Kimberly Graham

New Zealand's Rotorua is mostly known for the hissing, smokey thermal activity - but there's a lot more to be discovered.

We are a family who just love to get out and about. Our son, Finlay, uses a powerchair as his main mobility device. We live in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. Tāmaki Makaurau, the Maori name for Auckland, means Tāmaki desired by many. The name refers to the abundance of natural resources, strategic vantage points, portage routes, and mahinga kai (food) which first attracted Māori, and then other settlers. There are plenty of free places to visit in Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city.

Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park When our family spent a night in Twizel, we took a day trip into Mt Cook National Park. On the way, we dropped into the New Zealand Alpine Lavender farm. To my delight, the ground was firm, flat, and wide enough to wheel right through the lavender fields in a powerchair. Be sure to visit the little shop and snap up some massage oil, soap, chocolate, and the tastiest ice cream – all made with the organically-grown lavender.