Bring the Whole Family to Ferry Mans Cottage

Just north of Punakaiki  this luxurious cottage offers families the perfect location to relax and unwind together. From May -September up to two children (0-16 years) stay free when two or more nights are booked.

There are a multitude of screen free activities that don’t need to cost the earth to keep you all occupied and happy. Read on for our suggested itinerary:

On arrival the family pile out of the car into the large private cottage that is yours to enjoy for the duration of your stay. There is a large pond, (one of 7 on the property), walking tracks and orchard and a large lawn for out door games. (Some of which are supplied with the cottage) Oh and a swing set for the little ones!

The kids head off exploring the garden while you settle in and put your feet up. We can supply a mal for you to heat and eat or you may cook yourselves in the well equipped kitchen or barbeque.

 

 

 

 

Day 1

Children of all ages will enjoy the  Charleston Nile River Rainforest Train trip up the Nile valley especially those too little in stature to take part in the Underworld Rafting Another option not involving a wetsuit just some good walking shoes or trainers is Glowworm Cave Tour

 

 

 

 

 

Afterwards a hot chocolate at the Norwest Cafe in Charleston will re-energise everyone ahead of the Charleston bays cliff top walk. Keep and eye out for Hector Dolphins beyond the crashing waves.

Back to Ferry Mans cottage the kids will enjoy outdoor baths while dinner is prepared and then you will all enjoy a  stunning West Coast sunset from the cottage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day two

Head off to nearby Tauranga bay.

Kids can take a surf lesson from a local expert.

Younger kids can paddle in the sea and rock pools at low tide. Visit the seal colony  and see the baby seals frolicking in the surf.

Take a cliff top walk to the lighthouse. The path is well prepared so pushchairs ok if you can manage the hills! Lots fresh air and sea breezes here. Wekas are everywhere on the track and very tame

There is a locally run Coffee cart at the carpark most times of year for hot drinks and icecreams.

Head into Westport for a bite of lunch or take away fish and chips.   Picnic at north beach and explore the new cycle path/ walkway.It is possible to Hire bikes in Westport or bring your own. This trail is dead flat and very safe for children.Feed the ducks and seagulls at the yacht club off the new boat launch floating jetty. Fish for flounder off the newly completed fishing wharf.

Wet weather? Head indoors to Coaltown Museum on Palmerston street. Lots of social history here. There is also a modern aquatic centre  open every day. The NBS Theatre has a variety of movies for children showing in the school holidays and also at weekends.

There are a variety of children’s playgrounds locally - Carters Beach and Victoria Square are both very popular.

So there we have it - lots and lots of things to keep you all active and happy during your west coast family holiday. You may email us here

if you have any questions or book via our booking page here

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