Richie and Gemma McCaw love exploring New Zealand’s fantastic holiday spots and hidden gems. Travelling and exploring are part of their famously active lifestyle and they enjoy showing Charlotte (2) and their new baby, Grace, our beautiful country.
We chat with them to find out their favourite places, their top family holiday memories, and where they would like to explore next.
Special family holiday memories
A treasured memory for the McCaw family is of a family weekend in Tekapo prior to the birth of their second daughter, Grace.
“It was special as Charlotte experienced the snow for the first time and we were able to do all of the activities together as a family.” Richie & Gemma McCaw
They loved the trip up to the family-friendly Round Hill Ski Area where, if you’re early enough, you can bag a car park right next to the snow, set up your BBQ, and settle in for a day of adventure.
The McCaws also enjoyed some local walks and the stunning scenery. Another favourite family activity while there was a swim in the hot pools at Tekapo Springs.
Top destination
A trip to Fiordland and the Catlins was an amazing experience for Richie and Gemma. The incredible diversity of these areas meant an amazing selection of activities to do and places to see.
“We loved Fiordland and the Catlins as we had not spent much time there and were surprised at the variety of activities and how much there was on offer!” Richie & Gemma McCaw
The untouched landscape and amazing wildlife were particular highlights for them – and a pie was reportedly a culinary highlight for Richie (from a famous Te Anau bakery!).
Although the children didn’t join them on this trip, it was an amazing opportunity for them to do some research and plan a special family trip for the future.
Fiordland
Future family trips
Despite getting away exploring regularly, there is still plenty Richie and Gemma would like to do – especially now as a family of four.
The beautiful Abel Tasman National Park is top of their list. This easily accessible paradise featuring stunning beaches and lush native forest can be explored by foot or by sea. While Richie has paddled the area before during an endurance race, a holiday here at a slightly slower pace would be ideal for a family getaway!
Beautiful beaches and forests seem to be a theme, because also on the McCaw’s wishlist is a camping holiday in The Coromandel. With a lush, rugged interior rolling down to pristine beaches and lots of fun activities including fishing, cycling, and hiking – all McCaw favourites – you can see why a holiday here is in the pipeline.
“We would love to experience the Abel Tasman with our kids as well as camping in the Coromandel.” Richie and Gemma McCaw
Where in New Zealand would you like to travel with your family? Tell us in the comments below.
Main photo credit: Tourism New Zealand
See more
- Find more fun family adventure ideas
- Mini itinerary: 5 Days in Queenstown and Wānaka
- Richie & Gemma McCaw’s top tips for family travel
- Nature experiences around New Zealand that are made to share
Written by Kidspot New Zealand in partnership with Tourism New Zealand.
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