Where you are, and activities?

We are starting to put together a rough idea of what we are going to do on our holiday next year, and where to go etc. Need to figure out just how much to save and how much time to take off

So I would like to know, where you live, and what kind of things there are to do with a 21month old, and my DH. We'll probably go as far North as Auckland (don't think we'd have time to go any further north!) so anywhere south of there (We live lower SI so will be driving up).

Google can help me so much, but I figure its easiest to ask people where they live and any cool activities for a toddler and a young married couple!

Thanks!

Don't bypass the Hamilton Gardens, on state highway 1. Beautiful to walk around, with a little playground (by the rose gardens) and a tiny cafe. www.hamiltongardens.co.nz

Timaru, and i'm pretty sure there is nothing of interest here

Oamaru has penguins though!!

auckland,
as above there are lots of cool things here, but can work out expensive!
we have a batch in papamoa/tauranga tho and always have a great time there!
markets, animal parks, theres a huge park down in tauranga where there is mini train rides, mini golf and swimming pools etc thats a fav with our 2 year old and 4 year old. when we are down tho we generally live at the beaches and this xmas my parents took us on a helicopter ride which our 2 year old is still talking about non stop! think he enjoyed it more than the 4 year old!!!!!

I grew up in Wanganui and always thought I would raise my kids there! But we'll be doing nana visits instead.

There is an AMAZING park - Kowhai Park is HUGE and great fun. Dinosaur slide, merry go round, octopus with swings off his 'arms', tunnel thru a mountain, water play and so much more. There is probably photos on the wanganui.com website!
There are two towers on one of the hills - one you can climb (Dury Hill). many steps but a great view of the city!
You can walk around Virginia Lake and feed the ducks. Even walk thru the bird aviary and winter gardens.
Wanganui East Pools are great during summer and there is the indoor pool in Springvale (does not take long to get anywhere!)
If you catch it you can stand on the railway bridge over the river when a train goes over and freak yourself out of your undies!
The beach is either up the road or 30 mins away.....
many parks, walk along the river, pretty main street and even a Mcdonalds!! te he.
Just PM me if you need more details!!!