FIVE SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES TO KEEP YOU OUT OF THE SUN

1. Work up a sweat

You’ve probably noticed that bouldering gyms are currently kind of a big deal. With fans whirring, music pumping, and coffee machines grinding, indoor rock climbing is a fun way to keep active (and avoid sunburn!) over summer. There are plenty of beginner-friendly climbs and you can hire climbing shoes: all you’ll need is a comfy outfit and a bit of determination. If you’re in Auckland, check out Glen Eden Extreme Edge. In Christchurch you could visit Uprising Boulder Gym, or have a go at Rockatipu Climbing Wall at the Queenstown Event Centre

2. Catch up on podcasts

With the new year finally here, now’s the perfect time to make plans for your 2019 adventures. And if you’re searching for inspiration, podcasts are a great place to begin. She Explores is one series that makes for great listening. Hosted by Gail Straub, She Explores delves into the lives of outdoorsy women like you who are just doing their thing! You’ll meet adventurous ladies from all walks of life who will teach you about motherhood, fear, failure, and success. Another fantastic podcast is Tough Girl Podcast, which regularly features female athletes, from ultra-runners to ballerinas. You’ll get plenty of food for thought – ready to hit the new year running!

3. Books, glorious books!

If you’re a bookworm with a bit of downtime, pop your feet up, grab a chilled beverage, and catch up on all those books you meant to read in 2018. If you’re stuck for ideas, check out the winners of the most recent Banff Mountain Film Festival Book Competition. After a reading sesh, you’ll feel significantly less stressed (nearly 70% less, in fact!) and you’ll learn something new as you explore others’ worlds.

4. Create an indoor oasis

If you’re yet to jump on the indoor plant bandwagon, now’s a great time to do so! Provided you’ve got a bit of indoor space that’s not in direct sunlight (i.e. not too hot), you’ll notice your plants going absolutely NUTS in this warmer weather. And if you don’t have a green thumb, have no fear! There are plenty of easy-to-care-for plants that require minimal attention. Some great options include Philodendron, Peperomia, Peace Lily, and Pothos. In addition to adding aesthetic value, indoor plants can increase humidity and reduce some pollutant levels. Plus, they’ve been shown to have a huge impact on our mental health. It’s a win-win-win!

5. Get cookin’, good lookin’

Salads, smoothies, sausage sizzles – the holiday season is all about getting together for barbecues, picnics, and parties. If you fancy yourself a potential Master Chef contender, put your money where your mouth is and treat your pals to a delicious feast. And if you can’t cook to save your life, think of your holidays as an opportunity to learn a new skill. There are a multitude of tasty recipes available online, and plenty of restaurants and cooking schools host cooking classes (a late Christmas present, perhaps?)