HAPPY DAYS

With the Easter break coming up, grab the kids and have some fun at the holiday paradises the Gold Coast, Christchurch, Hawaii and Phuket

WORDS BY ADRIENE REWI

The Sunshine State

With over 42km of pristine coastline on the tropical Gold Coast to choose from, it’s just a question of: which beach? Your kids will love starting things off at the beach, just don’t forget your sunnies, swimmers, sunscreen and a hat.

For something different, try Zorbing (232 Old Pacific Highway, Pimpama, tel: +61 (07) 5547 6300; admission for two adults together AU$30 each; admission for one adult, family of up to three or three children AU$48). The only place you can do this slightly crazy activity in Australia is on the Gold Coast. Zorbs are big, fat, bouncy 3.5m inflatable balls that you dive inside before tackling a series of specially designed obstacle courses. Our favourite is the Hydro Zorb – when three riders at one time and 40 litres of water make for a very wet and tangled time.

For a birds’ eye view, a visit to the world’s tallest residential building, Q1, tops our list (Observatory Deck, 77th floor, Surfers Paradise Blvd., Surfers Paradise, tel: +61 (7) 5630 4700; admission for adults AU$17.50, children AU$10; all admissions Fri–Sat nights after 8.30pm are AU$9) . Your kids will love being whisked to the 77th floor via the super-smooth lifts in just 43 seconds. The ride in the lift is worth the price of admission itself but the views are of course awe-inspiring.

The Gold Coast is the land of theme parks and now there are even more rides and attractions for the whole family. WhiteWater World (Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, tel: +61 (7) 5588 1111; admission for adults AU$42, children AU$28, enquire about the Two Day World Pass and the Aqua Max Annual Pass) is the Coast’s newest aquatic park with rides, pools and waves galore. One of the most exciting rides is the Hydro Coaster, a 28-second ride which hurtles riders along a 236-metre track of terror that incorporates mind-numbing drops, rapid climbs, twists and turns.

Next door at Dreamworld (Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera, tel: +61 (7) 5588 1111; admission for adults AU$64, children between 4–13 years AU$42, under four years enter free), Wiggles World continues to attract thousands of devoted fans with the Big Red Car Ride, the Feathersword, the Fun Spot activity centre and the Wiggles Farmyard Friends; a must-see for all the family.

Across the road at Warner Bros Movie World (Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, tel: +61 (7) 5573 8485; admission for adults AU$64, children/pensioners AU$42), everyone is talking about the Batwing Spaceshot. The Spaceshot is an amazingly fast 4.5G vertical launch up a 60-metre tower, followed by a drop into a heart-stopping negative descent. Complete the superhero experience with a ride on the awesome Superman Escape ride. You’ll shoot from 0km/h to 100km/h in two seconds and scream from start to finish on this exhilarating rollercoaster ride.

At Sea World (Seaworld Drv., Main Beach, tel: +61 (7) 5588 2205; admission for adults AU$64, children AU$42), the kids will love the Sea World Eye, a 60m tall Ferris wheel. It’s a great way to plan your day at Sea World as you can look down over the massive sharks at Shark Bay and Polar Bear Shores, the only place in Australia where you can view awesome polar bears in action.

There are many more kid-friendly things to do on the Gold Coast but no worries; you’ll definitely be back.

The Outdoor Playground

Christchurch is the perfect base for an unforgettable family holiday. Blessed with a spectacular natural landscape – mountains, rivers, beaches and forests all within easy reach – and a multitude of attractions and activities, it has plenty to keep the whole family amused.

The city’s most unique attraction – in fact the only one of its type in the world – is the International Antarctic Centre (38 Orchard Rd., tel: +64 (3) 353 7798). The 15-minute outdoor adventure in the all-terrain amphibian Hagglund Ride, replicating snow travel in the deep south, is a highlight. While inside you can explore ice caves, see blue penguins, watch sound and light shows, and feel the icy winds of Antarctica – jackets and over-shoes are provided thankfully (admission for adults NZ$30 (AU$27), children NZ$20 (AU$18); admission for adults with the Combo Pass which includes the Hagglund Ride is NZ$48 (AU$43), children NZ$36 (AU$32). Pay an extra NZ$20 (AU$18) for a Backstage Tour Pass to get up close to the penguins).

Learning will never be the same again once you’ve let the kids loose at Science Alive (392 Moorehouse Ave., tel: +64 (3) 365 5199). Pit your wits against the youngsters with brain-teasers and mind-bending puzzles; or compete with robots and tackle a round of glow-in-the-dark mini-golf (admission for adults NZ$12 (AU$11), children NZ$8 (AU$7), family pass NZ$35 (AU$31)).

Take to the air with the Christchurch Gondola (10 Bridle Path Rd., tel: +64 (3) 384 0700; admission for adults NZ$22 (AU$20), children NZ$10 (A$9), family of four pass NZ$55 (AU$49)), which rises almost 500m above sea level and delivers you to the summit complex atop Mt. Cavendish. After taking in the free Time Tunnel Heritage Show stretch your legs by taking one of the Freedom Walks – varying duration for all ages and levels of fitness – that zigzag through the Port Hills.

Animal lovers will rejoice at New Zealand’s largest wildlife reserve, Orana Park (743 McLeans Island Rd., tel: +64 (3) 359 7109), where you can watch lions roar over their lunch at 2.30pm and then see Australasia’s most successful breeding cheetahs dash for their dinner at 3.45pm daily. Factor in kiwis, tuataras (New Zealand’s rare ancient lizards), giraffes, tigers and much more – set in 80 hectares of pretty parkland – and you have the makings of a great half-day out (admission for adults NZ$19 (AU$17), children NZ$7 (AU$6), family pass NZ$45 (AU$40)).

And if everyone needs to cool off, look no further than QEII Park (171 Travis Rd., tel: +64 (3) 941 6849), where you’ll find an assortment of heated pools, a crazy hydroslide, a wave pool that the kids will love and diving boards for the brave (admission for adults NZ$5 (AU$4), children NZ$2.50 (U$2.20); hydroslide admission for adults NZ$11 (AU$10), children NZ$9.50 (AU$8.40)).

The Big Pineapple

Oahu is Hawaii’s most alluring island, with seven-times its population visiting every year. Many find it “a slice of paradise”, especially kids, as there’s so much to see and do within its wild and varied terrain.

Get your bearings in spectacular fashion with a helicopter ride that lets you view the whole of Oahu island. Makani Kai Helicopters (110 Kapalulu Plc., tel:+1 (808) 834 5813) offers tours of various pricing and duration but the best value is the Hidden Oahu Tour at US$175 (AU$226) for a 45-minute joy-ride (infants free, no discount for children).

Discover stunning flora and fauna on an island trail with a guided eco-tour. A guide is essential as the maze of certain tropical forests might leave you wandering in paradise for eternity! Oahu Nature Tours’ (tel: +1 (808) 924 2473) Diamond Head Crater Tour for US$24 (AU$31) will take you on a 2.25km hike up the extinct volcano, Diamond Head. Or try the Hawaiian Waterfall Hiking Adventure for US$42 (AU$54) – the 3.2km guided hike takes you through Pali Valley to explore rainforests, waterfalls and pools. Oahu Nature Tours will collect you from your hotel and supply water, rain gear and walking sticks but children under five years are not allowed.

Hawaii is one of the few places in the world where you can experience a dive in a submarine – an exhilarating experience for non-divers. Atlantis Submarines runs several 75-minute trips daily from Waikiki Beach (tel: +1 (808) 356 1800; admission for adults US$84 (AU$108), children US$79 (AU$102)). Diving more than 36m among the live coral reef, you will see the odd shipwreck (the most recent one is the Sea Tiger sunk in 1996) and the occasional shark.

If you’re visiting between December and April take the kids on a two-hour whale-watching sea trip with Star of Honolulu Cruises and Events (1540 South King St., tel: +1 (808) 983 7827; adults and children over three years US$24 (AU$31) each). As you spot the majestic humpback whales in the waters off Diamond Head, join in the cries of “whale port; whale starboard! You’ll be refunded if no whales appear.

For the ultimate marine fantasy, sign up for a four-hour cruise with Wild Side Speciality Tours who’ll take you swimming with wild dolphins and turtles (Waianae Boat Harbor, Slip A-11, Waianae, tel: +1 (808) 306 7273; US$95 (AU$123) per person, no discount for children). Children should be aged over seven years but younger children are considered case-by-case. These tours are guided by marine biologists.

Or stay dry, but still get up close to cool marine life and corals, at the excellent Waikiki Aquarium (2777 Kalakaua Ave., tel: +1 (808) 923 9741; admission for adults US$9 (AU$11.50), children US$4 (AU$5)). It’s a bargain!

Given this is the land where the surfboard originated, no trip to Hawaii would be complete without a surfing lesson. Hans Hedemann Surf School has lessons for novices and pros alike on Public Beach, which is a less crowded beach between Waikiki and Diamond Head (tel: +1 (808) 924 7778; adults and children over 13 years US$49.95 (AU$64.40) per group for one-hour tuition, private lessons US$114.95 (AU$148.30), children between five and 13 years require private tuition).

Let your imagination roam free in Oahu and marvel at its natural wonders. Your family will remember the fun on this holiday for a long time.

Adventure Island

Thailand’s southern pearl is, without question, Phuket. This island is blessed with gorgeous beaches and a host of different and diverse activities to keep the whole family happy, making it one great adventure awaiting exploration.

The novelty of an elephant ride is hard to beat and in Phuket, it’s so easy. There are a range of treks of different duration but for a quick, easy introduction to the rolling gait of an elephant, call BangPaeSafari (tel: +66
(76) 311 163). Their 30-minute rides for 750 baht (AU$28) for adults, 400 baht (AU$15) for children take you through jungle, into a river and past rubber plantations while you are safely seat-belted onto a cushioned bench.

Not quite as exotic, but just as charming, is a sunset horse ride along the lovely Bangtao Beach. You can opt for a one-hour horse ride with guide for just 660 baht (AU$24) and if you request a slow and steady horse, it’s safe enough even for young children. The only place to trust is Phuket Bangtao (Laguna) Riding Club (394 moo1 to 47 Lagoon Road Moo 1, Bangtao Beach, Cherngtalay, Amphur Talang, tel: +66 (76) 324 199).

All wild and crazy kids (young and old) will squeal with delight when they go bush-bashing by ATV (all-terrain vehicle). With their monster wheels, you’ll be tackling the trails through forests, beaches and rubber plantations with ease. Kids over 16 can drive their own vehicle, under parental supervision, and younger children can sit with their parents. XtremePhuket (tel: 6 (2) 964 9865; adults from 1,600 baht (AU$59), children 8–15 years from 1,300 baht (AU$48) for a one-hour ride.

If the weather turns sour, head to Phuket Aquarium, which recently underwent a two and a half-year renovation (Sakdidet Rd., tel: +66 (76) 391 126; admission for adults 100 baht (AU$4), children 50 baht (AU$2)). The seawater aquarium features Andaman Sea creatures, including sharks, groupers, turtles, wrasse and trevally, which you can view from inside a transparent tunnel aboard a moving travelator. There is also a freshwater tank.

Phuket is renowned for its dramatic rock formations in Phang Nga Bay, which you can view up close with a fascinating sea canoe trip. John Gray Sea Canoe (tel: +66 (76) 254 505) is the pioneer of these expeditions and offers full day trips that include lunch (B2,900, AU$107), and the even more remarkable starlit trip (B3,450, AU$126). It’s an easy day – just sit back and enjoy the scenery as a knowledgeable guide leads you deep inside the Phang Nga caves and hongs (sea caverns).

If you do want to get wet, try water white rafting with Phuket Sealand Co (tel: +66 (76) 222 900-1, 232 900-3; adults 2,800 baht (AU$103), children 2,100 baht AU$77)). After taking an elephant ride to get to the river, they’ll take you downstream through Tone Pariwat Sanctuary for an exhilarating journey that still manages to be safe.

If the kids go to bed late, treat them to the Phuket FantaSea (99M3 Kamala Beach, Kathu, tel: +66 (76) 385 111, adult admission for the show only is 1,100 baht (AU$40), children 800 baht (AU$29)). At 9pm, daily except Thursdays, Thai culture, mythology, special effects and acrobatics come together in one razzle-dazzle show that also features over 30 elephants. This is Las Vegas-style theatre at its most entertaining.

Two hotels that are particularly well-equipped for kids are Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort (29 Soi Karon Nui, Tambon Karon, Amphur Muang, tel: +66 (76) 370 100) and Laguna Beach Resort (Bangtao Bay, Phuket, tel: +66 (76) 324 352). Both feature prime beachfront locations, baby elephants you can hand-feed daily plus well-equipped and supervised kids clubs, for three to 12 year olds at Le Méridien and four to 12 year olds at Laguna (for all your travel needs go to jetstar.com).

WORDS JASON SINTOME, SARAH PREBBLE, Adrienne Rewi and RACHEL FARNAY-JACQUES