Rediscover the joy of your family

What to expect

At Bluestone, families have the opportunity to connect, learn and grow through curated activities. Each day, your family will share in one or two unique Kiwi experiences designed to build connection and allow parents to be purposeful about their parenting.

You will start each day with a coffee and parent discussion with Deirdre Brander, your ‘on tap’ parenting expert, to identify focus for the day and strategies or approaches to be explored. Having preselected your activities and experiences your family will then set out and about with purpose. Parents – this is your opportunity to practice some of the tools and strategies discussed. Our guided experiences are designed to foster family connection, communication, and growth but parents don’t expect instant results! Remember parenting is a journey and we have got you.

BLUESTONE FAMILY EXPERIENCES

Research shows that children learn and grow best from being in nature. Our family activities and experiences cater for everyone with your program tailored to your children’s age and stage. Select from our purposeful activities designed to aid family growth. Every family member can have a say… even the most choosy!! 

KIWI CULTURE

You will fall in love with the locals and laid back lifestyle. Kiwi culture is all about family, and nature embracing life’s simple pleasures and cherishing the moments that matter most. 

MAORI GAMES & LEGENDS 

If you want to know a culture then understand their stories and  legends. Experience a connection with the Maori culture and let their wisdom enrich your family. Learn traditional Maori games that will guarantee some laughs as your coordination and rhythm is challenged.

MAORI: BASKET WEAVING (KETES) 

These baskets, known as Kete’s, represent a container of knowledge and wisdom. It’s all about what you put into a Kete and what you leave out. A lesson for us all!

Learn the skill of weaving these baskets so you can keep your very own piece of Maori culture. Who knows this may be a new creative outlet for your family. 

SCULPTURE GARDEN & GALLERY

Discover the most unique art experience in New Zealand. Be inspired by the hundreds of sculptures on display that will amuse, stimulate and enchant. Engage with the outdoor art experience and wonder at the different interpretations each family member has of the giant art pieces. Join craft activities and experience a walk through a gallery of giant sculptures.

MAGICAL BUSH WALK

Explore the secrets and superpowers of our enchanted native bush. Climb over logs, jump streams and search for plants and flowers that have been used by the Maori as medicinal remedies for centuries. Back at Bluestone, our guru Georgia will have you making lotions and potions  and exploring their magical health properties.

Out and about

Bluestone’s local area is rich with kiwi culture, gorgeous beaches, aqua swimming waters, small islands, native bush walks, farms, olive groves, vineyards and organic local produce restaurants.

TAWHARANUI BEACH PICNIC

From a gentle stroll to an energetic hike, indulge in the magnificent landscape of this renowned coastal park. Pause, take off your shoes and ground yourselves in this ancient land. Picnic on the beach under the protective canopy of an ancient Pohutukawa tree. Find a crab in the rockpools, chase the waves, and let your family indulge in the freedom childhood.

SURFING/PADDLE BOARDING LESSONS

From the “absolutely no idea” to the “I’ve got this”, learning to surf can be a humbling experience for both parents and children! This family opportunity is invaluable as a shared experience of learning. Let you children witness you try, fail, persevere and find laughter in not being perfect. As parents we can join with our child as they do hard things and the moments of joy, success, risk taking and belief in self. 

OMAHA BEACH EXPERIENCE

Picnic here or just enjoy a beach day on this perfect stretch of white sandy beach. Learn the Kiwi tradition of beach cricket where the rules are governed by the tide. Each family member fossicks for their own collection of beautiful shells and drift wood. Back at Bluestone, you can create your shell craft art piece and take home  a tangible memory of this precious family moment. 

BOATING TO KAWAU ISLAND

A family invitation to witness the beauty of a simpler life. Cruise the aqua waters and share in the beauty of this historic island home to only 80 residents. Have a bite to eat at the rustic and charming Kawau Yacht Club. Learn the history of Governor Grey’s Mansion and discover the unusual menagerie of animals that Governor Grey imported to NZ. Ponder a quieter pace of life, and simpler way of being and consider what subtle changes you may want to make to your family life.

FISHING VENTURES

From dangling a hand reel off the boat ramp to heli fishing off a rocky outcrop on Kawau Island, adventure awaits. Fishing is a chance connect with nature, still our minds and be in the moment. A perfect opportunity for the family to share, celebrate, or commiserate the success and disappoints of a catch or the big one that got away. 

SNORKELING WITH SNAPPER

How adventurous are you? Ready to snorkel with giant snapper and witness marine life up close? Kitted out with a wetsuit, flippers and snorkel you will love the experience of getting up close and personal with giant fish. Risk taking can be hard but when it’s a shared family experience we feel supported. We know that discovering new experiences together strengthens family bonds. 

A ROUND OF GOLF ANYONE?

Listen to the sound of crashing waves and native birds as your family indulges in a round of golf. Our two local courses are magnificent. The sand based links of Omaha Beach Golf Course is a hidden treasure while North Course at Te Arai Links boasts the largest putting green in the world. The 2 acre putting playground is perfectly located in front of the very cool Ricks Pizza Barn – great for after game fun, food and relaxation (open October 23)

KIWI BIRD ADVENTURE

Not many people get the chance to spot a Kiwi in its natural habitat. This amazing experience will allow you to get up close with some of New Zealand’s rarest (and vocal!) birdlife. Equipped with special infra-red torches this night walk adventure gives you a rare glimpse into the sights and sounds of the New Zealand forest. There is a very good chance that you will spot an adorable Kiwi bird, the bird that can’t see or fly that New Zealanders are fondly named after! 

FOOD AND MOOD

When we learn power that food has on our emotional wellbeing we can begin to implement subtle changes to our diet that can have incredible results. Let’s discover what foods can improve the way we feel and also taste great. As a family you can use these insights to make decisions about what you are going to eat to help those emotions. Sample yummy food options that make us calm, improve sleep, reduces stress and increases focus.

STICKY THOUGHTS
BE GONE

How many times has anxious thinking stopped a child or teenager from enjoying a moment. Join in fun activities that will let you in on all the tricks to boss around these unhelpful thoughts. Our family psychologist, Deirdre can provide family members at any age with the strategies and superpowers to banish sticky thoughts. 

PILATES OR YOGA

Pilates or yoga? You choose. Enjoy our fun and engaging sessions that everyone will love – even Dad…just saying. 

In a peaceful, natural setting you will be guided through a series of gentle movements and poses that will help you release tension and connect with your breath.  Your bodies  will say “thank you”.

GUIDED MEDITATION

Teach your family how to calm busy minds and learn the gift of meditation and mindfulness.  Set in the calm peaceful beauty of Bluestone, our guided meditation sessions deepen your families connection with self and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Establish a lifelong practice for your children which will hold them in good stead in the years to come as they navigate the challenges of busy lives. 

NATIVE BUSH SCAVENGER HUNT

How lucky that our guests get to venture into the native bushland of our sister property Bluestone Farmhouse. This hunt is an adventure and a safe one, unlike our Aussie neighbours, we don’t have any deadly snakes and spiders. Fun without fear and the chance to explore, discover and experience this beautiful natural bushland…..with prizes up for grabs.

WHIP UP A PAVLOVA - KIWI COOKING CLASSICS

We know that one of the most reliable routes to happiness is to cook for others. But let’s keep it simple while we explore some of the most scrumptious Kiwi recipes that are guaranteed to be winners. Cooking as a family can be super fun when there is time, guidance, positive engagement and a clear outcome. This shared experience will be an opportunity for all to learn new skills, feel empowered and be connected.

BLUESTONE CHAMPIONSHIP: GAME ON

We hear the potential sigh “Boardgames”, but the Bluestone Championship has exciting prizes and options. This activity will ensure that everyone will want this to be a new family contest. Remember we can never engage in too much play or conversation. Let this be the chance to do both. 

STITCH’EM UP NZ WOOL

Learn a craft, discover a skill, create a memory. New Zealand wool is made in nature by nature. It symbolises connection to land, to simpler times and the joy of shared creation. You choose from a range of fun simple options that are bound to stretch our persistence, sense of humour and commitment.  

FAMILY SHIELD

Creating a family shield is a fun and meaningful way for family members to identify what makes your family unique. Think of it like a North Star in terms of values. As a family you agree the most important traits to live by. Parents beware! Your kids will become the Family Shield police and should you stray, will point out the error of your ways!

Depending on children’s ages, this activity can range from very basic to elaborate. However elaborate you choose to make it, this activity promotes teamwork, sharing, and communication to help draw your family closer together.

FAMILY VISION BOARD

Do you know that creating a family vision board is a powerful tool to strengthen family relationships? What is it? Well it’s like a GPS for your family that provides a roadmap for the foreseeable future on things that are important to do together. Examples might include vacations or travel destinations, sporting events, regularly having dinner together, how birthdays are celebrated or family traditions to be upheld. A Family Vision Board can be done digitally or if you are feeling creative you can break out the art and craft skills and make one.

Parents Only – For Necessary Self Care 

SECRET WINE CELLAR: GROWN UPS ONLY

Once the kids are tucked up in bed, venture into Bluestone’s secret wine cellar for a wine or whiskey. Sitting on repurposed vintage tractor seats listen to your favourite playlist and have some focused time together. We have a great set of questions for parents to create a meaningful moment.

A NIGHT OUT ON THE (VERY SMALL) LOCAL TOWN

While your kids chill at Bluestone under the watchful eye of a vetted babysitter, parents can venture out to a local restaurant for a taste of Kiwi fare. Matakana is a foodie heaven with local, low key, rustic restaurants that cook with local seasonal produce, line caught fish, and grass-fed beef and lamb, all paired with fabulous Kiwi wines. 

MASSAGE FOR ONE OR TWO

We have been told by many of our international visitors that their massage by Belinda is the best they have ever had. Her onsite massages are incredible and range from deep tissue to a massage face lift and everything in between. All using beautiful natural New Zealand products. Take some time out from the kids and relax and rejuvenate before the next parenting challenge!