Bella Vista's Blog

Easter is nearly upon us and we’d like to feature four fantastic destinations in the South Island where you can have some fun with the kids together with a relaxing, cozy, autumnal break for Mum and Dad.   It’s just what the doctor ordered along with, of course, over indulging in some delicious chocolate treats along the way!

Why not make Easter extra special for the family this year and create an Easter hunt in one of these amazing locations. Or ask around and see if there’s any local Easter Hunts happening over the weekend that you can join in on.  The kids will be delighted and will talk about it for years.

Take the hassle out of getting away by staying at our Bella Vista Motel accommodation where you and the kids will have a warm and comfortable stay.  The hosts are friendly and on hand to offer some great local tips and there’s free parking so you can get out and explore by foot or bicycle.

Hanmer Springs is a great destination for an Easter getaway.  Only 90 minutes from Christchurch and you are in the picturesque resort town.  Your Bella Vista Hanmer Springs motel accommodation is easy to find on the way into the centre of town and within easy walking distance. Surrounded by mountains, Hanmer Springs has a laid-back vibe that will have you shaking off the “busyness of life” that encompasses most families these days.  Activities abound with forest walks and bike trails, fishing and 4WD tours or take the kids on a family rafting trip – a must for the photo album!  The owners, Julie and Steve will be happy to give you advice about the different walking trails in the area to find one that best suits or point you in the right direction for other activities.  At the end of the day head to the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa Complex where you can go crazy with the kids down the hydro slides or relax in a one of the many thermal pools.  There’s a café on site for when the family get ravenous. Enjoy a pizza and beer al fresco style or an ice-cream to celebrate an Easter full of adventure and surprise.  But hey who ever needed an excuse for an ice-cream though! 

For your Hanmer Springs accommodation book direct with Bella Vista Hanmer for the best price.

Next up, let us recommend Wanaka.  Nestled on the edge of Lake Wanaka this place has great appeal for an Easter getaway.  Not only for its beautiful surroundings, its people, its walks or bike trails but also for its epicurean delights and activities to enthral both adults and kids alike.  Take the family to Puzzling World – challenge your perception of reality in the allusion rooms or try your luck in the multi-tiered maze. Hours of fun and laughs to be had.

This year Wanaka will hold ‘Wheels at Wanaka’ over the Easter Saturday and Sunday.  This is a great show for all that includes a Vintage Farm Fair, a Car, Motorcycle and Truck Show, and an Earthmoving Extravaganza. Entertainment galore! 

Look out for the locally made chocolate and other treats that Wanaka offers, and if you are starting your Easter weekend on Thursday then check out exquisite local artisan products at The Wanaka Artisan Market from 3pm until 6.00pm right in town centre alongside Bullock Creek. The doughnuts are a favourite!

Your Bella Vista Wanaka motel accommodation is right in town and only 150 metres from the Lake.  The perfect spot really!

Queenstown is another top pick for an Easter getaway this year.  At this time of year, the trees are starting to turn those vibrant autumnal colours and what better place to see this than at one of the many vineyards whilst sipping on a Pinot Noir or wandering around neighbouring Arrowtown, a charming, historic goldmining town. 

Take the kids for a ride on the TSS Earnslaw vintage steamship where they can watch the stokers add fuel to the fire or visit the engine room as the ‘lady of the lake’ gracefully cruises across to Walter Peak High Country Farm where you can all embark on a guided tour of the farm or indulge in a scrumptious BBQ buffet. 

Queenstown is the adventure capital of NZ and full of activities to entice our young ones into the great outdoors. Travel up the gondola for an exciting luge ride or ziptrek whilst taking in the breathtaking views.  Or take them for a bike ride along the Frankton arm before treating them to a finger-licking chocolatey treat from Patagonia while you watch the world go by on the Queenstown waterfront.

Our Bella Vista Queenstown accommodation is in the heart of Queenstown and only 5 minutes’ walk to the town centre.  It’s a quiet location and comfortable motel where you can put your feet up at the end of a busy day.

Our final destination in the South Island is Te Anau, gateway to the Fiords and home to the endangered Takahe birds.  Bring the family on an Easter getaway here and create some wonderful memories to take home.  Nestled on the shores of Lake Te Anau with a spectacular backdrop of mountains and lush ‘virgin’ forest, the town is a serene place to wander and explore.  Make sure you hop on a boat for a cruise across to the Western shore to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.  The fascinating limestone caverns are incredible to see before reaching the glowworm grotto of shimmering luminous lights – a magical experience to behold.

Breathtaking in any weather, Milford Sound is a must do day trip from Te Anau. With its sheer cliffs, cascading waterfalls and the towering Mitre Peak, the best way to discover Milford Sound and all its grandeur is by a boat cruise.  Listen to the kids squeal with delight as waterfall spray rains down on them and help them spot dolphins, penguins and fur seals as you cruise the fiord. Get a boat cruise that stops in at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory which offers views of rare black coral and other marine life.

Whatever you decide to do, the team at Bella Vista Motels Queenstown, Invercargill, Te Anu, or Wanaka are always looking forward to hosting you!

Book now at www.bellavista.co.nz and secure your Easter break.