The thing about the great outdoors is that they are everywhere! Also, great.

Whether you are enjoying a family vacation or an extended staycation, there is almost always a hiking area close by.  It doesn’t have to be the wilderness — parks, neighborhood walking trails and the urban jungle all have a path to offer, and if kids are involved the adventure is sure to follow. I speak from experience.

Hiking is not only a nice way to spend quality time with those you care about, but a perfect way to get the exercise that most of us so desperately need. It’s a win-win!

This post is part of our Friday Family Series.

Photo: W. Honea

Abel Tasman beach

The car window’s rolled down, clean air tousles my hair, a favorite CD blares while majestic scenery’s revealed at every turn with nary a car in sight. Where am I? Road tripping on the wild, west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Travel along with me on a 5 stop itinerary:

Nelson

Let’s start in the north and go south. The artsy town of Nelson makes a good beginning. We’ll take a day or two to explore the vineyards and artist enclaves. Don’t forget a hike on the beach combined with a walk in the rain forest on a day trip to Abel Tasman National Park.

Hokitika

On the way to the west coast town of Hokitika, we’ll stop by Paparoa National Park for a walk along the coastal path at Punakaikai Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Later, we’ll arrive at Hokitika in time to tour the jade factory and browse the galleries of woodworkers, jewelry makers and glass blowers. Let’s stop for a fine French meal at Cafe du Paris before turning in for the night at Kapitea Ridge.

Franz Josef

It’s glacier time! The small alpine village of Franz Josef will be our headquarters for treks to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Our hikes will take us through the rain-forest to a glacier’s terminal moraine. A helicopter tour provides an aerial view. Of course we could don crampons to accompany a tour out onto the glacial ice.

Taking the plunge

Wanaka

After traveling over Haast Pass on a drive through Aspiring National Park, we’ll arrive in the lakeside town of Wanaka. A jet boat ride up the Matukituki River provides thrills combined with the scenic beauty of Mt. Aspiring. Our Maori guide and driver stops to lead us on a walk as he entertains us with Maori legends.

Queenstown

Today, our journey takes us on Crown Ridge Road. We’ll travel through gold country before dipping down into the Gibbston Valley for wine tasting. At our final destination, bungee jumpers, paragliders and speedy jet boat drivers prove that Queenstown really is the queen of New Zealand adventure.

With our road trip adventure at an end, what did you think of the one-lane bridges and round-abouts? How many cars did you count on our travels? Are you ready for another New Zealand road-trip?

Review by Donna L. Hull, My Itchy Travel Feet
All photos courtesy Donna or Alan Hull

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Back in February at the LA Times Travel Expo, I met representatives from a tour company called Intrepid Travel.  In an instant, they filled my head with visions of zip-lining through the jungle, rafting over whitewater rapids, trekking through the Himalayas, and all sorts of international adventures, all with my kids.  Intrepid Travel takes you off the beaten path in small groups on journeys tailored to the people in the group.  They have a family style trip that includes children 6 and older, with a group maximum of 14 people in which any adult traveling MUST have a child with him.  Emphasis on family travel and togetherness:  “This is NOT a babysitting service!”  For one flat fee per person, Intrepid takes care of all the details, a service that a busy parent might find very valuable.

Awkward family photo

Intrepid is running a contest – ending May 31 – that asks the question “How intrepid is your family?”  Take the quiz and enter to win $6,000 toward your family trip of choice, plus a 25% discount off the children’s booking cost.