So it turns out I'm no William Tell. Armed with a heavy bow that swirls and curves like a calligraphic 'D', I at least look the part. I've got a quiver of rigid arrows on hand and have my new archer's stance down pat: knees bent; feet straight ahead; torso twisted towards the target.

But looking the part just isn't going to cut it. "Are you competitive?" asks my Hanmer Adventure Centre host, Peter, as we prepare for a short archery lesson. "Not really," I reply off-handedly, unsure where this conversation could land me. "You'll be surprised," he says with a chuckle. "Archery can be very addictive, particularly if you've got a competitive streak."

By my eighth arrow, I have to agree with him. I haven't even come close to the bullseye, which taunts me from the other end of the long, high-walled lane. Yet a steely determination has welled up inside me: I am going to hit that target.

"That's all part of the fun," says Peter. "Everyone gets a little competitive. I've had kids in here competing all afternoon, determined not to be outdone by their sibling. The other day there was a couple and the girl was beating her boyfriend hands down - she was thrilled!"

Archery isn't the only Hanmer Springs activity likely to bring out the kid in everyone. From roaring around on a quad bike, to flying downhill on a mountain bike, bouncing through the forest in a Hagglund armoured vehicle to tapping your way round a mini-golf course - Hanmer is a big kids' playground.

And, of course, there's the Lost Temple Adventure Maze.

I feel like a child from the start as owner Kev hands me a pencil and a card, puts on his best mystical voice and - eyebrows waggling - excitedly explains the aim of his game: "The objective of the maze is to find the gold plaques. Each one has a symbol and a word. Copy these down on your card and, when you've got them all, you must complete the water challenge without getting wet," he pauses to emphasise the trickiness of the task he's just presented. "Once you're through, you must listen to Indira speak. She will reveal all! Then you can collect your treasure..."

"Good luck!" Kev calls, ominously as I race across the gravel towards the mock stone walls at the entrance. From outside, the maze looks easy. It looks small, primed for kids, straightforward, not too challenging. Looks, it seems, aren't the only deceiving thing about this maze.

Crunching around the myriad paths I get stuck in corners, walk into dead ends and back track several times before I find the first gold plaque. I hesitate as forceful jets of air hiss out at me unexpectedly, like invisible snakes. I scream as a voice calls 'lookout!' and, with a rumble, a stone wall threatens to topple on to me. It happens each time I walk past - back and forth, looking for a new corner.

I enter a darkened cave and, peering through the darkness, fail to notice the things dangling from the roof - until they tickle my face. I squeal in fright.

Mysterious cackles and eerie screeches follow me around identical corners and indistinguishable walls, in circles and zigzags until I reach the water challenge, then on to Indira's cave.

Unexpectedly exhausted and delighted I emerge back into daylight, dry and with my completed card. Kev looks proud of my achievement as he hands over my treasure.

But the frustration of hitting dead-end after dead-end in the maze is nothing compared to the constant 'thwack' of my arrows missing the target back at Hanmer Adventure's archery lanes. Most are finding their way directly into the soft padding that hangs from the roof.

"That's ok," says Peter encouragingly, "that's why we've put the padding up there - before that, people's arrows were flying straight through!" He points to the wire netting that covers the top of the five archery lanes. I'm pleased to know I'm not the only one whose arrows have a penchant for the sky.

I'm onto arrow number 10. With the mental focus of a Buddhist I line it up and stretch the taught, unyielding bowstring back. I think of all Peter's advice and position myself accordingly. My arm quivers; one eye closes; I release the arrow. The unexpected 'thunk' as it hits the target is immensely satisfying. "Brilliant!" cries Peter as he runs down the lane to collect my arrow.

My success has done nothing but intensify my determination to hit that target again - just like Peter promised. "Maybe just a few more," I explain. Peter smiles knowingly - I get the feeling he's heard that one before.

Activities for Kids (Big and Small) in Hanmer Springs

A-Maze-N-Golf: Complete the Lost Temple Adventure Maze followed by a putt on the mini golf course.

Hanmer Springs Adventure Centre: Archery, quad bike trips and mountain bike hire.

Hot Wheels Hagglund: Rumble through local forest in an armoured military vehicle.

Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa: The famous Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has a large freshwater pool and a family activity area with children's waterslides and waterfalls.

Amelia visited Hanmer Springs courtesy of Alpine Pacific Triangle Tourism.

Amelia is Content Editor for the New Zealand travel and tourism website http://www.fourcorners.co.nz