Model Engineers, the Ashburton Woodworkers and Lynn Museum.

Learn more about their open day here: The Plains Vintage Railway & Historical Museum