Originally Posted by
kaitlyn2004
I don't picture my mom kayaking or anything like that, unfortunately. Whale watching is something I'D love, but will have to check on her interest. I didn't make it to Kaikoura last time due to my itinerary/route and the earthquake. I did an overnight in Milford and think I'd love to do it again with her. I did Doubtful as well, though not sure we'd do both together and I think Milford is more "scenic" if you're only going to see one of them.
What sorts of non-"strenous" activities did you do? Because I didn't really do ANY of them on my own last time, not sure what's out there. Wine country is a nice idea. I only did a quick drive-through of Rotorua and don't recall coromandel, at least by name... Paia sounds familiar but I don't remember it either!
Argh. Had a great answer nearly done, and lost it. Let's see if I can remember it all.
My first piece of advice is that New Zealanders tend to under estimate difficulty and time for hikes. Any hills? No hills "to speak of" means there are some significant hills, but not mountains. Takes about 10 minutes to walk? Means about 30. This might only apply when translating to a sedentary person's walking.
In Abel Tasman, I was able to make the first hike (with no hills "to speak of", ha!) and a day kayaking trip between lodges. Used the boat shuttle to get back, though. They have options for every one, so research it if you think it would be fun.
I meant Paihia (Paia is in Hawaii...). On the Bay of Islands. Great base to explore up north. Boat trips out and lots of interesting things on land. The Waratangi Treaty Grounds are there for some history, too.
I tend to use boats for tours so I can see a lot and not have to walk too much. Ferry to Waiheki Island from Auckland, for example. Bus around the island.
My sister had some asthma issues in Rotorua and got a cart for the park tour. Carts are probably available for lots of places.
Christchurch has a lovely garden and a gondola. And punting on the Avon.
Queenstown has the gondola and the Earnshaw (boat). And all those mountains!
Helicopter tours of the glaciers. The hike isn't bad either. Shuttle from town, walk only as far as you want, shuttle back.
Night tour from Dunedin to see the blue penguins. A bit of a challenge with stairs, but you have plenty of time.
Napier wine country and art deco town.
Mount Manganui for a beach town.
The Coromandel Peninsula is east of Auckland. I didn't get there, but looks like an interesting area. Especially with a car.
Lake Taupo also looked interesting. I only had an hour there, changing buses, but I'd like to go back. Seems like it would be a good base, right in the middle of the North Island.
With a car, you can drive to view points and such, so less hiking. If you have bit more energy to use up, your mom can watch you do the more adventurous things. On a longer trip, it's always good to have some separate time. I always have a book (Kindle) with me so when I find an interesting place, I just sit and read. If I'm with more active people, they can go off while I relax, often with a glass of wine.
Where ever you go, you're sure to have a great time! Enjoy!