Many people are looking at the possibility of taking a long-term travel with their family New Zealand. There are many things to consider before embarking on such a journey: how will you get there, what will you do once you’re there, and how will your kids react? One travel writer decided to take her children with her as she went on an adventure to New Zealand.
By following a few simple rules, she was able to create a trip that was both enjoyable and educational for her children. First, she made sure that the itinerary was well-planned. She didn’t want to rush through any of the attractions, so she made sure to take her time and see as much as possible.
Secondly, she made sure that she organized all of their activities so that they wouldn’t get bored. There were plenty of things to do in each city they visited, and her kids never complained about being cooped up in a hotel room. Lastly, she made sure to involve her children in every aspect of the trip.
They got to help plan the route, choose the hotels, and make some of the decisions about where to go and what to do. By doing this, they learned valuable life skills while having a blast!
What was it like traveling with kids?
It was definitely a change of pace to Trips With Kids, especially since they are all much younger than I am! But it turned out to be really fun and we all had a great time.
Here are 5 tips for traveling with kids:
1. Travel as light as possible: This is especially important when traveling with small children who tend to get restless and fidgety if they are constantly packed away in luggage. We tried to stick to carry-on only bags and didn’t bring along too many toys or games.
2. Make sure the destination is kid-friendly: Before you leave, research the destination you are visiting and make sure there are plenty of things for your kids to do, such as playgrounds, museums, and parks.
3. Pack snacks and drinks:Especially if you’re traveling during summertime when outdoor activities may be more crowded, having some snacks and drinks on hand will help keep your kids entertained while waiting in line, or sitting in a hot car.
4. Rent an infant carrier: If you have an infant or toddler who needs close attention at all times, renting an infant carrier can be a lifesaver (or at least less of a burden). We used Baby Jogger City Select which was perfect for our needs – compact enough that we could take it on public transportation without feeling guilty but large enough that our baby had plenty of room to move around.
5. Have a backup plan: If your child becomes restless or starts to cry, don’t be afraid to take them to the nearest hotel or find a place where you can leave them for a bit while you continue your travels. Remember that if you do have to leave them behind, it’s important to tell someone where you are going and when you plan on returning.
How we got to New Zealand?
I cannot believe that it has been almost a year since we traveled to New Zealand! It seems like just yesterday we were packing our suitcases and hopping on a plane. And although the trip was long, it was so much fun.
Here are five ways we got to New Zealand:
1. We flew United Airlines. This was by far the easiest way to get there. The flights were short and affordable, and our luggage arrived at our hotel without any issues.
2. We rented a car in Australia. This was a great option for us because it allowed us to explore more of Australia than we would have if we had flown into Auckland directly from the US. Plus, it was nice not having to worry about parking or transportation when we arrived in New Zealand.
3. We stayed with family in Christchurch while we waited for our visa applications to be processed. This gave us an opportunity to see some of Christchurch before our trip and also allowed us to meet some of their friends who live in NZ now.
4. We took a bus from Christchurch all the way down to Queenstown (about eight hours). Although this route wasn’t as easy as flying into Queenstown, it was definitely worth it for the views along the way! Plus, taking the bus allowed us to meet some really cool people on our journey (including a Kiwi sheep farmer!) 5. And finally, we flew back into Auckland from Queenstown using Air New
What was it like in travel New Zealand?
When we decided to take a trip to New Zealand, my husband and I were both a bit hesitant. We had never been there before, and we weren’t sure how our kids would like it. But once we got there, we couldn’t believe how much fun they had!
The first thing we did was take a trip to the Auckland Zoo. It was so great to see all of the different animals up close and personal. And even better was that our kids loved it too! They kept asking for more animal visits. Next, we took a scenic drive down the Kaimai Coast.
It was amazing to see all of the beautiful views and wildlife. Our kids were really into it, and they even caught some fish along the way! Finally, we made our way to Wellington where we stayed for two nights. Our kids really enjoyed exploring this beautiful city. They especially loved going on lots of different tours. In total, our trip to New Zealand was fantastic and our kids absolutely loved it!
How long was the trip?
We spent 10 days in New Zealand, and it was the perfect length of time. We were able to do a lot and see a lot without feeling too rushed. Trips With Kids Mor post vist.
Here are some tips if you’re planning a trip with kids:
1. Pick your destinations wisely – When planning our trip, we knew that we wanted to go to Auckland and Queenstown because they’re both beautiful cities with plenty to offer. However, due to airplane prices and limited availability on certain dates, we also ended up spending time in Napier and Picton as well. All three places offered great experiences and we would definitely recommend adding them to your itinerary if you can!
2. Book your flights early – We booked our flights way in advance (about 6 months) which was definitely worth it! Not only did this give us some great deals, but it also gave us plenty of time to research different airlines and find the best ones for our needs.
3. Pack light – This is probably one of the most important things that we did when traveling with kids – pack light! Granted, this isn’t always easy when packing for extended periods of time, but by doing so we were able to save a ton of space in our luggage and enjoy our travels more!
4. Rent cars or bikes – If you’re able to rent cars or bikes while traveling, do it! It’s cheaper than renting from an airport shuttle company (which is what we did) and you’ll have more control over your travel. Plus, you can see a lot more while on your own!
5. Be flexible – When planning our trip, we knew that there were certain things that we wouldn’t be able to do (like fly on certain days). However, by being flexible with our itinerary we were able to still see a lot of the places that we wanted to see. And don’t forget – if something changes during your trip, just go with the flow! No one is ever too busy or tired to take a break and enjoy some amazing scenery!
Was it worth the money and time spent?
When we decided to take our kids on a trip around the world, we knew it would be expensive. But, did it really warrant the cost? We decided to go with a 7-day/6-night trip around New Zealand as our test case. The verdict? It was definitely worth the money and time spent.
1. Not only were the flights affordable, but we got great deals on hotels and rental cars.
2. We managed to pack a lot into our short trip by doing things like visiting two national parks and staying in hostels or camping grounds whenever possible.
3. Our kids loved every minute of the adventure! They especially enjoyed climbing Mount Ruapehu, exploringuckland’s Waitākere Ranges, and paddling in Tauranga’s Te Puke River. Overall, we had an amazing time and would definitely recommend spending time travelling with your kids – even if it’s just for a short trip around New Zealand! Did this article help you make a decision about whether or not to take your kids on a trip around the world? Let us know in the comments below! Written by: Suzanne
