New Zealand is around 7 hours from Perth, just 3 hours from Sydney making it a short flight for families and a great place for all ages to relax and seek adventure. Carine Travel Bug, your local travel agent will handle all the details for you, so you and the family get more together time.
New Zealand Cities and Culture
The North Island is perfect for families that prefer to stay in the cities and explore the culture, though you can mix it up with some outdoor adventures. Experience swimming with wild dolphins, bungee jumping from the top of Sky Tower or perhaps you would prefer a cruise or kayak tour around the Bay of Islands. Wellington Zoo is just outside the City and includes the Takahe bird species of which there is only 250 left in the world.
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is located on North Island and with its young and energetic atmosphere it is a popular destination for young people or the young at heart.
Start your holiday by seeing as far as possible, Mount Victoria gives a bird’s eye panoramic views and is a favourite spot for New Zealand tourist.
Explore the depth of the Maori heritage at the museum of Wellington and interact with the people more by opting for public transport and visiting local café’s and markets. Kids love the experience of taking the bus or train, especially when it is not something they do often and it is also an economical way to take in the sights.
Buses are the most common form of public transport, why not take the bus from Wellington to Auckland (Northern Explorer). Keep in mind for your New Zealand Holiday that the TranzAlpine, the train between Christchurch and the West Coast, is rated as one of the most breath takingly scenic rail journeys in the world.
Auckland is beautiful and busy with the highest density of New Zealand’s people living in the city and surrounds. The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a great stop for families and don’t forget to visit the Sky Tower though we don’t expect everyone to want to take the jump, the bungee jump that is.
If the Sky Tower is not tall enough for your Bungee experience you should head to the South Island.
New Zealand Outdoors
For those travelling with older kids or other adults, Travellers Choice recently listed bungee Jumping in New Zealand as one of their top travel activities. 45 minutes from Queenstown you will find New Zealand’s highest bungee jump and the world’s biggest swing.
South Island is fantastic for families wanting to experience the scenery and the outdoors. South Island is the sunniest side and features beaches, mountains and forests. Fun activities for families could include hiking, kayaking and bushwalking in Fjordland National Park. When you are tired out at the end of the day sit back with a coffee or wine and enjoy the view over Lake Wakatipu to the snow-capped peaks.
If shopping is your thing, Queenstown is great and has numerous bars and restaurants when you need to re- energise.
South Island also features on Travellers Choice Top Self Drive Tour, with the self- drive from Queenstown to Christchurch boasting 483km of chapels, lakes and stunning scenery. You might prefer the hands-free option of taking the bus though it can take around 10 hours and might be a bit too long for the little ones, see www.inercitycoach.co.nz
There is so much to do and think about when planning a trip with the family, take the stress out of handling it all yourself and contact Carine Travel Bug. Leanne and Sue are Kiwis and New Zealand Holiday specialists and they take great joy in optimising New Zealand holiday experiences for travellers. Let travel agents assist you with planning and building an itinerary and book everything you and your family will need for a memorable experience.
“Thank you soooo much for your assistance in planning and then rearranging our NZ holiday plans. What a beautiful country! You did well by us with your suggestions. We all had a ball and loved the accommodation you arranged. Youngest grandson gauged how good a town was by the accommodation and allowed WIFI. Thanks again."
Gwen Bryans
To see more testimonials and reviews visit www.carinetravelbug.com.au/testimonials