Wairarapa, New Zealand

We moved to the Wairarapa in 2017 and wanted to explore the region. I took two weeks off in the summer school holidays and we made a list of all the things we wanted to do. A mix of free and affordable activities, we had plenty of fun ticking them off the list. Here's what we recommend if you're in town with the family:

- Cape Palliser to see the seals and take a walk up to the lighthouse (free)

- Swimming at Kaituna (free)

- Walk the Landsdowne Recreational Trail (free)

- Bike ride through Masterton (free)

- Fish and chips at the pub in Lake Ferry (cheap!)

- Wildlife at Pukaha Mt Bruce

- Golf at the Solway Driving Range (cheap!)

- Pizza at Watermill Bakery

- Lunch in Martinborough

- Picnic at Morrison's Bush (donation)

- Swimming at the outdoor pool (free)

- Pedal boats and baby deer at Queens Elizabeth Park (they also have a training, mini putt and a huge playground)

- Pick lavender at Lavender Abbey (donation)

- Kiki & MJ