Whakatane, just 10 minutes away from Awakeri Hot Springs, is a beautiful and increasingly popular beach-side town. Enjoy browsing the shops, museum or galleries or grab a great coffee and a big brunch at one of the charming cafes.

Tours of the live marine volcano White Island depart from Whakatane also, and this is one day trip not to be missed. Take a journey with Peejay Tours to this giant of the sea (www.whiteisland.co.nz/) . You will walk over a lunar landscape, right on an active volcano - seeing sulphuric holes, colonies of birds, historic mining remains, craters and more.

The beauty and power of White Island must be seen to be believed.

Create a treasured memory and head off into the blue with a tour guide to watch and swim with dolphins. There are also some very good surf breaks nearby, with excellent waves for any level of surfing.

Ohope (another 10 minutes from Whakatane) is a gorgeous beach town - the perfect place to spend a summer's day with the family. Relax in the sun, swim, surf and watch the kids having the time of their lives. Take an hour to stop by the Ohiwa Oyster Farm and eat your fill of mouth-watering fresh oysters!