Author: Julie Lankow

As a mum of two boys, I have had the pleasure of being Editor for Kidspot NZ throughout their childhood. My hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at my own jokes, accidentally revealing my age during quizzes, and never taking anything too seriously. Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Nostalgic Kiwis: Favourite Childhood Holiday Memories

Posted on by Julie Lankow

As a kid, family holidays are a wonderful time to make lifelong memories, spending quality time with friends and family in happy holiday bliss.

To celebrate the wonderfully nostalgic moments of Kiwi family holidays in years gone by, we asked Kidspot readers to share their favourite memories from their own childhood. And what a walk down memory lane it was! Your stories made us smile, laugh, shed a tear or two, and sweetly reminisce about our own holidays from when we were kids.

Bringing back those childhood holiday memories

Below are a selection of some of those memories that were so kindly shared with us.

Parua Bay

Summer holidays spent at our bach in Parua Bay, Northland. The smell of freshly mown grass, playing go home stay home with the cousins, bbqs, swimming, kayaking and making everlasting memories 😍

Keshia H

Ōtemātātā

My favourite childhood holiday was going to Ōtemātātā to my Nana’s bach and we would wait patiently for Nana to buy the pool key. She would say, “nope, not going to until you’ve been good enough,” then would sneakily go away and grab it while we weren’t watching. We loved it. I’ll never forget the time my brother also walked into a pole while we were there too busy talking and went straight into the power pole 🤣 They were the best holidays, when you never knew what was around the corner. And we would sit for hours eating walnuts in the trees also. The memories last forever ❤️

Shontelle F

Kennedy Bay

This is me and my cousins with our grandad and his sister on holiday in Kennedy Bay in Coromandel at my aunt and uncle’s bach in the 80s. We use to have great fun here. We made a home made flying fox and my aunty used to have a strawberry garden at the bottom of her driveway and we used to eat them all day long.

The beach was literally down the road and the local school that we used to play at, but the best part of it all was being with my family. Now a mum of 5, treating them to things like this is so enjoyable especially when they’re all like, “I didn’t know you could do that mum” 😅 Always puts a smile on my dial.
Alice M

Warkworth

Family friends owned a bach at Sandspit. We often joined them and stayed for days. We used to collect pipis and cockles. We fished off the rocks catching our own bait with a baitcatcher first. Walk down to the camp shop, or the wharf and watched the ferry return or depart for Kawau Island. Sometimes we’d go to Kawau for the day. There were so many of us kids we topped and tailed in bunkbeds. Loved going and looked forward to it every summer. They sold the bach when I was about 10 and I remember being so upset. I’ve walked along the beach as an adult and gazed at the building a few times, recalling some of my happiest memories.

Helen W

Northland & Coromandel

Growing up in Kaitaia we had access to the most beautiful beaches: Ahipara, Ninety Mile Beach. Visiting family in Waihi, we would head to Waihi Beach or Whangamatā. My happy place has always been escaping to the beach. Obligatory photo of my two sisters and I burying Dad in the sand. 😎

Jane L

Tokerau Beach

Caravan holidays in the reserve right next to Tokerau Beach. Days in the waves then off to the Coca Cola lake for our evening rinse off. Sandcastles, fishing and exploring all the back roads in beautiful Northland for two weeks each summer. Bliss!

Tanya H

Kaiteriteri Beach

Taking our caravan to Kaiteriteri Beach every Christmas for about 15 years up until 1964. So enjoyed the freedom we had! Took my tamariki there once in 1977. My big sis and me buried in the sand.

Lyn J

Rotorua

We used to travel from the Wairarapa to Rotorua once a year with our parents and stay in a motel with a heated pool. My brothers and I would spend 99% of the holiday in the pool 😄 and we thought it was the best holiday EVER! Since having kids of my own my hubby and I took have taken them for lots of similar holidays to Rotorua 🥰

Bronwyn R

Ruakaka

This is our youngest of 4 kids, born in 1978. This was taken at Ruakaka / Ratimera in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. We camped there every year. The kids loved it – used to go for a month. They had marshmallows on sticks on the BBQ. And yes, they have returned – fabulous spot.

Trudy L

Pahia

Favourite childhood holiday was when we went to Paihia in the 90s. I went with all my family and cousins, our first road trip ever, and first NZ beach after 10 years being in NZ. Was a magical day looking for clams and enjoying the feeling of sand on our feets. Would love to take little boy to visit one day.

Lee T

Utakura

My favourite childhood holiday memories are of visits to my Aunty Ruth’s farm in Utakura, Northland. There was always something to do like swimming in the creek, eeling, berry picking or horse riding. There were so many animals and birds to play with from Shetland ponies to peacocks and more. A couple of years ago we had a family reunion there and it brought back so many wonderful memories for me. This is a photo of me and my sister riding the horse after swimming.

Judy T

Mt Maunganui

Family Holidays to Mt Maunganui staying at the Cosy Corner Holiday Park, has it’s own pool and directly over the road to the Mount main beach. Great family activities and competitions. We would go fishing of the wharf at the Mount and spend hours catching tiny little fish, great wholesome family fun. Beach time is just brilliant, sand castles to build, swimming and picnics. Great family time that doesn’t have to be expensive either.

Eddie G

Albert Town

I have one of the most beautiful memories from this place and I just love this picture ♥️ It’s very very close to my heart. That’s me, my mum and my dad, in Albert Town, near Wānaka! I’ve been to that place quite a few times in my childhood, but haven’t been there quite recently with kids. But would love to take kids there and relive the memory.

Shagun K

Cheviot

I have amazing memories of going to Cheviot with my family. Especially when we stayed at a house with a piggery! We saw piglets being born, helped feed them, cuddled them. We hunted for eels, cockabillies, swam in the creek, fed out to the cows in the paddocks. We now take my children there. No piggery anymore but we love the quiet and unplugged life.

Sarah W

Baylys Beach

We spent many days [at Baylys Beach] camping, fishing, making sandcastles when we were young … now our children get to appreciate the same quality time. The little one in the stroller is now grown but still walking Baylys Beach with his Grandad.

Tracy B

Ōhope Beach

I loved my childhood holiday camping at Ōhope Beach top 10 (only 1km from home) BUT I never would have known I was so close to home, we did so much swimming, staying up late on the trampoline, movie nights, cooking on the BBQ and so many more awesome memories. We have since taken my son to the same place and made memories with him too. We’ll be back next year with our second son 🥰

Emmeline H

Tauranga

Favorite childhood memories were our trips to Tauranga every Xmas holidays for a few years in a row. We stayed in the same motel or one of two that we’d usually go back to! Always went to the beach at the Mount or spent our days in the motel pool if it rained or went to the movies! We took our mum and our kids back there in October to relive the memories as our mum was terminally Ill so it was on her bucket list ❤

Kristy T

South Island road trip

Our family trip around the South Island in 1993 when I was 13 was amazing! We celebrated Christmas in Queenstown – a stunning day, with snow on the mountain tops even! We did the Shotover jet, climbed Franz Joseph, explored Milford Sound, went whale watching at Kaikōura and ate crayfish by the sea watching dolphins. Unforgettable!

Alana S

Written by Kidspot NZ.

Read more

Suckies Probiotic Yoghurt Pouches

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Star rating

Tried and tested by Kidspot parents

4.75 out of 5: Kidspot parents would purchase Suckies Probiotic Yoghurt Pouches again and would recommend them to their friends and family.

In a perfect world, the healthy options that you pop in your child’s lunch box would also be tasty and convenient, right?

Well, we’ve found a lunch box filler that means you don’t have to compromise. With a 4.5 Star rating, Suckies is a healthy lunchbox option that not only tastes absolutely delicious but is sure to have smiles all round – win, win!

Gut heroes for li’l tums!

Suckies probiotic yoghurt pouches have no added sugar, premium ‘The Collective’ yoghurt, added fruit for sweetness, and no added preservatives, so you can easily make a healthy, delicious choice for your kids snack.

  • No added sugar
  • Probiotics for good gut health
  • 4.5 health star rating
  • Source of calcium and dietary fibre when consumed as part of a varied and healthy diet
  • Vegetarian
  • Gluten-free
  • All natural
  • Recyclable through soft plastics
  • Available in 7 flavours: Blueberry, Vanilla, Strawberry, Banana, Boysenberry, Raspberry, and new Mango

For further information, visit TheCollective.co.nz

Suckies strawberry

Read the reviews

We’ve given 100 members with kids aged 1 to 10 years old the chance to trial and review Suckies Probiotic Yoghurt Pouches. See their photos below and scroll down to read more reviews in the comments.

Really enjoyed trying these products. The only complaint from my 2-year-old was that he wanted “more yoddit Mumma”, they were delicious. We tried the blueberry, strawberry and mango flavours. Great, convenient way to eat yoghurt so we’ll definitely be keen to purchase again in the future.

mrsobnz

Knowing Suckies don’t have added sugar, I was confident in giving it to her. We bought strawberry and mango flavours. She absolutely loved it and said “yummy”. She had this after dinner and wanted to have more.

Jyostana

My two girls tried these yoghurts, they are 2 and 4 and they both consumed the whole amount in record time. The occasions that they had them was twice for a snack and once on cereal for breakfast as we had run out of our regular 1kg tub.

MuddledUpMolly

Miss 7 adores these and much prefers them over other yoghurts. Even my 12yr old daughter had to try as well! I love the fact that they are lower in sugar and still taste so good. I’ll continue to buy for sure.

Mama_of_4

My 15 month old tried 3 different flavors and equally enjoyed them all and finished them super quick. They’re so convenient for when your on the go and need to give your child a quick and healthy snack. The fact that it’s probiotic yoghurt and helps with gut health has me sold on them and I can feel confident I’m giving my child a low sugar snack with them having a 4.5 star health rating.

LPalmer

We got all three flavors, my son wasn’t such a fan of the blueberry one but loved the strawberry and mango ones. I love the squeezy pouch as they are good for using on the go and being able to put a lid on when they give up half way through means that they can come back to it without yogurt being spread throughout the bag in the meantime.

DJ_PJ

My 4 year old absolutely loved it! It was the best after daycare treat for him. He could eat it in a car on the way home and no mess at all! We got some banana, strawberry and vanilla flavours and he was happy to try them all. I am so happy there is no added sugar in it as all the other yogurts for kids in supermarkets have added sugar. Definitely our new staple at our home.

KolacM

A great opportunity to try this product and it was a winner. My 5yr old tried blueberry, boysenberry, strawberry and vanilla with vanilla being his favourite although he loved the flavours he tried. They are handy for on the go and in lunchboxes and love that they have 4.5 stars and no added sugar.

kteamo

Reviewer notes

  • If you have received product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment.*
  • Upload your review photos/videos to this Dropbox folder.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive a $7 e-voucher to redeem 3x Suckies Probiotic Yoghurt Pouches of their choice.
  • *By registering for this product trial, you agree to the terms and conditions. Please note that comments, images, or videos provided by reviewers may be used by The Collective on their website and social media channels to promote the product.

Please note

  • If you are selected to trial, the voucher will be emailed to you.
  • Not a member yet? Then sign up now.
  • Kidspot Terms and Conditions apply, including: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. Product availability may vary between supermarkets and regions. If you are selected, you will be required to redeem the voucher for the product as soon as possible and supply a review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name, email address, and contact phone number will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the voucher.
  • Click here for full Terms and Conditions.

NZ Apple Products: Fruit Snacks

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Star rating

Tried and tested by Kidspot parents

4.4 out of 5: Kidspot parents would purchase New Zealand Apple Products again and would recommend them to their friends and family.

New Zealand Apple Products have been producing innovative snacks for almost two decades now, providing additional local value to New Zealand fruit.

Knowing how important it is for you and your whole family to have a good balance of nutritious foods and healthy products in your diet, they have developed various fruit-based snack products with some of the most amazing processes to create a unique and yummy experience for everyone.

  • Made from New Zealand apples
  • Baked
  • Gluten-free
  • No sulphites, preservatives, additives, or allergens

New Zealand Apple Products

The New Zealand Apple Products range includes Air Dried, Pouch, and Freeze-Dried snack options.

Air-Dried products include Apple Chips and Apple Rings, made with 100% baked apples. These have an incomparable and exquisite texture, combined with the taste of beautiful hand-picked sweet apples. There are also Fruit Noodles – fruit leathers made with 100% fruit, shaped into small noodles for an easy way to eat on the go or add to lunchboxes. Fruit Noodles are available in three flavours: Just Apple, Apple & Blackcurrant, or Apple & Boysenberry. Made from 100% New Zealand fruit with no artificial flavours.

Fruit Hitz are a healthy fruit pouch snack for those who prefer a nutritious alternative to satisfy their sweet cravings. They’re made from high quality apple puree from seasonal apples grown in the sunny picturesque Tasman region. Fruit Hitz are convenient for parents to include in children’s lunches or as natural snacks. They can also be used as a baking ingredient for many sweet or savoury recipes. The Fruit Hitz range has four different yummy flavours; Mango, Strawberry, Tropical, or Summer Berry – they are super smooth and delicious. No artificial flavours.

The Freeze Dried range are an exceptionally healthy snack for those who prefer a nutritious alternative to satisfy their sweet cravings. The natural profile of the New Zealand Freeze Dried Products, provide great value and convenience for parents to include these in lunchboxes, morning, or afternoon snacks. The Freeze Dried products can also be added to cereal, porridge, smoothies, many sweet and/or savoury recipes and along with a topping on your baking for that unique look. You will find that these not only have a unique flavour but are delicious and hard to resist. The range of Freeze Dried products includes Apple Sticks, Gold Kiwifruit, Fruit Medley, and Mixed Berry. Made from 100% New Zealand fruit.

Follow New Zealand Apple Products on Facebook or Instagram or find out more on the New Zealand Apple Products website.

Read the reviews below!

We’ve given 50 families the chance to trial and review fruit snacks from the New Zealand Apple Products range. Read their reviews in the comments below!

We received the apple chips and the apple rings and my son who is 18 months loved them both especially the apple chips. He would have eaten them all if I had let him!

Kitkat22

We received the Fruit Noodles and the Fruit Medley. My son (4) really liked both. He liked the variety in the medley, but it was about the noodles that he immediately said ‘can I have some more?’

MavisT

We received the fruit medley and the Fruit Kitz mango ones. My son loved it! Great variety of fruit. The dried fruit are delicious. I had some too. Love how it has no added sugar, preservatives, additives or sulphites. Also great how it is NZ made. Great for lunchboxes for the kids and even for me for work.

Pieterz2015

Wow! was the first word my 2 year old after trying the freeze dried mixed berry. She loves it so much we had it as a snack, in our yogurt, with our pancakes and smoothies. We all loved it so much. second product was apple fruit noodle, it tastes great but i would say it’s a bit on a chewy side for a 2 year old otherwise amazing taste not to sweet.

Noleen

We received the Dried Freeze Kiwi Fruit & the Apple Fruit Noodles, We loved the Kiwi Fruit the best, It has that yummy sweet & sour taste. And makes a great snack for anytime.

Briina53

I loved the Apple Rings and would definitely buy these again as they are delicious and versatile – I can think of many ways to use them in baking, as well as with breakfast or as a snack. I had a few on some peanut butter toast – delicious!

rlmclean1982

We received the apple and berry fruit hitz and I gave it to my 17month old and snuck a taste first. It was so delicious I had to use good self control not to finish it for her! She loved it and downed it sooo fast. It suggested on the packet to freeze and pop in a lunch box and that is a brilliant idea. It would be sooo tasty and definitely something my older children would really enjoy.

mumjess

My kids absolutely love the Tropical flavoured Fruit Hitz. My 1 year old daughter, couldn’t get enough, she devoured it. My 10 year old son absolutely loved them too. He asked if we can buy them all the time. The puree texture was fantastic, it had the perfect balance of all the different tropical fruits and it was not too sweet. We will definitely be buying them again and again.

Kerijuice

Reviewer notes

  • If you have received product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment.
  • You will need to be a member to login and leave your review. Not a Kidspot member yet? Then sign up now.
  • Upload your review photos/videos to this Dropbox folder.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive two products from the fruit snacks range, chosen at random.
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to post photos/videos of the products as part of your review.

The New Zealand Apple Products Fruit Snacks range:

  • Dried Apple Chips (30g)
  • Dried Apple Rings (100g)
  • Fruit Noodles (30g) – Just Apple, Apple & Blackcurrant, or Apple & Boysenberry
  • Fruit Hitz (90g) – Tropical, Mango, Strawberry, or Summer Berry
  • Freeze Dried Apple Sticks (34g)
  • Freeze Dried Gold Kiwifruit (34g)
  • Freeze Dried Fruit Medley (34g)
  • Freeze Dried Mixed Berry (34g)

You will also be provided with an opportunity to leave a review on the New Zealand Apple Products website and go in the draw to win a month’s supply of New Zealand Apple Products!

Please note

  • If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address provided at registration.
  • Not a Kidspot member yet? Then sign up now.
  • Kidspot Terms and Conditions apply, including: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible and supply a review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name, postal address and contact phone number will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the product.
  • If you registered for this trial you will have agreed to your name and email address being shared with New Zealand Apple Products who will add you to their mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time.
  • Click here for full Terms and Conditions.

Why Choose A Bach For Your Next Family Holiday?

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Thinking of booking your next family holiday? Check out why choosing a bach or holiday house could be the first step towards a memorable and relaxed family holiday.

For families, there are plenty of reasons to book a bach. So before you plan your next getaway, consider these benefits.

Riversdale Retreat Bookabach

Riversdale Retreat, Wairarapa

Location

Basically, wherever you want to go in New Zealand, there’s a bach, holiday house, or apartment not too far away. So whether you want to explore somewhere new or take the kids back to a favourite childhood spot, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Once you find your location, you don’t need to stay put. Use your bach as a base to explore knowing that your “home away from home” will welcome you back at the end of a busy and fun day making memories.

Staying in a holiday house (which are often in residential areas) can also give you a different perspective on your location, allowing you to live more like a local and really find the hidden treasures.

The bach becomes your family’s private space, with a view that you can usually only dream about!

Holiday Paradise Moetapu Bay Bookabach

Holiday paradise, Moetapu Bay, Marlborough

Quality time

Family holidays are all about quality time. Without the distractions of work and day-to-day home life, we can relax, recharge, and find time for those special moments with our loved ones. The schedule is yours to create (or not!). There’s no need for you to head out each day so set your own timetable and … just chill!

Sharing quality time with friends and extended family is simple when you’re all under one roof with space for everyone to spread out. Baches and holiday houses come in all shapes and sizes, with many set up to accommodate big groups. Bringing whānau together provides an opportunity to reconnect, build relationships, share family stories, celebrate traditions, and just enjoy each other’s company.

Often our most precious memories are of playing with childhood friends all summer long. That’s easy in a relaxed holiday home environment where opportunities for play come naturally and you will find that the kids are more keen to get outside to play and explore in a holiday setting.

The Glass House Mangawhai Bookabach

The Glass House, Mangawhai

Holiday experiences

Outdoor spaces are conducive to creating amazing family memories – playing cricket or tag on a big grassy lawn, stepping out onto the sand from a beachfront property, or listening to the native birds in bush surrounds. You can also find baches that offer kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or surfboards for guest use, giving kids a new challenge or an opportunity to build skills. Pools and hot tubs are available too for even more fun and relaxation.

Getting out and about opens up a myriad of experiences: go on a bushwalk, visit a museum, take a boat tour, catch the local ferry, walk to a lookout, explore a market, visit a wildlife park – there’s so much to explore!

The Boat Shed at Lake Tarawera Bookabach

The Boat Shed at Lake Tarawera

Bach amenities

Having a kitchen in your bach or holiday house is an absolute lifesaver when holidaying with kids! Beyond the fact that you’ll be saving money by not having to order in or eat out every day, kitchen facilities mean that it’s easy to prepare snacks and keep drinks cool. Preparing food for babies and small children is also simpler and there’s greater flexibility to meet dietary needs.

A lot of baches have a BBQ and outdoor dining areas, meaning that you can dine al fresco without the hassle of trying to get the kids to sit still at a restaurant.

If you’re staying a while, choose a bach that includes a washing machine so you don’t need to pack so much.

When the weather outside isn’t playing ball, there’s board games and puzzles, spaces to read and watch TV, and Wi-Fi to keep the whole family entertained. Some baches also allow pets so you can bring your pup along too.

Amenities vary. Check the full details of the bach or holiday house for the amenities that are included.

Beachfront bach Whiritoa Bookabach

Beachfront bach in Whiritoa, Coromandel

Written by Kidspot NZ in partnership with Bookabach

Read more

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

How The Bach Became A Classic Kiwi Icon

Posted on by Julie Lankow

The traditional Kiwi bach is an iconic reminder of summers past, evoking memories of sun-kissed family holidays full of laughter, exploration, ice-creams, and barbecues.

Families who have experienced regular holidays “at the bach” know the nostalgic feeling that these retro holiday homes have created over the years, often with generations returning to favourite locations and accommodation shared with friends and extended family. The traditions and memories created are part and parcel of growing up in New Zealand for many Kiwis.

Himatangi Hideaway Bookabach

Himatangi hideaway, Manawatu

The evolution of the bach

The term ‘bach’ doesn’t have a clear origin, though it’s thought it could be a shortened version of ‘bachelor pad’. An alternative is that it came from the Welsh phrase ‘ty bach’ (meaning small house or outbuildings), as there were Welsh mining settlers early in NZ’s history.

While baches have origins from the early 1900s, it was the improvement to NZ roads after World War Two making remote places more accessible, as well as a thriving economy, that led to a flourish of baches springing up around the country. Families with enough money to buy a section by the beach or lake snapped up the opportunity to escape city life during summers or weekends when most shops and businesses were closed.

The middle-century bach was usually a ramshackle abode, built from whatever materials were available like corrugated iron, second-hand windows, and reclaimed timber. Facilities were basic or non-existent. Over time they were extended and upgraded (an indoor loo!). Furnishings were a mish-mash of styles – basically anything that you could get cheap or free was a perfect fit.

With a beach on the doorstep and a big grassy lawn, there was room to play, while bunks and fold-out beds created space for everyone to rejuvenate for the next day of holiday fun.

Colourful beach property Bookabach

Colourful beach property, Matarangi

Kiwi bach nostalgia

If you spent your summers (or even one summer) staying at a bach, recalling those holiday memories brings with it a big dose of Kiwi nostalgia; sun-scorched days and warm evenings, jandals, mid-afternoon naps, togs worn basically constantly, and sand everywhere!

The bach was the central hub for activities – with kids ducking in and out for snacks and ice-blocks or respite from the sun, before rejoining cousins and friends to play and explore without a device in sight. Days were spent swimming, kayaking, hunting for seashells or tadpoles, climbing trees, bike riding, fishing, playing hide and seek, pole tennis, bats down, badminton, and spotlight, then stargazing before collapsing into bed.

Tents would pop up on the lawn and caravans would come and go as more family joined the idyllic retreat.

Meals were quick and easy – barbecued sausages, bread and tomato sauce or fish and chips from the local shop served on mismatched plates and watered-down juice poured into plastic cups.

Late night board games or card games would be played on a formica table with players seated on whatever chair, bench or stool they could pull up.

It was simple, it was care-free, and it was perfect. And families would return year after year, generation after generation, to relax and recharge.

Bach 78 Islington Bay Rangitoto Island Bookabach

Bach 78, Islington Bay, Rangitoto Island

Experience the bach life

The traditional Kiwi bach still exists, but there are now also beach houses and holiday homes across New Zealand that can be hired for an overnight stay, a weekend, or a full family holiday, opening up the dream of experiencing a Kiwi bach holiday to more families.

The essential elements of the Kiwi bach remain – relaxation, embracing the great outdoors, sharing fun, and spending time together away from the stresses of day-to-day life. There may be better facilities and a few more home comforts, but the bach is still a New Zealand icon that’s as Kiwi as chocolate fish and lime milkshakes at the end of a stunning summer’s day.

Stunning harbourfront bach Bookabach

Stunning little harbourfront bach, Whangarei Heads

Written by Kidspot NZ in partnership with Bookabach

Main image: Gorgeous character bach, Punakaiki

Read more

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Weet-Bix Little Kids Essentials

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Tried and tested by Kidspot parents

Kidspot parents gave Weet-Bix™ Little Kids Essentials an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5

Weet-Bix™ have been working on something very special for Kiwi kids … introducing Weet-Bix™ Little Kids Essentials!

Weet-Bix Little Kids Essentials has a unique and tailored blend of ingredients, including prebiotics, high in fibre, 3 wholegrains, 9 essential vitamins & minerals, and is low in sugar, plus it’s recommended by kid’s dietitians†! Look for it in the cereal aisle now!

Essential nutrition for growth and development‡

Weet-Bix™ Little Kids Essentials has nutrition that supports reaching healthy growth and development milestones. Includes 5 benefits for healthy growing kids:

    • Calcium for strong bones, teeth & muscles
    • VIT B1, Mg, Iron for sharp brain & cognition function
    • Folate, Zinc for strong natural immune defences
    • VIT B2, B3, B6 for active energy to grow, learn & play
    • Fibres for digestive & tummy regularity

Enjoy as part of a healthy diet.

For further information, please see Weetbix.co.nz

Weet-Bix™ Little Kids Essentials

Watch the video reviews now

We’ve given 100 members with kids aged 1 to 5 years the chance to trial and review Weet-Bix Little Kids Essentials. See some of their videos below or visit the Kidspot NZ  YouTube channel to view more.

Reviewer notes

  • If you have received product for review*, please check your inbox for full review instructions. Upload your video review to this Dropbox folder.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive:1x pack of Weet-Bix Little Kids Essentials and 1x Weet-Bix Little Kids Essentials cook + colouring book.
  • Please note that a video review is mandatory.
  • *By registering for this product trial, you agree to the terms and conditions.

Please note

  • If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile. Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date.
  • Not a member yet? Then sign up now.
  • Kidspot Terms and Conditions apply, including: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible plus supply a video review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name, postal address and contact phone number will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the product only.

Destination Guide: Northland

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Northland’s long summers and mild winters are ideal for family getaways. Jaw-dropping coastlines, stunning marine life, towering kauri forests, beautiful waterfalls, and stories of New Zealand’s history combine to create an unforgettable holiday destination.

Whether you’re planning to head away for a holiday or just want to escape on a mini-break, we’ve put together some of our favourite places to stay, eat and play so you can create some lasting memories with your family.

Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans. Regions and venues may have travel and access restrictions due to the Covid-19 Protection Framework.

Fun family experiences

Whether you’re looking for stunning scenery, amazing history, or fun activities, Northland has you covered.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Explore the two new contemporary museums, the carving studio, the Treaty House, Te Whare Rūnanga (Carved Meeting House), and traditional Māori waka taua (war canoes) at New Zealand’s most important historic site. Guided tours and cultural performances complete your experience.

See more

The Kauri Museum

The Kauri Museum

There’s so much to discover at this award-winning museum and a surprise at every turn! The extensive collection tells the story of New Zealand’s iconic kauri tree and the people that harvested the timber and kauri gum (juvenile amber).

see more

Kiwi North

Kiwi North

Home to Whangārei Museum, Kiwi House, and Heritage Park. The extensive museum features stories of tangata whenua, early settlers, and natural history. You can also see kiwi in a nocturnal habitat, plus tuatara and native geckoes. Then explore the Heritage Park’s Victorian buildings including a jail, a school, and an 1886 homestead.

See more

Discover the Bay Hole in the Rock Cruise

Discover the Bay

For the ultimate Bay of Islands experience, jump aboard this 3.5 hour cruise to see the famous Hole in the Rock and view dolphins and other marine life. An onboard nature guide provides insights and answers your questions. The trip includes a 1.5 hour stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island where you can explore, swim, or just relax!

See more

Waipu Horse Adventures

Waipu Horse Adventures

What better way to discover the laidback lifestyle and natural beauty of Northland than on horseback. Less than two hours north of Auckland, Waipu Horse Adventures welcomes riders of all levels including beginners. Riding your gentle four-legged companion, trek through bushland and on to the unspoilt shoreline of Bream Bay with spectacular scenery.

See more

Dune Rider - Cape Reinga Tour

Dune Rider Unique Tours

You could drive yourself up to Cape Reinga but why not let someone else take the wheel while you have all the fun! This exciting tour has multiple pickup points around the Far North, takes you right on to 90 mile beach, stops off at the Te Paki sand dunes for sandboarding (boards provided), Tapotupotu Bay for lunch (included), and then on to Cape Reinga, the most northern point in NZ.

See more

Free family activities

Even if you’re travelling on a budget, there are still so many experiences you can enjoy with your family. Northland boasts a lot of amazing beaches to be explored and we’ve picked the spots that you can visit for no charge.

Whangārei Falls

Just five minutes drive from the city centre, this scenic waterfall is 26 metres high and can be viewed from platforms above the falls, or a 30 minute loop track takes you through bush to the pool at the bottom.

Rainbow Falls

Northland has so many great waterfalls that we just had to squeeze in another! The short, easy walk to view the Rainbow Falls near Kerikeri is accessible by wheelchair. There are viewing platforms at the top, or wander along the riverbank to the base where there’s a popular swimming hole among the native bush.

Tāne Mahuta Walk

You will be truly astonished by the sheer size of New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree. Tāne Mahuta (God of the Forest) can be seen in the Waipoua Forest via an easy short walk that’s suitable for strollers.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Northland NZ (@northlandnz)

The Hātea Loop

This awesome walkway around the Whangārei Town Basin is fully accessible and features lots of interesting stops in an easy one hour loop. Along the way you will cross two unique bridges and see heritage panels and artistic sculptures. Set along the picturesque Hātea River there are cafes, shops, playgrounds, parks, a picturesque marina and even a clock museum to distract and amuse you. You can also cycle the loop!

Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail

A spectacular cross-country journey from the Bay of Islands to Hokianga Harbour, the Twin Coast Cycle Trail features relaxed riding and significant heritage sites and stories. Following a smooth rail trail, cycle paths, wetland boardwalk, suspension bridges and country roads, it can be ridden in either direction or broken into smaller day trips.

Puketi Nature Trail

The one hour boardwalk loop track is easy for children and leads through a kauri forest. Learn about NZ’s native flora with many native plants named along the way. There’s also a chance to see glow-worms in the evening. The Puketi Forest is around a 20 minute drive from Kerikeri.

Family-friendly eateries

Food really is an experience in Northland! Fill those rumbling tummies from a fantastic selection of places to eat. Here’s our top picks.

Mangonui Fish Shop

Locally caught fish and seafood are on the menu at this famous fish shop on the Mangonui Wharf in Doubtless Bay. Enjoy the freshest fish and chips and seafood snacks with the most amazing sea view.

Otehei Bay Cafe & Bar

Catch the ferry from Paihia and in around half an hour you can be enjoying a weekend lunch at this cafe on the beautiful Urupukapuka Island. Chill out on the bean bags or under the shady umbrellas and take in the amazing views.

Schnappa Rock

Book a table at this restaurant that is in a unique fale style building on the edge of the Tutukaka Harbour . The fish of the day is line caught locally and there’s a range of other main dishes, bar snacks and kids meals.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Otehei Bay (@oteheibay)

Madhatters Donna’s Cafe, Kaeo

This quirky little cafe in Kaeo is a treat for Alice in Wonderland fans. Stop in to for a big breakfast or a delicious tea-time treat and don’t forget to get a photo on the oversized rainbow-coloured chair. Open for breakfast and lunch every day.

Zane Grey’s Restaurant & Bar

This waterfront restaurant in Paihia has a unique attraction – a huge 66,000 litre aquarium with lots of underwater inhabitants for the kids to discover. All day dining is available overlooking the water for the ultimate Bay of Islands vibe.

Quail Café at Quarry Gardens

You will be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular location to enjoy breakfast or lunch! There’s also excellent coffee and delicious sweets at this tranquil stream-side café in Whangārei Quarry Gardens. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 3pm.

Suk Jai Thai Restaurant

For families who like Thai food, you can’t go wrong with this award-winning Whangārei restaurant. The great food is complemented by the enchanting surroundings.

The Rusty Tractor Café & Trading Store

This family café has a fantastic breakfast and lunch menu, plus cabinet food, locally-recommended coffee, and great options for kids. The kids will also love the large garden and play area, while you relax. Open 7 days a week, 8am to 3pm.

Where to stay

For family-friendly stays, we recommend checking out the below. Or search for more accommodation options at Northlandnz.com.

Whangarei TOP 10 Holiday Park

Whangārei TOP 10 Holiday Park

This spacious campground is bordered by a native NZ forest reserve and has access to riverside and bush walks, but is just 2 kms from the city centre. The kids will love the playground and games room and there’s great kitchen and BBQ facilities. Choose from self-contained units, cabins that sleep up to six, and powered and nonpowered campsites.

See more

Camp Waipu Cove

Camp Waipu Cove

Located right on the stunning white sand beach at Bream Bay, you can watch the sunrise, swim, play, surf, and fish. There’s also a multi-purpose sports surface, playground, and games room. Accommodation includes a bunkhouse, powered and unpowered campsites, as well as basic and self-contained cabins that sleep up to six.

See more

Copthorne Hotel And Resort Bay Of Islands

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands

Superb waterfront location, surrounded by subtropical gardens and adjacent to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Onsite facilities include a tennis court, spectacular free-form rock swimming pool, and restaurant. The guest rooms have individual patios or balconies with idyllic views and sleep up to four.

See more

Kauri Park Motel

Kauri Park Motel

An immaculate resort-style motel in central Kerikeri with daily serviced units and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy a swim in the pool or just relax in the park-like grounds and BBQ area. There’s a range of studio rooms for up to three people and a two bedroom apartment that sleeps up to six – all with access to a patio and subtropical gardens.

See more

Houhora Heads (Wagener) Holiday Park

Houhora Heads (Wagener) Holiday Park

How traditional NZ family camping holidays should be! Situated on the beautiful Houhora Harbour in the Far North, this pet-friendly holiday park features full camping amenities with a pool, plus kayaks, fishing gear, bikes, sand and body boards, and golf clubs for hire. A variety of cabins sleep up to six and there are powered and non-powered camping sites.

See more

Image credit: Main image and Waitangi Treaty Grounds – David Kirkland

Explore further

Written by Kidspot New Zealand in partnership with Northland Inc.

5 Family Holiday Destinations in Northland

Posted on by Julie Lankow

The subtropical region of Northland is a fantastic destination for a family getaway. The combination of history, cultural heritage, forests and stunning coastlines means that the region has a great range of holiday options.

To inspire your next holiday, we’ve curated five family escapes to showcase what Northland has to offer.

Our Northland Destination Guide has more information on things to see, places to stay, eat and play.

Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans. Regions and venues may have travel and access restrictions due to the Covid-19 Protection Framework.

1. From city to sea: Whangārei and the Tutukaka Coast

Poor Knights Islands

Whangārei is a great place to base the family for a holiday full of memories. The city’s Town Basin features a picturesque marina and nearby Whangārei Falls is a popular spot for a walk and picnic, while the summit of Mount Parihaka has a great lookout over the city. To the north east, the Tutukaka Coast is within easy reach and has the most beautiful white sandy beaches and world-class marine adventures at Poor Knights Islands.

Top picks:

  • Walk or cycle the Hātea Loop around the Whangārei Town Basin and follow the art and sculpture trail
  • Explore the Whangārei Quarry Gardens, a subtropical oasis created in a former stone quarry that will delight the senses
  • Kiwi North is the place to see NZ’s national icon, plus there is an interesting museum and heritage buildings to explore
  • Matapouri Bay on the Tutukaka Coast is just one of the beautiful beaches on this stunning coastline
  • A Perfect Day can take you on a cruise out to the Poor Knights Islands for snorkelling fun in this beautiful underwater world

Discover more to do in and around Whangārei and the Tutukaka Coast

2. Beautiful Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands SUP

Get away to the Bay of Islands for a family holiday that everyone will love. Bustling Paihia is the base for many tour operators who will get you out on the water to discover marine life, islands, and beautiful scenery. From Paihia, catch a passenger ferry to Russell, the historic first capital of New Zealand. This charming town has a wonderful esplanade of shops, cafés, restaurants, galleries and colonial architecture. The region is also rich in history and includes New Zealand’s most important historic site at Waitangi.

Top picks:

  • Take the 30 minute ferry ride from Paihia to idyllic Urupukapuka Island and explore the walking tracks on this recreational reserve, hire a kayak or paddleboard to get out on the water, or simply chill out on the beach.
  • Explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to see the contemporary museums, carving studio, Treaty House, carved meeting house, and traditional Māori waka.
  • Haruru Falls is particularly spectacular after rainfall and is easily accessed via a short track – or hire a kayak for an even better view.
  • Take a cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock and see dolphins and other marine life.

Discover more about the Bay of Islands

3. Historic Kerikeri

Kerikeri Mission Station

History, nature, and the good life combine in Kerikeri. Home to New Zealand’s oldest surviving stone building, there are beautiful gardens and a stunning waterfall, as well as art galleries, cafés and popular markets to explore. The Old Packhouse Market has fresh local produce and crafts on weekends as does the Sunday Farmers Market. Check what’s on at the Turner Centre, an impressive arts and and performance venue, and explore the  Puketi Nature Trail (20 minutes from Kerikeri), a one hour loop track, perfect for a family walk, through a kauri forest.

Top picks:

  • Rainbow Falls are just outside Kerikeri and the viewing platforms are easily reached via a short walk along the riverbank.
  • Meet some feathered friends at The Parrot Place where you can see 300 colourful birds from around the world.
  • Kerikeri’s Kororipo Heritage Park includes the historic Stone Store, Kemp House, Te Ahurea, and Kororipo Pa Site.
  • Have some putting fun with the family at Kerikeri Mini Golf.

Discover more about Kerikeri

4. Top of the North

Te Paki Sand Dunes

The “Top of the North” stretches up into the Pacific Ocean towards the iconic Cape Reinga and the meeting point with the Tasman Sea. The warm weather, sheer beauty of the region and family fun activities will have you coming back for more. Kaitaia is the largest town in the area and makes a great base for your Far North adventure.

The nearby Karikari Peninsula boasts beaches to rival the Caribbean and on the western side, Ahipara has dramatic sunsets, unspoilt beaches, and a rich history. On your travels be sure to stop in at the Te Kao Local Store for a legendary six scoop ice cream!

Top picks:

  • Make your way to the northernmost point of New Zealand and get your photo taken under the international signpost in front of the lighthouse at Cape Reinga.
  • Te Ahu in Kaitaia is a community hub that includes a museum to share the stories of this region and its people.
  • Grab a boogie board and get set for massive fun as you slide down the huge Te Paki Sand Dunes for a thrilling detour on your way back from Cape Reinga.
  • Ninety Mile Beach is an incredibly long strip of sandy beach that stretches up the western coast (though it’s only 55 miles long in reality). You can drive on the beach with a four-wheel drive vehicle but we recommend jumping on a tour so you can relax and enjoy the commentary and stories from the local guides.

Discover more to do at the Top of the North

5. The Kauri Coast & Hokianga

Omapere Wharf Hokianga

Northland’s west coast is where the first Māori set foot in New Zealand and is ideal for a family holiday with lots of activities on offer. Opononi, by Hokianga Harbour, is dominated by the sight of huge sand dunes while further south ancient kauri forests are home to some of New Zealand’s best known native giants. Check out the pre-historic rock formations, beautiful freshwater lakes, and interesting small settlements.

Top picks:

  • Take a beach walk two hours each side of low tide to see the immense round Koutu boulders.
  • Jump aboard Hokianga Express Charters and enjoy sandboarding on the giant sand dunes (free board use included).
  • Take a stroll through the Waipoua Forest to see NZ’s largest living kauri tree, Tāne Mahuta.
  • The crystal-clear freshwater Kai Iwi Lakes are ideal for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and watersports. Stay and play at Taharoa Domain campground.
  • The Kauri Museum in Matakohe tells the story of the area’s pioneering past through hands-on displays and has more than a few surprises.

Discover more about the Kauri Coast and Hokianga

Image credits: Kerikeri Mission Station, Bay of Islands SUP, & Omapere Wharf – Northland Inc; Main image – Canva; All other images – David Kirkland

Explore further

Written by Kidspot New Zealand in partnership with Northland Inc

The Classic Kiwi Family Holiday Bucket List

Posted on by Julie Lankow

There’s absolutely no doubt that Kiwis love their holidays and living in the best country in the world (we’re not at all biased) means that we have access to spectacular sights and attractions that can fill a family holiday with memories.

So what makes a classic Kiwi family holiday? Throughout New Zealand, there are wonderful things to see and do, so wherever you choose to base yourself for your holiday you’re going to have plenty of options for your bucket list. To help you choose where to go (and what you can do when you get there), we’ve picked out our classic Kiwi holiday essentials from some of our favourite regions.

Make it a classic Kiwi holiday

For decades Kiwis have been heading away to a bach, holiday home, or beach house for their family getaways. Staying in a holiday home adds to the laidback vibe of a classic Kiwi holiday by giving you a central base for your exploration with all the comforts of home – and possibly a few added extras (put me down for a pool and a spa!). There are lots of holiday homes to choose from around the country from beach havens to rural retreats and city apartments. Whether you return to a favourite destination or explore somewhere new, you’ll be making memories together.

Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans. 

Northland

Often referred to as the Winterless North, Northland’s temperate climate is ideal for family getaways. It’s stunning coastlines that stretch for miles (though not quite 90!), diverse marine life, towering kauri forests, waterfalls, and cultural heritage combine to create an unmissable destination.

Northland bucket list

  • Pose for a photo under the signpost at Cape Reinga
  • Slide down the sand dunes at Te Paki on Ninety Mile Beach
  • Stand under the mighty Tāne Mahuta in Waipoua Forest
  • Cruise to the Hole in the Rock in the Bay of Islands
  • Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Head to the golden sands of Matapouri Bay on the Tutukaka Coast
  • See Whangārei Falls or Kerikeri’s Rainbow Falls

Waikato

From bush-covered mountains and rolling green hills to awesome surf beaches, the Waikato has amazing attractions for families to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring underground caves or Hobbit holes, visiting the city of Hamilton, or meeting some furry friends, there’s something for everyone.

Waikato bucket list

  • Dine at the Green Dragon Inn at Hobbiton Movie Set
  • Float under a glowing sky at Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • See a kiwi at the Otorohanga Kiwi House
  • See over 600 native and exotic animals at Hamilton Zoo
  • Cycle or walk along the Waikato River trails and paths
  • Join the locals by making a splash from the Te Kopua estuary footbridge in Raglan
  • See two amazing waterfalls – Marokopa Falls and Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls

Bay of Plenty & The Coromandel

The Coromandel has long been a favourite destination for Kiwis wanting a laidback holiday with a beautiful coastline, historic sites, and fun family activities. The peninsula swoops round to the Bay of Plenty with it’s stunning beaches and the geothermal and cultural attractions of Rotorua.

Bay of Plenty & The Coromandel bucket list

  • Dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel
  • Be ‘world famous’ and take a snap with the giant L&P botttle in Paeroa
  • Walk to the summit of Mauao (Mount Maunganui)
  • View the Inferno Crater at Waimangu Volcanic Valley near Rotorua
  • See the world-famous Pōhutu Geyser at Te Puia in Rotorua
  • Watch the sun set in a mineral hot pool at Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa

Taupō & Tongariro

Magnificent Lake Taupō is the hub for all sorts of adventures including sailing trips, fishing, kayaking, and more. Further south, you can have a family snow day in season at Mt Ruapehu or explore Tongariro National Park.

Taupō & Tongariro bucket list

  • Hear the thunder of Huka Falls near Taupō
  • Kayak to Mine Bay Māori rock carvings on Lake Taupō
  • Bike or walk the Great Lake Pathway and get your photo taken at the #LOVETAUPO sign
  • See the volcanoes from the Desert Road
  • Ski, snowboard or sled at Whakapapa on Mt Ruapehu
  • Take high tea in the Chateau Tongariro
  • Get your photo taken with the Ohakune carrot

Wellington

Known as the coolest little capital in the world, Wellington is bursting with activities and attractions to entertain the whole family. The busy waterfront is where the locals hang out with harbour views, rollerblading, kayaking and ice-creams!

Wellington bucket list

  • Ride the Wellington Cable Car
  • Explore the Wellington Botanic Garden
  • Get an out of this world experience at Carter Observatory’s Space Place
  • See the harbour view from Mt Victoria
  • Take a Weta Workshop Tour for movie magic in Wellywood
  • Explore the waterfront on a shared bike from The Enormous Crocodile
  • Look for tuatara, see the kākā feeding and ride the lake boat at ZEALANDIA
  • Hand-feed the friendly giraffes at Wellington Zoo

Tasman & Marlborough

The top of the South Island is an awesome place for a family holiday. The great weather and amazing scenery mix with diverse activities and a relaxed vibe for a great place to visit again and again.

Tasman & Marlborough bucket list

  • Cross the Cook Strait by ferry through the Marlborough Sounds
  • Walk to the ‘Centre of New Zealand’ on Nelson’s Botanical Hill
  • Try out the world’s longest flying fox at Cable Bay Adventure Park near Nelson
  • Kayak in Abel Tasman National Park
  • Visit one of NZ’s best beaches, Kaiteriteri Beach
  • Go whale watching in Kaikōura
  • See seals at the Ohau Point Lookout north of Kaikōura

West Coast

The two most famous features of the dramatic West Coast of the South Island are its rugged natural beauty and its friendly locals. The unique geography of the 600km long and narrow coast and soaring mountains is not to be missed.

West Coast bucket list

  • See the blowholes in action at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
  • Step back in time to the goldrush days at Shanty Town Heritage Park
  • Get your photo taken at the Hokitika driftwood sign on the beach
  • Walk across a swingbridge through the Hokitika Gorge
  • View glaciers at Franz Josef or Fox Glacier
  • See the beautiful Fantail Falls in the Haast Pass
  • Gaze into the Blue Pools from a swingbridge in the Haast Pass

Canterbury

Canterbury’s varied landscape from Christchurch (the South Island’s biggest city) to the vast Canterbury Plains and the skifields at Mt Hutt makes it a great destination for a family holiday full of activities.

Canterbury bucket list

  • Zoom down the zipline at Christchurch Adventure Park
  • Ride the heritage tramcars in Christchurch
  • Go punting on Christchurch’s Avon River
  • Explore the boutique shops and galleries in Akaroa
  • Go stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve at Lake Tekapo
  • Enjoy a soak with a view at Tekapo Springs
  • Dine at The Hermitage with views of Aoraki Mount Cook
  • Ride the waterslides at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

Southern Lakes

The Southern Lakes region takes in some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in New Zealand – and it gives a good kick of adrenaline to boot! The resort towns of Queenstown and Wānaka both feature picturesque lakes for lots of water sports and fun activities. While Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, there’s a more sedate pace to be experienced in Fiordland.

Southern Lakes bucket list

  • Get your photo of “that Wānaka tree”
  • Complete the Puzzling World maze in Wānaka
  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
  • Ride the luge track from Queenstown’s Skyline Gondola
  • Take a jet boat ride on the Shotover River
  • Have your photo taken at Glenorchy wharf
  • See the amazing Glenorchy scenery from horseback
  • Spot dolphins and seals as well as towering Mitre Peak on a cruise through Milford Sound

Written by Kidspot NZ.

Read more

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Planning A Stress-free Family Reunion

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Family reunions can be a joyous way to reconnect with your relatives. Whether you make it a regular occurence or just for special occasions, we’ve got tips to help you organise and enjoy a stress-free and memorable reunion the whole family will enjoy.

The reasons to have a family reunion are varied. You may be getting together to celebrate a milestone or event, like a silver wedding anniversary or the birth of a baby. Or you may just be keen to keep in touch with extended family and share treasured moments together. It can even become something that your children or grandchildren continue for generations, sharing your family’s cultural heritage and traditions – and starting their own.

Although in our technological age we can usually “FaceTime” or message our family members at pretty much any time, physically being together to share stories, laughter, fun activities and good food is a wonderful way to create quality family moments.

Once you’ve decided that a family reunion is needed, getting the planning right will help to reduce the stress levels, assist in sharing the workload, and make the event a fun and relaxed time spent together.

Where to have your family reunion

Your reunion venue will depend on how many people will be attending, how long you are wanting to spend together, and what activities you want to do. Your own home, or that of another family member may be suitable, especially if it’s scheduled during the warmer months so the outdoors can be utilised. But being the host of a large gathering is not great for the stress levels!

For a more relaxed approach, our top tip is to book a holiday home or bach as your venue. This way, attendees can get away from work and home life distractions, one person isn’t landed with all of the hosting duties, and the holiday feel is conducive to fun and relaxation. Booking a holiday home is ideal if family need to travel as your accommodation and gathering venue can be all in one spot. You can choose a location that is central for travel or a favourite holiday spot with fun activities nearby that will suit a range of ages.

Reunion planning tips

Firstly, talk to those likely to be attending and work out preferred dates and venue locations, taking into consideration budgets. You will struggle to accommodate everyone’s preferred dates but the earlier you plan the better. Once you have a date set, decide on the location and work out any accommodation costs, so when you send out invites you can let your family know what to expect.

Once the RSVPs are in, book your venue, if required, and collect everyone’s share of the costs.

Other things you will need to consider and plan are:

  • What food and drink will be served, ie catered, potluck, shared costs, BBQ?
  • Kitchen and cooking facilities at the venue
  • Grocery supplies that will be needed
  • Will additional seating/tables be required?
  • Sleeping arrangements
  • Transport requirements (if family are flying in or need to get to alternative accommodation)
  • Activities and entertainment including gear required (see below)
  • A backup plan just in case inclement weather or travel issues occur

Unless you’re literally the hostess with the mostess, you will want to delegate responsibilities to other family members. Using a Facebook Group or an app like SignUpGenius.com can make this easier to handle. If you’re sharing the provision of food be sure that each contributor has an idea of what to bring, ie main course, salad, burgers and sausages for the BBQ, etc, otherwise you will end up with nothing but desserts (not that the kids will be complaining!).

Entertainment and activities

After the initial welcomes and hugs you don’t want your reunion to turn into a boring affair! Planning a few activities ahead of time will help to keep everyone entertained. What you choose will depend on the ages of your attendees, numbers, energy levels, your venue and time of year, but here are a few ideas:

  • Outdoor games, ie egg and spoon races, water balloons, scavenger hunts, croquet, cornhole
  • If you’re at a holiday home utilise the facilities, ie pool, spa, kayaks, etc
  • Card games and board games, charades and trivia
  • Puzzles and colouring
  • Dancing or a talent show
  • Ask each person to bring something to put in a time capsule
  • Baking (family recipes!)
  • Outdoor movie night with family movies or a favourite film
  • Create a family tree

If your reunion is over several days you may want to organise an outing or activity each day that most attendees can take part in, ie bushwalk, beach day, mini golf, etc. Don’t forget to let everyone know what’s planned so they can bring the appropriate clothing and gear.

Finally, don’t forget downtime for everyone to have the chance to simply relax or chat together.

A Christmas family gathering

Christmas in New Zealand is a great time to get the family together, with the great Kiwi summer offering lots of opportunities to create special memories with loved ones. Imagine sharing the joy of Christmas morning with all of the family (or close friends) gathered together to share present opening, great food, and fun games. Book a holiday home or bach for everyone to come together and you won’t have to be house hopping all of Christmas Day!

Recording your memories

You will likely want to document your reunion. You can ask attendees to upload photos that they take to a shared folder or cloud. You may also want to assign one or two of the tweens or teens to record some video interviews with each family member. A fun way to get people into photos is to set up a photo booth with a background and silly props, like hats, wigs, and sunglasses. This has the added advantage of doubling up as a fun activity.

Looking for a holiday home, bach or apartment for your next family get together? Bookabach has a range of properties around New Zealand in locations that will bring the family together. Visit bookabach.co.nz for more inspiration.

Read more

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Explore The World Without Leaving New Zealand

Posted on by Julie Lankow

With overseas travel being pretty much off the cards, more and more Kiwis are discovering the beauty and wonder in their own backyard. It really is true that you don’t have to leave this magnificent country to enjoy the best the world has to offer, with amazing activities and scenery right here in New Zealand.

Come with us as we show you how your family can “explore the world” without leaving New Zealand, to create special holiday memories.

Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans. Regions and venues may have travel and access restrictions due to the Covid-19 Protection Framework.

Beaches, glaciers, and natural wonders

New Zealand’s natural landscape and excellent tourist destinations offer some of the world’s best sights and attractions.

Aotearoa has golden sandy beaches that would rival anything you can find on the Gold Coast. Head to Tutukaka’s Matapouri Bay, Bay of Plenty’s Mount Maunganui, or Cathedral Cove in The Coromandel, for beaches you will never want to leave.

Moving on from those warm sandy beaches, discover the coolest ice without a trip to Iceland. Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier are just two of New Zealand’s wonders that are among the most accessible anywhere in the world.

The Clay Cliffs near Omarama, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hokitika Gorge, and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks are just some of the destinations that offer those “wow” moments to rival any worldwide natural wonder.

Hawaii is famous for its volcanoes, but the volcanoes in Tongariro National Park are in a rare Unesco Dual World Heritage site, while Rotorua’s geothermal activity puts Yellowstone National Park in its place. And forget Switzerland’s Lake Geneva, the lakes at Taupō, Tekapo and Wānaka have the most stunning vistas.

After all that exploring, you deserve some time to relax. Sydney may have famous oceanside pools, but you can soak away your stresses at the St Clair Hot Saltwater Pool on Dunedin’s coast, the Mount Hot Pools in Mount Maunganui, or Polynesian Spa in Rotorua with a view out over the lake.

Fiord cruising

The scenic beauty of the Scandinavian fjords are matched by the beauty of the New Zealand region that’s named specifically for them – Fiordland! Doubtful Sound and the famous Milford Sound can be explored by boat or kayak. Southern Discoveries offer a range of Milford Sound cruises featuring views of waterfalls, marine life, and towering Mitre Peak.

Surfs up!

Surfer dudes may love the waves in California and Hawaii but New Zealand has plenty of great surfing beaches too. Piha on Auckland’s west coast, Raglan in the Waikato and Whangamatā on The Coromandel are are just some of the best places to hang ten. At Westport’s Tauranga Bay, West Coast Surf offer surf lessons with a local legend, or hire a board if you’re ready to hit the waves.

West Coast Surf

Blue lagoon

Bora Bora eat your heart out! The Coromandel has a secret – a beautiful hidden lagoon at Whenuakura Island. Surfsup in Whangamatā offer guided kayak tours to the island for an experience to share.

Whenuakura Island

Hitting the slopes

Give the Swiss Alps a miss and get your skis on at one of New Zealand’s world-class skifields. In the North Island, Tūroa and Whakapapa ski fields can be found at Mt Ruapehu. In the South Island, NZ Ski have a range of ski and snowboard packages, lift passes, lessons, and rental options at some of the best skifields – Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt.

NZ Ski

Image credit: Miles Holden

Stunning places to visit

As well as natural beauty, New Zealand also has a wonderful array of man-made attractions. Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere and offers magnificent views across Auckland. Hamilton Gardens has themed gardens to rival any international botanical collection and New Zealand even has its very own castle! Pretend to be a Lady or Lord at Larnach Castle in Dunedin with beautiful gardens and impressive views from the turrets. Or discover a multitude of Kiwi towns with quirky or just massive icons, like the L&P bottle in Paeroa or the corrugated-iron sheep and dog buildings in Tirau!

Larnach Castle

Forest trails

California has redwoods – we’ve got them too! Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest has trails through the redwood trees for walking or mountain biking. Waipoua Forest in Northland is home to magnificent kauri including the largest of them all, Tāne Mahuta, while Fiordland National Park is the largest of New Zealand’s national parks and is one of the most dramatic and beautiful destinations in Aotearoa. Near Hokitika, you can explore the rainforest at the West Coast Treetop Walk, an exhilarating treetop adventure along a steel platform 20 metres above the forest floor.

West Coast Treetop Walk

Image credit: Miles Holden

Crystal-clear water

Canada has amazing clear water lakes, but Rotomairewhenua (also known as Blue Lake) in Nelson Lakes National Park is recognised as being the clearest body of water in the world! You will also find stunning clear water at Te Waikoropupū Springs in Takaka and Blue Spring in the Waikato. Just one hour from Wānaka is the stunning glacier-fed Blue Pools which can be seen after an easy walk from the Haast Pass and across a swing bridge.

Become a Kiwi Guardian! Print off the Blue Pools adventure map before you head out, then find the Kiwi Guardian post and submit the special code word on it to receive a Kiwi Guardians certificate and medal.

Blue Pools

Wilderness adventures

South America has some of the world’s most amazing wilderness, but over 10% of the land area in New Zealand has been set aside for national parks so we’ve got outdoor adventures covered! Explore the beautiful Queen Charlotte walking track in the Marlborough Sounds, paddle the stunning waters of Abel Tasman National Park, or be treated to an alpine wonderland in Mount Aspiring National Park. For more fun than you can shake a stick at, Dart River Adventures Funyaks near Queenstown offers an unmissable adventure with a thrilling jet boat ride and a leisurely float through some of NZ’s stunning wilderness.

Dart River Funyaks

Movie magic

Move over Hollywood! Although we’re tucked away, some say at the bottom of the world (although Māori belief has us at the top), Kiwis still make a huge impact on the international stage with filming and production of blockbuster films and TV series taking place regularly around the country. Lord of the Rings is probably the most famous movie franchise filmed here and you can check out the filming locations in multiple places around NZ including the famous Hobbiton Movie Set. At Auckland’s Wētā Workshop Unleashed you can immerse yourself in Wētā’s creativity. They’ve created a sensational visitor experience that shares their creative world and also teaches you how to join in the fun.

Thrillseekers

For years Kiwis have found exhilarating ways to get the adrenaline pumping. From ziplining through the forest canopy in Rotorua and bungy jumping in Queenstown, to jet boating on New Zealand’s beautiful rivers, there’s plenty of scream-inducing fun on offer. Not forgetting New Zealand’s premier theme park, Rainbow’s End, for the biggest rides and happiest smiles. But if the idea of jumping into a giant inflatable ball and rolling down a hill is more up your alley, then ZORB Rotorua is the place for you!

ZORB

Main image credit: Tourism New Zealand

See more

Written by Kidspot New Zealand

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

10 Ways To Stay Healthy In Winter

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Before the rounds of ills and chills start to ramp up with the onset of winter, get ahead of the game with our 10 ways to stay healthy and get your family on the track to winter wellness.

Tip #1: Consider your diet

Food is our body’s fuel and as such, it can have a big influence on our health. When the winter bugs start going around, boost your diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially those containing vitamin C and other beneficial vitamins and minerals. Here you will find a comprehensive list of immunity boosting foods. Cook with herbs and spices plus garlic, onion, ginger, curry powder, turmeric, and black peppercorns for an immunity boost.

Tip #2: Keep up the exercise

A moderate level of regular exercise, especially aerobic workouts, can help your immune response and reduce both the number of sick days and the severity of illnesses. Don’t want to brave the sideways rain? Work out at the gym or even at home.

The best motivator for exercise is to share it with someone else so get the kids into the backyard for a game of footy, take a walk with the dog, or try out a new dance class with a friend.

Tip #3: Wash those hands

During winter we cough and sneeze a lot more than at other times so there’s a lot more potential for germs to make their way from person to person. Help stop germs from spreading through regular hand washing. Wash with soap for at least 20 seconds and dry thoroughly.

Coughs and sneezes are better to be kept away from the hands so cover your mouth with the crook of your arm instead. And ditch those used tissues!

Tip #4: Sleep well

Our lives are so busy and we’re on the go, seemingly 24/7. But a good eight hours sleep each night for adults (and more for growing kids) will really help your immune system, as being run-down leaves you more susceptible to illness. If you’re having trouble getting to sleep, a bedtime routine can help.

Turn lights down low when bedtime is approaching, avoid caffeine, read a book and avoid the bright glare of those smartphone and tablet screens.

Tip #5: Get a flu shot

The flu jab or vaccine is available from either your GP or some pharmacies. If you are over 65, pregnant, or have a medical condition that puts you at greater risk of influenza (such as heart disease or asthma), you can get the vaccine for free. For others, the vaccine costs around $25 to $45. Find our more on the Fight Flu website.

Tip #6: Don’t isolate yourself (unless you’re sick!)

It may seem backwards but broadening your social network can actually help keep you healthy. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University discovered that college students with larger social networks produced more flu-fighting antibodies after an influenza vaccine, than those who frequented smaller groups.

So get out there and socialise. Choose something fun to do together and you will also benefit from the best medicine of all – laughter! Of course, if you do come down with an illness during the winter months, try to contain yourself as much as possible to avoid spreading it to others.

Tip #7: Keep hydrated

You know you really should drink more water … it’s the message behind so many health discussions! Our bodies need to be hydrated to function efficiently and to keep our immune system in top shape. Water is best but you can also drink herbal teas (especially green tea for its detox effects). Just try to stay away from those sugary drinks and keep alcohol intake in check.

Tip #8: Reduce stress

Stress that is ongoing for a long period of time can affect our immunity system, leaving us more susceptible to colds and flu. Reducing stress levels increases infection-fighting antibodies, so make the most of opportunities to destress.

Yoga, exercise, reading a book, socialising with friends, even just a few minutes of meditation can all help to lower your stress levels.

Tip #9: Get some sun

When our skin is exposed to sunlight it produces vitamin D, which has the ability to modulate our immunity responses. We are lucky in this country that we still see a good amount of sunshine, even in the winter months. So make the most of opportunities to enjoy that sunshine. Always remember to be sun smart when outdoors, even in winter.

Tip #10: Prepare your home for winter

Insulation, an efficient heating system, and a warm and dry home can go a long way to keeping you and your family healthy during the colder months. Tick off our checklist of ways to prepare your home for winter and make sure that you’re ready for the cold, wind and rain.

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Home Renovations On A Budget

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Whether you have big renovation plans that will transform your home, or you want to do a small project for just one room, there are ways to keep the costs down.

Once you’ve assessed how much you have to spend and what you want to achieve, keep the budget under control with our tips.

Before you start renovations

If you have big plans, you will no doubt be keen to get your renovations underway as soon as possible. But there is a lot to be said for living in your home for at least a few months, preferably over the course of a year to experience your home in each season. This helps you to understand exactly which areas in your home are not meeting your family’s needs, which rooms are cooler or warmer than others, and how your home could be improved successfully.

  • Prioritise what you need, then what you want, what can be done later on, and what would be better to include now to minimise disruption or cost later on.
  • Talk to the experts – architects, engineers, builders, etc. While there will be an upfront expense, they could save you a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes.
  • Consider whether you will live in your home during renovations or move out for a while. Work can usually be actioned on a faster timescale when occupants and their belongings aren’t “in the way”, but the cost of other accommodation may cancel out the saving (unless you can get a sweet deal staying with family!).

Plan to save

Plan, plan, plan! Renovations are usually a major expense so plan as much as you can to get it right first time.

  • Keeping the same footprint (ie, not extending your home) will keep renovation costs lower. So if you are able to rejig your layout and still achieve what you want, all the better.
  • Not having to make major changes to your plumbing layout will also save money so keeping the bathroom, laundry and kitchen facilities in a similar space is preferable.
  • Get right down into the details. Hunt down the fittings, fixtures, materials, and appliances that you want and ensure that your builder, plumber, and electrician are fully aware of your exact requirements, right down to where switches will go, what type of lights you want, what floor coverings you want, the height of your vanity, etc.
  • Consider low-cost alternatives to high-end finishes. For instance, you can get the look of a wood floor by using laminate flooring or a tiled floor using vinyl.
  • Standardising as much as you can will save on time-sucking workarounds. Cabinets, appliances, wall linings, curtains, etc, all have standard sizes which tend to be cheaper than having to pay for customisation.
  • Repurpose as much as you can – upcycling existing furniture will save you heaps. Buying second-hand online or from building recyclers or salvage yards is a great way to get something unique for a lower cost.
  • Reusing building materials like cladding and windows will be cheaper than buying new but remember that they often require some time to be cleaned up and prepared for reuse and may not always be suitable.

During renovations

You’ve planned everything out, now it’s time to get the work underway!

  • Ensure that you have your timing and purchases in order. Making sure that your tradies have what they need on site will save on delays or them having to make unnecessary return trips. Know the stages for any council inspections and keep everyone in the loop.
  • Call on your friends and family to help. You may have a few tradies in your friends group. While you will still need to pay them (unless you’re able to offer them your own expertise in return), they may be more willing to work with flexible timelines. For smaller jobs, getting a bunch of friends together for a painting session or a particular project may be something you can get everyone on board for in return for a few pizzas and refreshments!
  • Doing as much as you can yourself will save on labour costs. Hardware stores and YouTube are great resources for guides on how to do simple jobs like plastering, painting, installing floor coverings, etc. Even doing your own demo and cleanup can save you money. Do remember that some jobs must be done by qualified tradespeople, including electrical work – and the expertise that a good tradie can offer is a worthy investment.
  • Measure twice, cut once! Avoid costly mistakes by ensuring that your measurements are correct.
  • Avoid buying too much paint by measuring your room and checking with your local paint store as to how much you will need. Allow a little extra for touch-ups.
  • If you only need a small amount of paint to finish a job, or part of a roll of underlay, etc, check out what’s available in your local community on Facebook Marketplace or TradeMe. Often people sell off remnants from their own projects for a reduced price or even for free just to get rid of it.
  • Anything that you remove or have left over that’s still usable can be sold online to offset your costs too.

Renovations on a tight budget

When you want to revamp a room but your budget is severely limited, there are simple things that you can do to achieve a new look.

  • Can’t afford new carpet? Sanding and staining your floorboards can improve the look of a room. A big statement rug can bring in some personality and warmth or cover up the less ideal spots.
  • A new paint job can give any room an instant makeover. Consider the feeling that you want in the room and how colour can help you achieve that look.
  • If you really want some pattern on the walls but can’t afford to do the whole room, wallpapering a feature wall can have a big impact.
  • New lighting can make a massive difference to a room, giving you task lighting where needed, stylish decor, or added ambience. Even the lightbulb colour you choose can make a difference. Choose a “warm” white for lounges and bedrooms for added cosiness.
  • For a kitchen refresh, if your cabinets are structurally sound, you could just change or recoat the doors and drawers. Changing handles or lighting, a benchtop or adding shelves can also bring a new look.
  • Artwork is a simple way to revamp boring walls. Use a collection of interesting frames and fill them with favourite photos to create a focus point in a bland hallway.
  • Old furniture can be updated by repainting or covering in adhesive vinyl which comes in a range of colours and patterns.

See more:

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Why You Need To Future-proof Your Family’s Finances

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Promotion for Cigna Life Insurance

According to a recent survey of Kidspot readers, a priority for parents was to find ways to save money and be better at budgeting. While there are lots of ways to achieve this, it’s important as you rethink your budget that you also consider protecting your family’s financial wellbeing, especially if something were to happen to you or your partner.

Life insurance offers some financial stability at a difficult time, but often it is thought of as a nice-to-have option rather than a budgeting priority.

Why you should include life insurance in your budget

We know it’s a topic that’s hard to talk about, but consider what would happen if you or your partner were no longer around to provide an income or support for the family? Some important questions to ask yourself and to talk about with your partner are:

  • How would you pay for your mortgage or rent, stay on top of bills, pay for day to day expenses, etc?
  • Would you need to go out to work and subsequently pay for childcare?
  • Would you have to move out of your home at a time when children may need stability?
  • Do you want to be thinking about bills during a stressful time for your family?
  • How will you pay for funeral expenses?
  • How important is your family’s financial stability for their future?

When you have children, protecting your loved ones (and yourself) is more important than ever. Life Insurance can be a financial safety net that provides for those who depend on you if you were to pass away.

Plan for the future

We often set aside money in our family budget to save up for things like a family holiday or new car. Regularly saving a small amount towards a goal is a great budget tip. You can do the same with life insurance to protect the future you are building with your family. With life insurance in place, it means you can plan confidently for the future and live life to the fullest, knowing that your loved ones will have some financial stability.

There are several options when choosing life insurance. You can choose ‘cover’ that pays out when the insured person passes away, or even when they are diagnosed with a terminal illness, dependant on the terms of the policy. The money paid out can be used towards the cost of the funeral, to help with housing expenses, or to support the family for the future.

You may want to keep things simple and just get life insurance that you can sort out yourself online, or you may want life insurance that’s more tailored to your family’s needs and prefer to speak to a qualified and trusted adviser. With Cigna Life Insurance, it’s simple to work out the cover that’s right for you.

Book a call with Cigna or an independent adviser

Is life insurance affordable?

Any mention of insurance premiums can send even the best budget planner into a tailspin! But the idea that life insurance premiums are sky high is a misconception. You choose the level of cover you need which helps to keep premiums at an affordable level. Basic cover could cost you as little as $15 a fortnight. That’s less than an extra-large family pizza or tickets to the movies. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and something that you can squeeze into that budget.

Don’t put it off

We understand that parenting is a full-time gig, and it can be hard to find the time to get finances and insurance sorted (let’s face it, it can be hard just getting through the mountain of washing!). Thankfully, getting your cover sussed with Cigna could take less time than you think. A quick call with the Cigna team or an independent adviser can steer you in the right direction and you can set it up at a time that suits you. Even more time-poor? Get an instant quote in the time it takes to microwave that cup of coffee for the third time!

Get an instant quote from Cigna

Written by Kidspot NZ for Cigna

See more:

Bargain Box Choice

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Star rating

Tried and tested by Kidspot parents

4.6 out of 5: Kidspot parents were pleased with Bargain Box Choice and would purchase it again or recommend it to their friends and family.

It’s choice for kids!

The team at My Food Bag have just launched Bargain Box Choice, giving Kiwi families more choice in their meal-kit options.

Bargain Box Choice delivers family favourite recipes at bargain prices, with everything you need delivered to your door by New Zealand’s cheapest meal-kit – and now with added choice for those fussier family members.

What type of food can I typically expect in a Bargain Box Choice delivery?

Every week you can choose from eight recipes packed with goodness that will make you go WHOA! The amazing Bargain Box chefs and taste testers create meals the whole fam will love. They’re packed with plenty of veggies (perfect for growing bodies!), have easy-to-follow instructions, and are super tasty, too!

There will be a selection of proteins to choose from each week i.e. some chicken dinners, some beef etc. as well as two vegetarian meals.

Bargain Box chicken and eggs are free-range, they use sustainably caught fish, and source as many veggies and other ingredients as possible from local suppliers.

Bargain Box Choice options

Bargain Box Choice is available for three, four, or five nights per week and comes in three sizes:

Serves 2: Great for a couple, or 2 adults with a young child
Serves 4: Feeds 4 adults/teens, or 2 adults and 3 kids
Serves 6: Feeds 6 adults/teens, or great for big families

Find out more at BargainBox.co.nz.

Read the reviews below!

We’ve given 25 families the opportunity to trial and review the new Bargain Box Choice.

  • If you have received product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment. Upload your review photos to this Dropbox folder.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive Bargain Box Choice meals for 3, 4, or 5 nights (your choice).
  • In order to arrange delivery of your trial pack, you will need to register with bargainbox.co.nz. Details will be sent to you if you are selected for the trial.
  • JOIN the Kidspot NZ Product Trials Facebook page and keep an eye out for review updates
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to post photos of the product/meals as part of your review.

Please note

  • If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address in your Bargain Box registration.
  • Not registered for Kidspot Product Trials yet? Then sign up now.
  • Kidspot Terms and Conditions: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible plus supply a review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name and email address will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the product and/or order code.
  • Click here for full Terms and Conditions.

See photos from our reviewers below

Bargain Box Choice

Bargain Box Choice

Bargain Box Choice

Bargain Box Choice

Bargain Box Choice

Bargain Box Choice

Bargain Box Choice

Bargain Box Choice

Bargain Box Choice

Modibodi RED Period Underwear for Tweens & Teens

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Tried and tested by Kidspot parents

4.8 out of 5: Kidspot parents/teens were pleased with Modibodi RED period underwear and would recommend them to their friends and family.

Modibodi RED’s signature Hipster Boyshort style, with MAX absorbency for very heavy periods, overnight, or up to 24 hour* wear, provides full protection from the front-to-back waistband, which means zero fear of leaks to clothes, PJs or sheets!

Designed to completely replace pads and tampons, the Hipster Boyshort in Maxi-24hrs absorbency is your new best friend!

* Patent pending Maxi-24hrs tech has been tested to hold up to 50ml per day, the average woman loses 2 to 3 tablespoons or 30-50ml of blood over 5 days.

FAQ’s

What does it feel like wearing them?

Just like regular underwear! The tech-enabled absorbent gusset was designed to be comfy and discreet, never bulky or heavy. Just pop a pair on and go!

Do I wear these with a tampon, cup or pad?

Modibodi are a complete replacement for other leak management products. There is no need to use anything else in conjunction with them, even on your heaviest days. With absorbency options ranging from super light through to maxi-24hrs, you can feel confident every day, flow or no flow!

What size am I?

We recommend referring to the Size Guide here to find your fit.

Do I need to wash them before wear?

Yes, we recommend putting them through the wash before the first time you wear them to help to activate the technology in the gusset.

Care guide

Step 1. Wash before wear! We recommend popping them in the wash before the first wear to activate the tech in the gusset.
Step 2. Rinse in cold water after use <30° Do not soak, just rinse until the water runs clear!
Step 3. Cold wash (now or later). In a delicates bag is even better!
Step 4. Hang dry. Reuse. Repeat! Go you eco warrior!
Step 5. Hold the fabric softener. This reduces the product’s function!

Find out more at modibodi.co.nz.

Read the reviews for Modibodi RED below!

We gave 15 members with a tween or teen the opportunity to trial and review Modibodi RED Period Underwear. See their photos below and scroll down to read more reviews.

  • Modibodi RED
  • Modibodi RED
  • Modibodi RED
  • Modibodi RED
  • Modibodi RED

Wow what a game changer!! My 13 year old daughter loves her Modibodi Red period underwear! She experiences very heavy periods and usually changes her pads up to 4 x a day and has sadly had to deal with leaks before. Since using the 24 hr Modibodi Red underwear she has not had to change underwear during the day and pads are a thing of the past! She also feels 100% confident when playing netball now.

AshleyPaigeM

Complete game changer. [Our teen] used to wear both a tampon with a pad for security! She said she slept all night and was surprised to see there was no leakage in the morning. She decided to try with her school uniform and has since asked we purchase more so she never has to use a pad again. We are very happy and are looking forward to spending way less on sanitary items. The security of not leaking on heavy days gives her peace of mind she won’t be subject to any embarrassing moments.

Purpleducks1

These have been a game changer. So much stress and anxiety has been removed from our daily lives so thank you so much for the opportunity to trial these As a mum, I am super impressed with how easy they are to clean and how quickly they dry and to see my daughter smiling on period days and watch her confidence return has been an emotional experience.

Mary110370

Reviewer notes

  • If you have received product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment. Upload your review photos to this Dropbox folder.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive 1 x Black Hipster Boyshort (Maxi-24hrs absorbency) in the size of their choice (subject to availability).
  • JOIN the Kidspot NZ Product Trials Facebook page and keep an eye out for review updates
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to post photos of the products as part of your review however we do not expect tweens/teens to be photographed wearing the product.

Please note

  • If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile.
  • Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date.
  • Not registered yet? Then sign up now.
  • Kidspot Terms and Conditions: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible plus supply a review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name and postal address will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the voucher only.
  • Click here for full Terms and Conditions.

Meet The Author & Illustrator Of The Rainbow In My Heart

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Sponsored content

Experiencing emotions and learning what they mean can be a challenge for kids. That’s why author Jessica Urlichs and illustrator Rebekah Ballagh created The Rainbow In My Heart, an accessible and engaging rhyming picture book that illuminates the rainbow of feelings that live in our heart.

We all have lots of feelings, it’s OK to let them show.
They all live in our heart, as our very own rainbow.

What does your body do when you’re sad or angry? How do you show someone you’re proud? For children, experiencing new emotions and understanding them are two vastly different things. In The Rainbow In My Heart Jessica and Rebekah explore emotions through the use of wonderous rhyme and evocative illustrations to help little ones express their feelings. Also a qualified counsellor, Rebekah has provided notes for parents and teachers at the back of the book to help caregivers start conversations around understanding, identifying and navigating emotions.

The Rainbow In My Heart

To understand more, Kidspot talked to Jessica and Rebekah about the creation of the book.

Meet the author: Jessica Urlichs

Jessica Urlichs

Jessica Urlichs shot to stardom on social media with her honest and heartfelt poetry centering around her family and motherhood. Jessica met her husband in Australia where they lived together for many years and are now raising their children in New Zealand. She continues to connect with the world with her writing via Instagram. Follow her @jessurlichs_writer.

Kidspot: Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you to write this book?

Jessica: I was inspired to write this book because of my three year old son and his big feelings. He is a deep thinker and we get so much enjoyment out of reading together so I wanted something that was going to be accessible, poetic, fun, colourful and would help him unpack his feelings. I also wanted something that was engaging for us both, it can be so hard to express feelings! Even as adults! That’s why there’s also a parent section at the back of the book, by Rebekah which really provides a space to keep the discussion going after the story has ended.

Kidspot: How did you select the colours that represent the different emotions?

Jessica: It was a little difficult at first because some colours to emotions may be more obvious than others so I went back and forth a bit with my ideas. But in the end I closed my eyes and just wrote down what I visualised. So when I imagined being angry and clenching fists and stomping feet I thought of frustration and fire and lava, so I built on that scenario with orange. With calm I imagined a bubble bath, fluffy clouds, deep breaths and lavender, so that scene unfolded and calm became purple. And obviously there are many more!

Kidspot: The book deals with the full spectrum of emotions – did you find any of them to be hard to put into words that children will understand?

Jessica: It was something I worried about initially, but I just thought of my children, I knew that they were having trouble understanding their big feelings and I realised simply having words to attach to those emotions would be a huge breakthrough, and it was. So this is the key theme throughout, but I wanted to incorporate metaphors to explore their imagination, because feelings are complicated sometimes and it can be nice to look at them in a more engaging way. I think between the words and the pictures they tell a story that every child will be able to see themselves in while they learn.

Kidspot: What outcomes do you hope will come about from parents/caregivers sharing this book with their child?

Jessica: Ultimately I hope this helps with their child’s emotional regulation by simply telling an engaging story. There are so many emotions and some young children only know how to express a few, like happy, sad or mad, so I hope this expands their vocabulary and they feel less frustration around their feelings. I hope it it becomes a great resource for further discussions and that it makes for an enjoyable and fun read for both.

Meet the illustrator: Rebekah Ballagh

Rebeka Ballagh

Rebekah Ballagh is a talented illustrator as well as being passionate and dynamic mental health counsellor. She created the hugely popular Instagram community Journey to Wellness as a platform for wellbeing, mental health advocacy and self-care. Join her @journey_to_wellness_.

Kidspot: Tell us about how your background as a counsellor helped with the illustrations?

Rebekah: My aim with my illustrations is make mental health tools and information accessible and digestible. So the characters I draw are all meant to be approachable, non-threatening and clearly show emotions to help build emotional literacy. I sort of “fell into” illustration really … I started off illustrating therapuetic concepts and tools and posting them on my Instagram page @journey_to_wellness_  to help my clients, and it sort of exploded from there. So I guess people do find the illustrations help make the information easier to understand. Most people are visual learners, so illustration is a great way to connect and learn.

Kidspot: Did you find it difficult to illustrate any particular emotion?

Rebekah: Not really! I’ve spent a lot of time developing emotional resources, feelings charts etc and have a resource where I illustrated 72 different characters each expressing different emotions, so I’ve had a bit of practice. Emotions can be shown through eyebrows, eyes, mouth, body language and posture etc, so there are many ways to show different emotions to help people understand and identify the feelings the characters (and themselves) may be experiencing.

Kidspot: Do you see this as a book that kids will pick up and read for themselves as well as sharing with a parent or caregiver?

Rebekah: Absolutely! I often find my own wee girl flicking through the pages or through emotional literacy resources I’ve made, and she’s not quite two yet! She will proudly exclaim “happy!” or “angry!” And I can see her showing empathy for the sad looking characters.

It’s an easy book for kids to read or look at the pictures themselves and then of course its always lovely to read with a parent/caregiver. Reading it with a parent also offers the opportunity to use the questions in the parent section I included in the back. It opens up more discussions and helps little ones explore their own emotions. Mikah, my daughter, and I act out different emotions and have a lot of fun with it.

Kidspot: What advice do you have for parents/caregivers who may find it difficult to talk about particular emotions?

Rebekah: Our children learn about emotions and how to handle them through watching us model both how we deal with our own emotions and how we respond to theirs. Though it may feel difficult to manage certain emotions, like anger, shame or sadness, the more we practice it the easier it gets. Allowing space for all emotions to ‘just be’ helps not only our kids, but ourselves to process these things.

Remember, you don’t have to ‘fix’ anything when your child is having big emotions. You can help them by simply naming and acknowledging an emotion; “you’re feeling really sad”, “you’re angry because I won’t let you stay up late tonight” etc. This validates and shows empathy. You can ask older children “what do you need?” Or say things like “when I feel sad I like to snuggle up with a warm blanket and a hot cholcolate, would you like to try that?”. You can model strategies like deep breathing or you can talk to them about your own experience such as, “mummy got really angry then and yelled, I’m sorry about that, next time I’ll work on taking big breaths and helping myself to calm down before I talk to you.”

The Rainbow In My Heart

To find out more about The Rainbow In My Heart or to purchase, visit Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand.

See more:

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

How To Remove Common Stains

Posted on by Julie Lankow

The one thing I have tried most often on stained kids’ clothes is … hope! I’m sure I’m not the only one who just throws the kids’ stuff in with the rest of the laundry in the vain hope that every stain will be magically removed by my washing machine fairies – only to discover the fairies must have been on strike as the stain is still glaringly obvious.

When it comes to cleaning up your kids’ spills, smears and streaks, you sometimes need a bit more than hope. Whether it’s beetroot on shirts or glitter on the carpet, Kidspot has the solution with advice to remove stains from all types of fabrics and surfaces.

Stain remover notes

  • The quicker you deal with a stain, the more likely you are to remove it.
  • Unless it’s a fat stain, cold water is best for rinsing a stain, so as not to set it and make it harder to remove later.
  • Before using a cleaning solution, test on an inconspicuous section, such as the inside of a sleeve, to check it won’t ruin the fabric.
  • Always rinse out one cleaning solution before trying another to remove a stain as certain chemicals are not supposed to be mixed.
  • Read the care instructions on the item of clothing before attempting vigorous stain removal. Some clothing may be too delicate to attempt stain removal and are better taken straight to the drycleaners.
  • Don’t rub fabric harshly to remove stains as this can abrade fibres and cause fading.
  • The white towel blotting method is often recommended for stain removal. Simply fold a clean white towel and, once you have treated the stain with water, gently dab it with the towel and check to see how much of the stain has transferred to the white towel.
  • If using commercial stain removers and detergents, always follow the product label to understand the proper use and safety precautions you may need to take.
  • It’s always easier to treat a stain on a washable fabric.

Find out how to remove these stains

Find more housework solutions

Fun Easter Craft Ideas from Spotlight

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Make the most of those DIY skills you picked up during Easter lockdown last year and create these cute-as crafts, courtesy of Spotlight.

There’s an easy-to-sew Glitter Poplin Easter Sack for a gorgeous way to collect all those eggs found on the Easter egg hunt. Or for those with Easter treats in mind, the Chocolate Bunny Lollipops are just the thing.

Glitter Poplin Easter Sack

WHAT YOU’LL NEED per bag 

  • 30cm of 112cm wide Glitter Print Poplin
  • 30cm of 112cm wide Glitter Print Poplin –  contrast print
  • 16cm square of fusible medium/heavy Pallon
  • 80cm of 3-6mm wide Ribbon
  • Scissors, Pins, Safety Pin,Tape Measure/Ruler
  • Sewing Machine, Sewing Thread
  • Iron

INSTRUCTIONS 

Ears: 

Step 1 – From template* provided: Cut 2x ears from both of the Glitter Print Poplin  fabrics. Cut 2x ears from fusible Pallon. Fuse  wadding pieces to the back of two of the fabric  ears.

Step 2 – With right sides facing, pin and sew  ears together leaving the base of the ear open.  Trim wadding back to the seam stitching. Trim  and clip corners and turn ears right way out.  Press ears flat. Top stitch around outer edges  of the ears.

Drawstring bag: 

Step 1 – Cut 2x pieces of fabric each measuring  30cm high by 24cm wide from one Glitter Print  Poplin fabric which will be used for the outer  bag.

Step 2 – With right sides facing, pin fabric  together at sides and along the base. Sew  down 4cm on one of the side edges. Leave a  1cm gap in the stitching, then continue sewing  fabric together down the side and along the  base. Repeat sewing along the other side edge  the same as before, sewing down 4cm, leaving  a 1cm gap, then complete sewing the side edge to the base.

Clip the base corners and turn right way out,  press flat. Top stitch the seam allowance down  along the 1cm gap in side seams to make it  easier later when threading through the ribbon.

Step 3 – To make the lining of the bag, cut 2x  pieces of fabric each measuring 30cm high by  24cm wide from the other Glitter Print Poplin fabric.

With right sides facing, pin fabric together at  side and along the base. Sew pieces together  along the side edges and the base leaving  a 7cm gap in the base seam. Clip the base  corners and turn right way out, press flat.

Step 4 – Aligning the raw edge of ears’ ends  with the top raw edge of one of the top edge of  the lining, pin ears 5cm in from each of the side  edges of the lining. Sew ears to lining 5mm in  from the top edge, ensuring that ears are only  sewn to one side of the lining. Turn lining back  wrong way out.

Step 5 – With right sides facing, place the outer  bag inside the lining, matching side seams and  top raw edges. (ears should be between layers pointing down). Sew together. Turn the lining  out, top stitch the opening in the base seam  of the lining closed. Place the lining inside the  outer bag, pressing flat along the side and top  edges, with the ears pointing up. Top stitch  around the outer top edges of bag.

Step 6 – To make the casing for the ribbon,  measure down 2.5cm from the top edge, and  stitch around bag. Measure down another  1.5cm and sew another row of stitching around  the bag. Cut ribbon into 2x 40cm lengths. With help  from a safety pin, thread one ribbon length  through one of the side openings in the  seam, around the bag and back out through  the same opening. Knot ends of ribbon  together and cut to neaten if required.  Repeat with the other ribbon length,  threading through the other side opening in  the side of the bag.

*Click here and download the project for the ears template. 

Easter Chocolate Bunny Lollipops

We hope you enjoy making lots of different types of chocolate bunnies! The best bit is, if you don’t like the look of one, just eat it, and try again!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED 

INSTRUCTIONS 

Step 1 – Melt your chocolate according to your preferred method.

Step 2 – For a plain chocolate bunny, spoon or pipe the chocolate into each cavity, don’t overfill. Tap mould gently to release any air bubbles and leave in fridge to set, make sure you lay the chocolate moulds on an even surface for a smooth finish. Once set the piece should remove easily from the mould by gently flipping the mould over. If it doesn’t, it needs more time to set.

Step 3 – For a Chocolate bunny lollipop, following step 2 but after releasing any air bubbles, slide a lollypop stick into the back of the wet chocolate and gently rotate the stick so it also becomes coated in chocolate. Leave to Set.

Step 4 – For chocolates with sprinkles, follow step 2 but after releasing any air bubbles, gently sprinkle your Easter mix over the back of the wet chocolate. Then leave to set.

Step 5 – For a chocolate bunny wrapped in foil, follow step 2 to the end. Once set, remove from the mould. Place a piece of foil, coloured side down, over the back of the mould cavity. Place the chocolate on top, bunny face side down. Push the chocolate into the mould cavity and smooth the foil over the back. Remove from the mould, and smooth over again with your fingers.

The information is presented in good faith, but no warranty is given, nor results guaranteed. Quantities and selections may vary at each store. Copyright Spotlight 2020.

For more Easter projects visit Spotlight.co.nz

Information provided by Spotlight

See more:

Mini Itinerary: 3 Days In The Coromandel

Posted on by Julie Lankow

The Coromandel is where Kiwis holiday. There’s so much to see and do in the region that Kiwis return regularly to enjoy the beautiful beaches, stunning bushwalks, historic sites, and fun family activities.

Stretching up a bush-covered peninsula beside the Firth of Thames and Hauraki Gulf on the east coast of the North Island, The Coromandel is an area that’s rich in natural beauty as well as historic sites including gold mines and kauri dams.

Whether you’re escaping on a mini-break for a long weekend or looking for a getaway during the school holidays, our itinerary will give you inspiration for an amazing family trip. We’ve created an itinerary which starts and ends in Thames but as it’s a circular route you can pick it up at any point on the way. Do as many or as few of the suggestions as you please.

Refer to The Coromandel Destination Guide for more information on many of the attractions and activities.

Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans.

Getting there

The area known as The Coromandel encompasses both the 110km long Coromandel peninsula where you will find Thames, Whitianga, Pauanui, Tairua, and Coromandel Town, plus an area to the south including Whangamatā, Waihi, and Paeroa. Thames is approximately 1.5 hours drive from either Auckland or Hamilton and Coromandel Town is an additional hour from Thames.

The nearest airports are at Auckland and Hamilton. Or for a more relaxed way to travel, take the Fullers360 ferry from Downtown Auckland to Coromandel Town with a complimentary shuttle from the wharf to Coromandel Town. The ferry journey takes approximately 2 hours.

Getting around

There are several tour and shuttle operators running connections to The Coromandel, predominantly from Auckland. Car or campervan is the preferred method of travel to enable you to see many of the sights and activities that the region has to offer. Some of the roads are windy and others are unsealed so care is required but you won’t have to travel far to find somewhere new to explore. If you’re hiring transport, check your rental agreement regarding unsealed roads before planning your route.

Day 1

Your first day takes you into the heart of The Coromandel for some unique attractions and natural beauty.

Beginning in Thames, drive around an hour north along the stunning Thames Coast Road to Coromandel Town. Five minutes out of town is the Driving Creek Railway, a spectacular train ride on a narrow guage railway that winds its way up to the Eyeful Tower (geddit?) for amazing views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Head back down through Coromandel Town and pick up any supplies you need for your onward journey. Then travel five minutes south on State Highway 25 before turning off to the left on to the locally famous 309 Road. Immediately after the turning, stop at the Coromandel Mussel Kitchen for a lunch of fresh mussels and other seafood plus burgers, pizzas and selections for the kids.

Back on the 309 Road, drive on for around 5 minutes before you reach The Waterworks. This quirky theme park has an eco-friendly difference and offers super soaking fun for all with 70+ water-driven attractions and activities. Remember to pack the togs!

If you can drag the family away, it’s less than 5 minutes drive to the Waiau Falls Scenic Reserve with parking on the side of the road. Here you can see the beautiful Waiau Falls in a stunning bush setting and, if the weather is warm, it’s a great spot for a swim. Only a minute or two further along the road is the carpark for the Waiau Kauri Grove. The easy 30 minute return walk takes you through a towering grove of kauri trees.

Complete your 309 Road adventure by travelling just 30 minutes more to Whitianga, your stop for the night. Head down to the waterfront for dinner at Stoked Restaurant & Bar for pizzas, burgers, mouth-watering mains and fresh seafood dishes with a view of Mercury Bay.

Day 2

Your second day in The Coromandel explores the stunning coastline.

Start your day with breakfast at Cafe Coghill House and bring a selection of sweet and savoury baked treats along for the day’s adventures.

First up today is a never-to-be-forgotten 2 hour tour with Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga. Take in all the sights including marine life under the water through the glass viewing panels and stunning sights above water including the famous Cathedral Cove.

On your return, pop down the road to Espy Cafe for lunch and either chill out in the lounge/kids area or explore the waterfront playground over the road.

Leaving Whitianga, take State Highway 25 south and stop at Whiti Farm Park (just over 10 minutes drive). Here the kids (young and old) can hand-feed, cuddle and interact with over 40 farmyard and exotic animals, birds, and reptiles.

After saying goodbye to the farmyard friends, drive through Coroglen and then turn off onto Hot Water Beach Road. Follow the road to the beach parking areas. For two hours either side of low-tide you can join the other beachgoers on Hot Water Beach and dig your very own hot water pool! Be sure to bring a beach spade or two. If the timing isn’t right, see if the tide time works in the morning.

Tonight’s accommodation is in either Hot Water Beach or nearby Hahei (10 minutes drive). If you’re staying in Hot Water Beach, grab a Kiwi favourite from FNC’s Fish & Chips at the Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. In Hahei, the The Pour House serves fish and chips too, plus pizzas, ribs and burgers in a family-owned craft brewery and restaurant.

Day 3

Today we head to the southern end of The Coromandel to enjoy more family-friendly attractions.

After breakfast at your accommodation, rejoin State Highway 25 and head 1.5 hours south to the gold mining town of Waihi. Whangamatā and Whiritoa Beaches are great places to stop along the way if you need to stretch the legs or take in some sea air. In Waihi, make your way to the Gold Discovery Centre, opposite the iconic Cornish Pumphouse. This interactive centre shares the history of gold mining in the area with cool activities. A walkway from the Cornish Pumphouse takes you up to the Martha Mine Lookout for an astonishing view (and a jumbo-sized mining truck!).

Travel west on State Highway 2 for around 10 minutes to the Waikino Station Cafe for lunch in the historic train station with displays of the gold mining from days gone by. Back on State Highway 2, travel just a few minutes west and turn off on to Waitawheta Road over the Ohinemuri River. Just a few metres up the road on the right is a short path to the stunning Owharoa Falls.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by good for your soul (@thecoromandel)

From there it’s another short hop along State Highway 2 to the Karangahake Reserve. There are several tracks in the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway but the favourite is the Windows Walk, a one hour loop track that takes you over suspension bridges and through old gold mining ruins to the tunnels dug by gold miners which afford astounding views from the “windows” of the gorge below. Or there’s also the Karangahake Tunnel Walk, a 45 minute loop that includes a section over 1km long in the old rail tunnel. Torches are essential for both walks.

The next stop is at Bullswool Farm Heritage Park, a fascinating rural experience for all ages. Handfeed the many farmyard and rare-breed animals, explore the farming, gold mining, and kauri historic exhibits, and take the bush discovery walk to see native birds, a replica miner’s camp and eel pond. You could easily spend an entire day here!

Ten minutes further down the road takes you to Paeroa (be sure to get your photo at the giant L&P bottle as you enter town). Dinner tonight is at the L&P Cafe, a popular spot that celebrates the famous-in-New-Zealand drink formerly known as Lemon & Paeroa.

Either stay the night in Paeroa or head half an hour up the road to your tour’s starting point at Thames.

Where to stay in The Coromandel

For family friendly stays, we recommend checking out the below.

Beachside Resort Whitianga

Beachside Resort, Whitianga – a stone’s throw from Whitianga’s Buffalo Beach, these one and two bedroom apartments with modern kitchens sleep up to five people and enjoy awe-inspiring ocean views. The family will love the heated swimming pool, tennis court and playground.

See more

Mercury Bay Holiday Park

Mercury Bay Holiday Park, Whitianga – explore Whitianga and The Coromandel from this great holiday park with accommodation sleeping up to six people in a range of chalets, cabins, kitchen units and camp sites. Facilities include BBQs, free spades for Hot Water Beach, playground, seasonal swimming pool, TV room and herb garden.

See more

Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park – located just 700 metres from the famous hot pools, there’s a range of accommodation to suit everyone including self-contained apartments, villas, and motel units plus cabins, glamping tents and powered and non-powered sites. Book a deluxe family villa for a touch of unique luxury. The park has an onsite grocery store and takeaway plus laundry, BBQ, bouncing pillow plus go-kart, surfobard and bodyboard hire.

See more

Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort

Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort, Hahei – the lush gardens and wood interiors give this Hahei Beach accommodation a real resort feel. Two bedroom apartments sleep up to five while the cottage and villa in their own grounds sleep up to six. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, Sky TV, complimentary beverages on arrival, plus complimentary use of beach towels and spades for Hot Water Beach.

See more

Pedlars Motel

Pedlars Motel, Paeroa – perfectly located for the Hauraki Rail Trail and next to the town pool, this motel offers serviced units with en-suite facilities, kitchenette in studios, and full kitchen in the two bedroom family units which sleep up to six. Free WiFi, Sky TV, air-conditioning, secure lockup for bikes, plus guest laundry and continental breakfast available.

See more

Dickson Holiday Park

Dickson Holiday Park, Thames – a great place to make happy family memories, there’s a range of accommodation including self-contained flats, family cabins, on-site caravans, plus powered and non-powered sites for campers and campervans. Just north of Thames at Tararu, the park has extensive facilities including a heated pool, games rooms, mini golf, petanque and kitchen and dining facilities for campers.

See more

Main photo credit: Matt Crawford

Explore further

Written by Kidspot New Zealand in partnership with Destination Coromandel.

NZ Apple Products: Freeze Dried Apple Sticks & Fruit Medley

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Star rating

Tried and tested by Kidspot parents

4.4 out of 5: Kidspot parents were pleased with New Zealand Apple Products Freeze-Dried Apple Sticks & Fruit Medley and would recommend them to their friends and family.

New Zealand Apple Products have been producing innovative snacks for almost two decades now, providing additional local value to New Zealand fruit.

Knowing how important it is for you and your whole family to have a good balance of nutritious foods and healthy products in your diet, they have developed various fruit-based snack products with some of the most amazing processes to create a unique and yummy experience for everyone. The New Zealand Apple Products range includes Freeze-Dried, Air Dried, and Pouch options.

Freeze Dried products

The range of Freeze Dried products includes:

  • Freeze Dried Apple Sticks
  • Freeze Dried Gold Kiwifruit
  • Freeze Dried Fruit Medley
  • Freeze Dried Mixed Berry

The Freeze Drying process is one of several techniques for food preservation and is considered one of the best drying methods. Due to the nature of this process, there is minimal alteration to the physical structure, colour and negligible loss of nutrients.

New Zealand Apple Products Freeze Dried products are:

  • 100% New Zealand fruit
  • Gluten-free
  • No sulphites, preservatives, additives, or allergens

The Freeze Dried range are an exceptionally healthy snack for those who prefer a nutritious alternative to satisfy their sweet cravings. The natural profile of the New Zealand Freeze Dried Products, provide great value and convenience for parents to include these in lunchboxes, morning, or afternoon snacks. The Freeze Dried products can also be added to cereal, porridge, smoothies, many sweet and/or savoury recipes and along with a topping on your baking for that unique look. You will find that these not only have a unique flavour but are delicious and hard to resist.

Follow New Zealand Apple Products on Facebook or Instagram or find out more on the New Zealand Apple Products website.

Read the reviews below!

We gave 200 members the chance to trial and review two products from the New Zealand Apple Products range of Freeze Dried fruit snacks.

  • If you have received product for review, please scroll to the bottom of the page and add your feedback as a new comment. Upload your review photos to this Dropbox folder.
  • NOTE: To take part in this product trial, you will need to confirm in the form below that you agree to your name and email address being shared with New Zealand Apple Products who will add you to their mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time.
  • Each selected reviewer will receive 1 x 34g bag of Freeze Dried Apple Sticks and 1 x 34g bag of Freeze Dried Fruit Medley.
  • JOIN the Kidspot NZ Product Trials page and keep an eye out for review updates
  • PLEASE NOTE: You will be required to post photos of the products as part of your review

Please note

  • If you are selected to trial, the product will be sent to the address on your profile.
  • Please check your address now to ensure that it is up to date.
  • Not registered yet? Then sign up now.
  • Kidspot Terms and Conditions: Open to Kidspot members 18+ only. Only available for NZ residents. If you are selected, you will be required to use the product as soon as possible plus supply a review, as set out in our review instructions. Your name, postal address and email address will be given to the supplier for the purpose of delivery of the product and addition to their database, as agreed upon registration.
  • Click here for full Terms and Conditions.

See photos from our reviewers below

New Zealand Apple Products

New Zealand Apple Products Freeze-Dried Snacks

New Zealand Apple Products Freeze-Dried Snacks

New Zealand Apple Products Freeze-Dried Fruit Snacks

New Zealand Apple Products Freeze-Dried Snacks

What To Expect When You’re New To Campervanning

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Kidspot caught up with Lisa Boltman, mum of three, to talk about her family’s first campervan trip and what surprised them about campervanning.

If you’ve never taken a campervan holiday to see the sights of New Zealand then you may be a bit apprehensive about what to expect on your first trip. Before you pile the family into a campervan and head away, check out some helpful advice and handy tips from a fellow parent to make your first foray as successful as possible.

Lisa, her partner and their three boys aged 8, 10, and 12 years old, hired a six berth Maui campervan in October 2020 and did an eight day round trip from Christchurch, taking in Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Geraldine and Dunedin.

“We had an amazing time as a family exploring and adventuring a part of New Zealand we hadn’t spent much time in before. Campervanning makes it easy and affordable to travel as a family and discover all this beautiful country has to offer.” Lisa Boltman

First time campervanners

Being first time campervanners, Lisa said that she was slightly concerned about the amount of travel they were undertaking with three active boys. But the kids coped well and they were keen to stop and explore the “in-between bits” of their route. Lisa said that the ability to pull over basically anywhere was a surprising highlight, allowing the family to swim in lakes and rivers, skim stones across streams, or set up the included table and chairs to enjoy a picnic in a roadside stop.

The campervan itself was also a highlight for the kids. Lisa likened it to a big Wendy house on wheels! The kids loved discovering all of the nooks and crannies and while the TV got them excited, the self-contained shower and toilet blew their minds. The family were still discovering hidden cubbies for storage on day two!

Lisa was surprised by the amount of space inside the campervan and the beds were great with plenty of blankets supplied. Kids being kids, they always wanted the top bunk above the driver and, in fact, one night all three of them slept up there.

They had no issues with being too cold or too hot and Lisa was pleased to have several days of cleaning products and toilet paper provided. There was a good supply of kitchen bits and bobs too and even nice wine glasses.

Driving the campervan

Even though the Boltman family were getting around in the largest-size campervan, Lisa said that driving was actually quite easy, just like driving a van. Although she hadn’t intended to do any driving, by day two Lisa was keen to have her turn behind the wheel.

On their first day in the campervan they arrived later than expected at the campground, after sunset and with the office closed. Trying to set up in the dark and having not fully watched the Maui “How To” video they accidentally set up their electricity charger incorrectly and ran down the power. However, they treated it as a learning experience and after that first time they had no issues hooking up to the campground electricity to keep everything charged up.

Devices were a godsend while doing the long travelling days. Her youngest did struggle a little to see out the windows as they’re higher than in a car so Lisa thought taking along a booster seat might be handy.

Campground highlights

The Boltman family enjoyed some amazing experiences in the South Island including riding the Skyline Queenstown Luge and a helicopter trip on to the Fox Glacier. But the campgrounds themselves were a major highlight of the trip for the kids too. They enjoyed having fun on the playgrounds, driving go karts, splashing in the pools and being able to connect with other kids.

The onboard self-contained toilet was handy at night, rather than having to make their way outside to the campground facilities (which they used during the day).

Apart from the first night’s booking, Lisa didn’t prebook any campgrounds. With the lack of overseas tourists they were able to find campground spaces easily and could be fairly flexible with their itinerary.

Campervanning tips from the Boltmans

  • Don’t pack too many clothes
  • Avoid big bulky bags
  • Bring torches for twilight walks
  • Take out the full insurance for peace of mind
  • Watch the campervan guide to hooking up the electricity!

Lisa said that the family had such a great time that they could have easily done a longer trip and they are already planning their next campervan tour of the top of the South Island.

Main image provided by Tourism Holdings Limited. All other images were provided by Lisa Boltman. Published in 2021.

Explore further

Written by Kidspot NZ in partnership with Tourism New Zealand.

Kids! Become A Kiwi Guardian And Earn Cool Rewards

Posted on by Julie Lankow

New Zealand is full of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. With the Toyota Kiwi Guardians activity programme, the kids will be begging to go on their next adventure!

Getting kids outside away from their devices and finding activities they will enjoy can be a bit of a challenge.

Since 2016, The Department of Conservation and Toyota New Zealand’s Kiwi Guardians programme has given families the resources they need to create easy adventures for kids to get some fresh air and exercise, learn about nature and earn cool rewards, creating future guardians of New Zealand. And Kiwi Guardians is free!

There are even Kiwi Guardians conservation activities you can complete in your own backyard or neighbourhood. Read on to find out how your family can take part in the Kiwi Guardians adventures.

Go on an adventure!

There are over 100 Kiwi Guardians sites around the country to explore, from public spaces like Auckland Botanic Gardens to attractions like Zealandia, as well as beaches, reserves, bush walks and more.

Choose a site from the Kiwi Guardians website and download the adventure map before you head out for fun things to do and find as you explore.

Don’t forget to take some fun snaps along the way #KiwiGuardians!

Find your next Kiwi Guardians adventure

Find the Kiwi Guardians posts

Your adventure map includes the location of a Kiwi Guardians post. The post shows a code you can use to claim your medal for that particular adventure. Note it down or take a photo and then claim your medal online.

Earn cool rewards!

For each code you submit the kids receive a free Kiwi Guardians certificate and a very cool medal. There is a different medal for each adventure and at-home activity so see how many you can collect.

Find out more about Kiwi Guardians

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 🐝 Bridget M 🐝 (@aheartbeatskip)

Main photo credit: nelsontasman.nz

Explore further

Written by Kidspot New Zealand in partnership with Tourism New Zealand.

Destination Guide: The Coromandel

Posted on by Julie Lankow

The Coromandel is New Zealand’s secret gem – the place where Kiwis holiday. The region is bursting with beautiful beaches, stunning bushwalks, historic sites, and fun family activities while embracing the laidback Kiwi holiday vibe.

Whether you’re planning to head away over the school holidays or just want to escape on a mini-break, we’ve put together some of our favourite places to stay, eat and play so you can create some lasting memories with your family.

Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans.

Free family activities

Even if you’re travelling on a budget, there are still so many experiences you can enjoy with your family. Visit some of our favourites below or find more here.

Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway – this spectacular site between Paeroa and Waihi has several track options. The Windows Walk is a one hour loop track that takes you over suspension bridges and through old gold mining ruins to the tunnels dug by gold miners with astounding views from the “windows” to the gorge below. The Karangahake Tunnel Walk is a 45 minute loop that includes a 1100m section through the old rail tunnel. Torches are essential for both walks.

Owharoa Falls – off the Waitawheta Road in the Karangahake Gorge is a short path to this stunning waterfall with swimming hole.

Pūkorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre – south of Kaiaua on the Firth of Thames, make your way from the visitor centre along the path to view a variety of shorebirds in their natural habitat. The best time to visit is at high tide. Entry is free though a donation is appreciated.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by good for your soul (@thecoromandel)

Hot Water Beach – for two hours either side of low-tide you can join the other beachgoers and dig your very own hot water pool! Be sure to bring a beach spade or two.

Cathedral Cove – Hahei’s stunning coastline is world famous. The much-photographed Cathedral Cove is even more spectacular in real life and you really appreciate its volcanic form when you visit by water, with a boat or kayak tour. The cove can be accessed by a 1.5 hour return track which passes other bays and sites of interest (with steep stairs down to the beach).

Kauri Block Track – this 1.5 hour track in Coromandel Town follows a ridge through regenerating bush and native trees. A slight diversion leads you to an old pa site with spectacular views over the harbour.

Waiau Falls Scenic Reserve – here you can see the beautiful Waiau Falls in a stunning bush setting and, if the weather is warm, it’s a great spot for a swim. Only a minute or two further along the road is the Waiau Kauri Grove, where an easy 30 minute return walk takes you through a towering grove of kauri trees.

Beaches – The Coromandel is blessed with numerous beaches – from the off-the-beaten track New Chum Beach and Orokawa Bay, to the popular swimming and surfing beaches Waihi Beach and Whangamata Beach, there’s a beautiful beach just waiting for you to visit.

Kauaeranga Valley – within the Coromandel Forest Park, the Kauaeranga Valley offers numerous short bushwalks where remnants of the area’s logging history can still be seen. There are picnic and swimming spots.

Fun family experiences

In the water, out in the bush, or exploring historic sites, The Coromandel has something for everyone. Check out our favourites below.

Driving Creek Railway

Driving Creek Railway

This spectacular and quirky train ride is a feat of engineering. The narrow gauge railway winds its way through native bush, tunnels and over bridges up to the Eyeful Tower  for amazing views of the Hauraki Gulf. Explore the bush further with an exhilarating guided zipline tour.

See more

Bullswool Heritage Farm Park

Bullswool Farm Heritage Park

A fascinating rural experience and a great day out for the whole family! Handfeed the many farmyard and rare-breed animals, explore the farming, gold mining, and kauri historic exhibits, and take the bush discovery walk to see native birds and a replica miner’s camp.

see more

Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park

Goldfields Heritage Railway

Board the historic train and travel through the countryside and beside the river from Waihi to the village of Waikino. Sit inside or outside on the viewing platform as the train makes its 30 minute journey.

See more

Hauraki Rail Trail

Hauraki Rail Trail

This easy Grade 1 family-friendly cycle path is full of amazing scenery and interesting things to see and do. The full trail is 197km long but you can join from multiple locations. The trail is free to use and you can utilise your own bikes and transport, or there’s the option to hire bikes and arrange transport for a smooth and easy adventure.

See more

The Waterworks

The Waterworks

This quirky theme park off the 309 Road has an eco-friendly difference using recycled materials for many of it’s contraptions. It’s super soaking fun for all with 70+ water-driven attractions and activities that are sure to bring out the giggles. Remember to bring the togs!

See more

Cave Cruzer

Cave Cruzer

Hold on tight and be prepared for thrills as the Cave Cruzer takes you on a tour of Mercury Bay’s highlights! See Cathedral Cove, blowholes, caves and the large sea cave, Orua. View sea life with unimpeded views and access caves other tours can’t for an unforgettable trip.

See more

Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours

Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours

Get a whole new view of beautiful Cathedral Cove with a family kayak tour that lands right on the beach. Paddle through sea caves and see local marine life as you take a gentle pace through the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve. There’s plenty of photo opportunities and even cappuccinos, hot chocolates and cookies included!

See more

Family friendly eateries

When you need to refuel from your adventures, there’s a great array of family-friendly restaurants and cafes to choose from. See our pick of the eateries below.

The Cheese Barn (Matatoki) – this cafe tucked away in the countryside between Thames and Paeroa serves up cheese boards to share, plus great pizzas and pies. There’s also a cheese and ice-cream shop and farmyard animals to pet and feed!

Luke’s Kitchen (Kūaotunu) – a rustic seaside restaurant serving salads, seafood and woodfired pizzas along with cafe baked goods and coffee. Enjoy the best of local cuisine with a Coromandel mussel pot and freshly made garlic bread (yum!).

SixfortySix (Whangamatā) – on the main street of this beach hangout, sit a while with a coffee and indulge in some freshly baked pastries or homemade artisan delights.

L&P Cafe (Paeroa) – a popular spot that celebrates the famous-in-New-Zealand drink formerly known as Lemon & Paeroa. Menu items include plenty of L&P flavour.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Luke’s Kitchen (@lukes_kitchen)

UMU Cafe – in the heart of Coromandel Town, this local institution is open from breakfast till dinner with an awesome choice of fresh breakfasts, sushi, salads, pizzas, and seafood plus a great choice of kids meals.

Hot Waves Cafe (Hot Water Beach) – just a short walk from the hot pools on the beach, this cafe is in a beautiful setting of native gardens and birdlife. Delicious homemade food from breakfast through to lunch, or stop by on a Friday evening when they’re open for dinner.

The Pour House (Hahei) – serving fish and chips, plus pizzas, ribs and burgers in a family-owned craft brewery and restaurant. Dog-friendly too!

Cafe Coghill House (Whitianga) – affectionately known as “The Cog”, choose from a selection of sweet and savoury baked treats plus good coffee.

Where to stay

For family friendly stays, we recommend checking out the below.

Mercury Bay Holiday Park

Mercury Bay Holiday Park, Whitianga – explore Whitianga and The Coromandel from this great holiday park with accommodation sleeping up to six people in a range of chalets, cabins, kitchen units and camp sites. Facilities include BBQs, free spades for Hot Water Beach, playground, seasonal swimming pool, TV room and herb garden.

See more

Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park – located just 700 metres from the famous hot pools, there’s a range of accommodation to suit everyone including self-contained apartments, villas, and motel units plus cabins, glamping tents and powered and non-powered sites. Book a deluxe family villa for a touch of unique luxury. The park has an onsite grocery store and takeaway plus laundry, BBQ, bouncing pillow plus go-kart, surfobard and bodyboard hire.

See more

Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge

Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge, Pauanui – relaxing motel accommodation within easy walking distance of Pauanui Beach and shops. One and two bedroom self-contained apartments sleep up to five people and the onsite facilities include a swimming pool, pool/beach towels, tennis court, free bikes for hire, laundry, BBQs and free WiFi.

See more

Pedlars Motel

Pedlars Motel, Paeroa – perfectly located for the Hauraki Rail Trail and next to the town pool, this motel offers serviced units with en-suite facilities, kitchenette in studios, and full kitchen in the two bedroom family units which sleep up to six. Free WiFi, Sky TV, air-conditioning, secure lockup for bikes, plus guest laundry and continental breakfast available.

See more

Palm Pacific Resort

Palm Pacific Resort, Whangamatā – situated in the centre of Whangamatā, spacious two bedroom apartments with full kitchen facilities are set among landscaped grounds with a large swimming pool, spa and toddlers’ pool, floodlit tennis court, petanque, private spa, sauna and large BBQ area.

See more

Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, Coromandel Town – this popular holiday park has beach access for swimming, kayaking and beach activities. In the park there’s a jumping pillow, playground, and room for games on the lawns plus BBQs for cooking your catch. Accommodation includes motel units, cabins, and powered and non-powered tent and campervan sites.

See more

Explore further

Written by Kidspot New Zealand in partnership with Destination Coromandel.

Destination Guide: Wellington

Posted on by Julie Lankow

The coolest little capital in the world, Wellington is bursting with fun activities and attractions. Spend a day on the lively waterfront, get back to nature, or explore iconic locations for a great family holiday.

Whether you’re planning to head away over the school holidays or just want to escape on a mini-break, we’ve put together some of our favourite places to stay, eat and play so you can create some lasting memories with your family.

Please note: Venue information was correct at the time of publication. Please check with individual venues for the latest opening dates, times, prices, etc, before making plans. Regions and venues may have travel and access restrictions due to the Covid-19 Protection Framework.

Free family activities

Even if you’re travelling on a budget, there are still so many experiences you can enjoy with your family.

Wellington Waterfront – the waterfront is where the locals love to hang out. Explore the views, sculptures, bridges, lagoon, Frank Kitts Park playground, and Oriental Bay – a golden sand beach within the city. You can hire bikes, rollerblades, kayaks or paddleboards to get around.

Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa – hosting an amazing array of exhibits, many with interactive features kids will love. Don’t miss the colossal squid, the Treaty of Waitangi, the amazing Gallipoli exhibition, and Bush City with it’s tunnels, waterfall and fossil dig.

Wellington Botanic Gardens – take the Cable Car (small fee) up to the top and walk down through beautiful gardens, ponds, sculptures, and a great kids playground.

Become a Kiwi Guardian! Print off the Wellington Botanic Gardens adventure map before you head out, then find the Kiwi Guardian post and submit the special code word on it to receive a Kiwi Guardians certificate and medal.

Wellington Museum – be captivated by the sights and sounds of the 1800s Bond Store, the fantastical creations in the Attic, the opulent boardroom, the maritime captain’s cabin, and more as you explore an interactive history of Wellington.

Mt Victoria Lookout – for the best view in Wellington, head up Mt Victoria for a sweeping panorama of the harbour.

Hutt River Trail – walk or cycle along the easy riverside trail between Petone and Upper Hutt including parks, playgrounds, swimming spots and Lord of the Rings filming locations along the way.

Fun family experiences

Wellington has everything from nature adventures to quirky transport and cave trolls!

Cable Car

Wellington Cable Car

Take the Cable Car from the heart of Wellington through light displays in the two tunnels up to panoramic harbour views. At the top, explore the museum and get your photo taken in the original grip cars and dress up for some selfie fun.

See more

Zealandia

Zealandia

A fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary in the heart of Wellington. Walk the fantastic bush trail to see native birds, weta, and tuatara and see the kākā feeding. Get great views from the reservoir dam and lookout tower, explore the state of the art visitor centre, and ride the lake boat.

see more

Wellington Zoo

Wellington Zoo

See over 100 species from around the globe including African big cats, native animals, monkeys, penguins, meerkats and more. Bring a picnic and relax for a while at one of the playgrounds, take in the keeper talks, book an animal encounter, or hand-feed the friendly giraffes.

See more

Weta Cave Workshop Tour

Weta Cave Workshop Tour

Discover the magic behind the movies with a tour of the Weta Workshop. Learn about props, costumes and creatures from Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar and more and see the artists at work.

See more

Switched on Bikes

Switched on Bikes

What better way to see the sights of the compact city of Wellington than with an electric bike – because it may be small, but there are hills to negotiate! Cruise the waterfront, take in the attractions, or head out to one of the bays with the best cafes.

See more

Family-friendly eateries

Wellington has more cafes, restaurants, and bars per capita than New York so when you need to refuel there are plenty of options.

Maranui Cafe – the best kept secret in Wellington for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Choose from stunning baking from the cabinet and a range of meals from the menu, or relax with a coffee while you gaze over the beach, watching the surfers at Lyall Bay.

Southern Cross Garden Bar & Restaurant – the ultimate in kid-friendly dining with facepainting, colouring, theatre and puppet shows and toys to keep the little ones entertained while you relax and enjoy the superb food made from fresh, local produce wherever possible.

One Red Dog – serving delicious pizza, pasta and antipasto as well as great options for the littlies. The kids can even make their own pizza at the table!

Fix & Fogg – makers of your nut butter fix, search out the Eva Street window for the toast toppings of your dreams.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maranui Cafe (@maranui_cafe)

Chocolate Fish Cafe  – a favourite with the locals with indoor and outdoor seating taking in the views from the Miramar Peninsula. Serving breakfast and lunch with the flashest sammies around plus salads, burgers and kids options.

Joe’s Garage – just a few minutes from Te Papa and the waterfront attractions, Joe’s is the ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner to round off a perfect Wellington day.

Where to stay

For family-friendly stays, we recommend checking out the below.

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor – stay in the heart of Wellington, just minutes from the capital’s attractions, shopping and entertainment in this well-appointed hotel with two restaurants, gym, 24 hour room service, and free Wi-Fi. Spacious family rooms feature a separate lounge.

See more

Capital Gateway Motor Inn

Capital Gateway Motor Inn – perfectly positioned if you’re hopping on the Cook Strait ferry and just 10 minutes from Wellington CBD. Family units can sleep up to six, many have a kitchenette for convenience and there’s also a campervan park on site. The licenced restaurant offers a good selection of affordable meals for breakfast or dinner.

See more

Wellington's Kiwi Holiday Park

Wellington’s Kiwi Holiday Park – escape the city and stay in the scenic beauty of the Akatarawa Valley in Upper Hutt, just 30 minutes from the centre of Wellington. Neighbouring Harcourt Park is great for kids with a playground, summer splash pool, bike track, wide open spaces and a frisbee golf course. Choose from eco-friendly cabins, motel units, tourist flats and cabins, park up your campervan or pitch a tent.

See more

Main photo credit: Ian Trafford

Explore further

Written by Kidspot New Zealand in partnership with Tourism New Zealand.

New Zealand Bucket List: Have You Been Everywhere?

Posted on by Julie Lankow

With so many scenic, historical and cultural landmarks in our own backyard, New Zealand is brimming with amazing places to visit. From geothermal wonderlands, bike trails and regional parks to whale-watching, kayaking and picturesque star-gazing spots, there is so much for your family to see and do – it’s a very full bucket list!

If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend or for your next family holiday, why not head out to somewhere you’ve never explored before and start ticking off some of these must-do experiences. See how many you can tick off and be inspired for where to go and what to do next.

Cape Reinga

North Island bucket list

  • Pose for a photo under the signpost at Cape Reinga in Northland

  • Slide down sand dunes at Te Paki on Ninety Mile Beach

  • Stand under the mighty Tāne Mahuta in Waipoua Forest, Hokianga

  • See the Hole in the Rock in the Bay of Islands

  • Check out the view from SkyTower in Auckland

  • Watch the penguins play at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s, Auckland

  • Walk up the Mt Eden volcanic cone in Auckland

  • Dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel

  • Be ‘world famous’ and take a snap with the giant L&P botttle in Paeroa

  • Dine at the Green Dragon Inn at Hobbiton Movie Set

  • Float under a glowing sky at Waitomo Glowworm Caves

  • Walk to the summit of Mauao (Mount Maunganui)

  • View the Inferno Crater at Waimangu Volcanic Valley near Rotorua

  • Watch the sun set in a mineral hot pool at Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa

  • Walk the length of the wharf at Tolaga Bay near Gisborne

  • Ride the natural waterslide at Rere Rockslide near Gisborne

  • See a kiwi at the Otorohanga Kiwi House

  • Hear the thunder of Huka Falls near Taupō

  • Take in an art deco tour of Napier from a vintage car

  • Watch hang gliders from Te Mata Peak near Hastings

  • Get your photo taken with the Ohakune carrot

  • Ski, snowboard or sled at Whakapapa on Mt Ruapehu

  • See the Festival of Lights at Pukekura Park in New Plymouth

  • Ride a paddle-steamer on the Whanganui River

  • Test your rugby skills at the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North

  • Climb the 250 steps to Cape Palliser lighthouse in the Wairarapa

  • Ride the Wellington Cable Car

  • See the harbour view from Mt Victoria, Wellington

  • Take a Weta Workshop Tour in Wellington

  • Cross the Cook Strait by ferry

Glenorchy

South Island bucket list

  • Kayak in Abel Tasman National Park

  • See amazing aircraft displays at Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Blenheim

  • See the blowholes in action at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks on the West Coast

  • Ride the waterslides at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa

  • Go whale watching in Kaikōura

  • Zoom down the Zipline at Christchurch Adventure Park

  • Ride the tram in Christchurch

  • Go punting on the Avon River in Christchurch

  • Walk on a glacier at Franz Josef or Fox Glacier

  • Dine at The Hermitage with views of Aoraki Mount Cook

  • Gaze into the Blue Pools from a swingbridge in the Haast Pass

  • Go stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve at Lake Tekapo

  • Take a photo on the Moeraki Boulders near Oamaru

  • Complete the Puzzling World maze in Wānaka

  • Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown

  • Ride the luge track from Queenstown’s Skyline Gondola

  • Take a jet boat ride on Queenstown’s Shotover River

  • Have your photo taken at Glenorchy wharf

  • See the amazing Glenorchy scenery from horseback

  • Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail

  • Spot dolphins, seals and penguins on a cruise through Milford Sound

  • Explore Larnach Castle in Dunedin

  • Walk up Dunedin’s Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world

  • Go chasing waterfalls in the Caitlins

  • See Aurora Australis in Southland

  • Eat freshly caught oysters in Bluff

  • Visit Stewart Island

Read more

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Baby’s First Year: Development and Milestones

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Follow your baby’s development with our guides to the emotional and social, physical, as well as speech and language milestones you can expect during their first twelve months.

Click on the images or links below to learn more.

Remember …

All children are different and develop at different rates, so don’t be overly concerned if your baby is acquiring new skills at a different rate to those around them. But if you are worried about your baby’s development, talk to a health professional for a little reassurance.

0 to 3 months

baby development

Social and emotional development

baby development

Physical development

baby development

Speech and language development

3 to 6 months

baby development

Social and emotional development

baby development

Physical development

baby development

Speech and language development

6 to 9 months

baby development

Social and emotional development

baby development

Physical development

baby development

Speech and language development

9 to 12 months

baby development

Social and emotional development

baby development

Physical development

baby development

Speech and language development

All babies are different and develop at varying rates. This information gives a general idea of your baby’s development and progress.

NZ’s Most Popular Baby Names From 2020

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Statistics released by the Department of Internal Affairs’ Smart Start website show that in 2020, 17,749 different names were chosen for the 58,676 newborn babies in New Zealand.

Whether you know what you will call your child before they are even conceived, or you grab a name out of thin air in the delivery suite, choosing your baby’s name is a personal thing. Here’s our round-up of the most popular baby names New Zealand parents choose for their babies born during 2020.

There’s a new girl at the top

In 2019 Amelia finally knocked Charlotte from the top spot, but 2020 has brought another new name to the top. Isla takes first place after entering the top 100 for the first time in 2004. For the boys, however, it’s a case of déjà vu with Oliver again the most popular name, as it has been since 2013!

Nikau and Mia are once again the most popular Māori names for boys and girls respectively.

Taylor and Darcy are the most evenly split gender-neutral names for 2020, with almost a 50/50 split between boys and girls.

Most popular names in 2020

Rounding out the top five for the girls are Charlotte, Amelia, and, new to the top five, Willow. For the boys – Jack, Noah, Leo and Lucas complete the top five. Aria is the only new entrant to the girl’s top 20 from the previous year. Meanwhile, Hudson and Cooper make their way into the top 20 boy’s names. The top 100 names are shown below.

Want to know what the most popular names were in the year your baby was born (or even yourself)? Pop over to the SmartStart website to go right back to 1954.

Declined baby names

Now, we couldn’t give you a list of popular baby names without a quick look at those names that were declined by the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Names can be declined if there’s a chance they will cause offence, are an unreasonable length, or unjustifiably resemble an official title or rank. During 2020 there seems to be a run on “Royal” name requests, but Roya Ltee, Royal-Blue, Royal-Reign, Royalty-Rain, Royele-Blue, and Royell were among the 44 names declined.

As a special mention for the year 2020, there were no babies given the name Covid – phew!

Other declined baby names in 2020 included:

  • Commodore
  • Constable
  • Justice and Justus
  • King and Kiing
  • Mistah
  • Prinz
  • Saint

New Zealand’s 100 most popular baby names in 2020

RANK GIRLS NUMBER BOYS NUMBER
1 Isla 243 Oliver 315
2 Charlotte 222 Jack 261
3 Amelia 213 Noah 240
4 Olivia 208 Leo 235
5 Willow 184 Lucas 206
6 Harper 177 George 197
7 Ava 175 Charlie 183
8 Lily 175 Thomas 175
9 Sophie 168 William 175
10 Ella 163 Hunter 174
11 Mia 162 Elijah 170
12 Isabella 160 Cooper 163
13 Mila 154 James 157
14 Chloe 153 Lachlan 157
15 Emily 148 Theodore 157
16 Lucy 147 Arlo 156
17 Grace 146 Mason 153
18 Ruby 146 Liam 152
19 Aria 132 Oscar 148
20 Hazel 130 Hudson 140
21 Zoe 123 Archie 135
22 Ivy 121 Benjamin 130
23 Olive 103 Luca 130
24 Matilda 101 Carter 129
25 Millie 101 Finn 126
26 Scarlett 100 Hugo 126
27 Poppy 99 Max 126
28 Sophia 95 Levi 125
29 Georgia 93 Ethan 124
30 Riley 93 Henry 123
31 Evelyn 92 Arthur 119
32 Stella 91 Alexander 112
33 Frankie 90 Harrison 110
34 Florence 89 Eli 107
35 Evie 88 Theo 101
36 Mackenzie 88 Jacob 100
37 Freya 85 Joshua 100
38 Maia 85 Luke 99
39 Ellie 83 Harry 97
40 Thea 83 Beau 96
41 Layla 81 Daniel 92
42 Luna 78 Caleb 91
43 Alice 77 Felix 89
44 Aurora 77 Jackson 89
45 Emma 76 Asher 88
46 Quinn 74 Ezra 88
47 Bella 73 Jasper 88
48 Indie 73 Ryan 86
49 Isabelle 73 Archer 84
50 Zara 72 Samuel 84
51 Ayla 71 Isaac 82
52 Sadie 71 Louis 82
53 Harriet 70 Riley 80
54 Madison 70 Lincoln 78
55 Sofia 66 Blake 77
56 Eden 65 Jordan 76
57 Maddison 65 Harvey 73
58 Abigail 64 Luka 73
59 Eva 62 Austin 72
60 Penelope 61 Braxton 72
61 Billie 60 Connor 72
62 Emilia 60 Ryder 72
63 Amaia 59 Bodhi 71
64 Maeve 59 Logan 71
65 Violet 59 Louie 71
66 Harlow 56 Edward 70
67 Piper 55 Grayson 70
68 Addison 54 Joseph 70
69 Eleanor 54 Roman 69
70 Elizabeth 53 Jayden 68
71 Sienna 53 Oakley 66
72 Amber 52 Xavier 64
73 Elsie 51 Flynn 63
74 Hannah 51 Nikau 63
75 Leah 51 Toby 63
76 Margot 49 Aiden 62
77 Charlie 48 Quinn 62
78 Holly 48 River 61
79 Phoebe 48 Angus 60
80 Rosie 48 Dylan 60
81 Summer 48 Michael 60
82 Ada 46 Nathan 60
83 Heidi 46 Sebastian 60
84 Kiara 46 David 59
85 Zoey 46 Ezekiel 59
86 Molly 45 Adam 58
87 Paige 45 Charles 58
88 Daisy 44 Jaxon 57
89 Eliza 44 Harley 55
90 Isabel 44 Zion 55
91 Maya 43 Micah 53
92 Rose 43 Kingston 52
93 Athena 42 Patrick 52
94 Delilah 42 Manaia 51
95 Esther 42 Spencer 50
96 Annabelle 41 Zachary 50
97 Jasmine 41 Ari 49
98 Lilly 41 Ashton 49
99 Maisie 41 John 49
100 Iris 40 Matthew 48


Source: Department of Internal Affairs 

What influences your baby name choices?

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Keeping Kids Entertained In The Car

Posted on by Julie Lankow

When you’re facing a long journey in the car with the kids in the back, you really do need to initiate some activities to keep the kids entertained – both for their amusement and your sanity!

After years of long road trips with my kids, here are my tips for in-car entertainment. Include a lap tray for games and colouring, along with a small backpack to keep all the activities from rolling around the car, and you’re sorted.

Movie time

Movies are a great time waster on a long trip as they can eat up a good part of the journey. If you have a portable DVD player with a car power adaptor then just pick a few favourite DVDs and you’re ready for movie time. Alternatively, download a movie or two to a digital device before you leave your home’s WiFi. Don’t forget to pop a charging cable (and an adaptor if needed) into the glovebox.

Top Ten 90s Movies That Should Be Watched Again

Car games

Games to play in the car go way beyond ‘I Spy’. In fact, that’s a difficult game to play when you’re constantly moving! Road trip bingo is a favourite on our long journeys, as well as alphabet number plate spotting and memory games.

Disappear into a book

If you’re child isn’t one to get carsick then books are a great option for some peaceful driving time as they head off into their own reading adventure. If they need to keep their eyes on the road to avoid nausea, then choose an audio book.

Colouring and activity books along with some crayons and pencils will also keep them busy.

Schedule pit stops

Breaking up a long journey is basically essential when you have kids in the back. Whether you find a rest area for a quick game of catch to stretch the legs or schedule a stop at an attraction or scenic area on your way, pit stops will help to keep the little ones busy and the driver refreshed.

Our road trip itineraries include suggested stops that are great for families:

Other activities

Kids will no doubt want to spend some time on their device and let’s face it, this is not the time to fight that battle! However, to break up the digital drain, a few small activities are great. Magnetic games, finger puppets, lacing cards, and other homemade activities, like those in this busy bag activity, can help to keep kids entertained. For little kids, don’t forget to bring their favourite toy or blanket for play and comfort.

Make a road trip playlist

Or easier still – use mine! I’ve put together a Spotify playlist with something for every generation with movie soundtracks, pop hits, NZ classics, and more – all picked for their sing-a-long-ability and guaranteed to get stuck in your head for the entire trip. What can I say except, you’re welcome!

See more:

her world julieWritten by Julie Scanlon

Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire. 

Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”

Why Routine And Structure Benefits Your Toddler

Posted on by Julie Lankow

Once your child has passed the baby stage and starts becoming an independent, busy toddler, it can be tempting to ditch routines and structure established when they were an infant.

However, research suggests that while there is a great deal of room for individual flexibility around toddler routines, toddlers cope better when they have defined structure in their day – helping to establish boundaries, good habits and making them feel comfortable and secure.

The benefits of routine for toddlers and preschoolers

Perhaps more than any other reason, routines provide a sense of certainty and security for children. This is important at all ages, but particularly in early childhood.

As a toddler, Jackson was never sure who would look after him each evening. After a long day at day-care, Jackson would be picked up by his mum and rushed home. As she raced out the door for work at her second job Jackson would ask who would be with him that night. At least four nights a week, Jackson would have someone different putting him to bed. Jackson became insecure about his environment. He cried whenever his mum left him. He struggle with bed wetting for many years. The lack of routine left him feeling uncertain about himself and his surrounds. Even in his early teens, Jackson still struggled with his sense of security, adjustment, structure and routines.

As a toddler, Chanel would come home from day-care to a mum and dad who had a relatively consistent routine. Chanel would have dinner with her family, have a warm bath and get into her pyjamas. Her dad would read her a story and her mum would sing her three songs (the same three every night!) before tucking her in and kissing her goodnight. Chanel took comfort from knowing she had a well-structured routine. The benefits of this routine continued even a teenager, Chanel was well-adjusted, organised, and effective.

Structured routines for toddlers

There are a number of other reasons that routines are helpful for your toddler’s development.

  • Routines can help children understand time and time management.
  • Routines can help children get used to having chores.
  • Routines can establish important habits such as brushing teeth and hair.
  • Routines can strengthen relationships by focusing on time together.

We may find that certain routines are almost universal, such as morning and bed-time routines. Others may suit specific circumstances or stages of life, such as your family’s Sunday morning routine, or preschool routine.

For families with toddlers and preschoolers, the following routines may be helpful:

  • Structured morning preparations and routines
  • Structured mealtime routines
  • Structured bedtime routines
  • Structured childcare routines
  • Structured playdates (if your child knows that every Thursday after swimming lessons it’s a playdate with your mother’s group, Thursday morning can positively buzz!)

Toddler routines don’t have to be boring

The other great thing about routines for toddlers is that they don’t have to be constantly emphasising the mundane aspects of life. We can create exciting yet structured routines around things like:

  • Saturday morning family time
  • Friday night sports or DVD night
  • Cheap Tuesday take-out night (or even make takeaway at home)

Routines can be useful for establishing boundaries and guidelines for toddlers, as well as teaching good habits, and improving efficiency. Plus they can help our children feel more comfortable and secure in knowing that there is certainty and predictability in their lives. While it can be nice, at times, to just go with the flow, a structured routine for busy, stressful, or important and even fun times can make family life smoother and more effective.

This article was written for Kidspot by Justin Coulson, Ph. D. Justin is a relationships and parenting expert, author and father of five children. Find him on Facebook, Twitter, and at happyfamilies.com.au.

See more:

Kidspot New Zealand is all about simplifying the search for kid related fun, activities, sports and related trappings. It makes it fast and easy for kids and their parents to identify things and places of interest leaving more time for all to enjoy!

Please contact us with new ideas and suggestions on how to make this a reality for you and your family.

Stay in the loop

Stay in the loop with all things family and fun! Subscribe to the Kidspot Catchup and receive a weekly does of parenting tips, tasty recipes, and exciting activities for the whole family.

About Kidspot

Contact Kidspot

Advertise with Kidspot

Kidspot Terms and Conditions

close

Join the Catch Up

Join our community of parents and let the Kidspot Catchup be your guide to creating unforgetable family moments.