SH1 Picton to Christchurch

If you’ve just left a ferry and are heading south, think about taking some stops on your journey. If you’re heading north to catch a ferry, make sure you leave enough time to stop en route and/or have stretch your legs in Picton before you board. Picton foreshore, Auckland Street If you need to have… Read more »

Heading North from Auckland to Whangarei and beyond (SH1)

If you get stuck in traffic getting out of Auckland or you’ve started your journey further south, you might need to stop early on in your journey. Straight over the bridge at Takapuna, there’s a great, albeit small playground right next to the beach on The Strand. Parking at the weekends, especially if it’s sunny,… Read more »

Holdsworth Lodge, Tararua Range, near Masterton

We wanted the chance to explore the Tararua Range when the weather was typically spring like and  unpredictable! It was too far to just go for the day and we love the peace and quiet of staying in a rural hut overnight. What we liked: the hut is at the road end so we could… Read more »

Family Passes (x3) to Staglands Wildlife Reserve, Upper Hutt

Win a free family pass to Staglands Wildlife Reserve, Upper Hutt (2 adults & 3 kids). There are 3 family passes up for grabs. It’s the perfect time to visit Staglands Wildlife Reserve with baby lambs, kune kune, calves and kid goats amongst other animals to see and interact with. Staglands is open all weekend… Read more »

Top Tips for tramping with kids (including overnight tramps)

Whether you’re living in or visiting New Zealand, it’s only when you get into the great outdoors that you really appreciate what a truly beautiful country this is. Not only is going for a walk free and great exercise, spending time outside can also bring families closer together (think; no screen time = conversations!) You might… Read more »