Aqualand New Zealand

Aqualand is an inflatable waterpark floating on a lake on Courtenay Drive in Kaiapoi, about 20 minutes north of Christchurch. Kids clamber over a floating obstacle course with climbing walls, slides, jumping towers and balancing boards, all set in water that ranges from one to five metres deep.

It suits confident swimmers rather than toddlers. Children need to be at least six and able to swim, and anyone under ten must have a paying adult with them on the course. It's proper physical exercise, so tired legs and a few tumbles into the water are part of the fun.

This one only runs over summer, with sessions timed at 50 or 100 minutes so the park can be cleared and reset. Life jackets are supplied, and there are drinks, ice creams and spots to sit and watch from the bank. Pack togs, a towel and sunscreen.