Five fab things for Easter

From romantic trips away, to midnight mass, crafts and outdoor activities, here are our picks of what to do this Easter break

1. Take a romantic break 

Make the most of the last of the summer sunshine and take a camping break that encourages quality time together amidst nature. Whether you are camping, caravanning or glamping, there’s a range of options to suit your budget. The latest issue of Good has a sweet feature on Lynton Downs glamping spot – nestled amongst the serene and tranquil surroundings of Kaikoura. Check out our favourite travel apps for a list of apps that will come in handy if you’re planning a road trip. Can’t commit to a big trip away? Consider heading to a West Coast beach for a couple of hours to watch a spectacular sunset and spend some time star gazing – a romantic and cost-effective night out with someone special. 

2. Go glowworm exploring with the family 

The Waitomo Caves are one of New Zealand’s most celebrated and famous tourist attractions – and make a great day trip for the family that will be reminisced upon for years to come. There are expert guides who will explain the history of this attraction – spanning the last 120 years – as you enjoy a boat ride amongst the spectacular luminescent lights of the glowworm – a species of fungus gnat endemic to New Zealand. 

3. Something to give up – smartphones and tablets 

While common lent sacrifices include meat, bread, alcohol, swearing, fast food or coffee, what many people feel like they really can’t live without these days is their smartphones and other devices. Consider going without your phone for the Easter weekend – and spend quality time with family and friends instead. A cool thing we’ve noticed popping up in some cafes – signs that emphasise the fact you are in a ‘no WIFI zone’  – talk to each other and just enjoy each others company!  

4. Get crafty 

There’s something truly special in crafting something with your family at Easter time – both for spending quality time with your loved ones and for gaining that satisfaction and sense of achievement that comes with creating something handmade. See our easy to follow craft features here – perhaps now is the time to get prepared with some handmade linen slippers ahead of the winter months. 

5. Free things 

• Geocatching – Easter style. Geocaching has made somewhat of a modern comeback due to the convenience of GPS capabilities on mobile and other smartphone devices. This activity encourages getting outside, being active and working in teams. Gather small groups or compete individually to locate a container holding a number of items (for this purpose Easter eggs or something similar) hidden at a particular location, using your Geocatch app and navigation to find the coordinates posted. You can either add your own locations or use ones that have been set up permanently – as there are currently two million geocaches set up worldwide already. The idea is that if you take something from the bucket you leave something else behind. 

• Attend a midnight mass. Midnight masses are a great way to attend a church service if you have plans during the day on a Sunday – also offering a wonderful night ambience with candles and carols unique to this mass time.

• Visit a museum. Easter is a weekend that celebrates significant events of the past – so make this a theme of your break. Museums let you learn about some of New Zealand and the world’s most important historic events and people – and are ideal places to go for the day with young kids, boasting plenty of interactive exhibitions to get involved in.