Top 5 Nature Gifts for Kids this Holiday Season

A southern hemisphere Christmas coincides with the start of the summer school holidays, so it's the ideal opportunity to give gifts that encourage children out into nature.

Here are my top 5 nature gift tips for kiwi kids.

1. Something to read and something to do. Pair a nature book with an exploration aid - binoculars, magnifying glass, waterproof notebook or bird whistle.

Team 'At the Beach' with a waterproof notebook

Kiwi Rangers on Tiritiri Matangi

Tiritiri Matangi is one of Auckland's sanctuaries for birds. Like Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington, anyone can access it by ferry.

A day-trip to Tiri gives you a good 5 hours for exploring and having a picnic, you can even arrange to stay overnight. Also like Matiu/Somes, Tiri has been replanted and cared for by thousands of volunteers. Volunteers still play a big role on the island, providing informative and interesting guided walks. More on this in my next blog.