My family and I just came back from a 2 1/2 week vacation to gorgeous New Zealand. Now don’t be mislead, we are not an adventurous family. Trecking half way across the world for for the thrill is not us. The simple and boring truth is that my husband is from New Zealand and we love going back to visit family and friends as much as possible.
Our girls have been to New Zealand 4 times in total, the first being when my oldest was 3 years old and my youngest 3 months. So you may be wondering how the girls manage on such a long journey. It’s most definitely an arduous trip, taking over 24 hours from start to finish. I am proud to say that the girls are awesome travelers. The girls know that the flights are super long so they don’t even bother to ask, “are we their yet”? I must admit that I’m extremely thankful that the 14 hour leg (Vancouver to Auckland) is a night-flight and the girls sleep most of it. I also am very grateful to the developers of the entertainment systems on Air New Zealand. The girls have access to loads of their favourite TV shows and movies.
Our trips to New Zealand mainly focus on spending time with my husband’s family. If you ask my girls to choose anywhere in the world to vacation their answer always is New Zealand. They want to spend time as much time as they can with their nana, granddad, uncles and aunts. This trip was even more special as my husband’s sister had her first baby.
With so much to see and do in New Zealand I would recommend that you need a minimum of 3 weeks to explore this wonderful country. New Zealand is divided into 2 parts; the North and South Island. In the North Island you will find Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. This sprawled city has all the modern amenities that you would expect of any world class travel destination. Auckland in known as ‘The City of Sails’, as their are many of activities done on the water (whale watching trips, fishing, sailing) as well as numerous islands scattered around Auckland harbor to be explored. The South Island has a more rugged and majestic terrain, an outdoor adventurers paradise.
New Zealand is truly a dream vacation destination for anyone interested in enjoying all the beauty that nature has to offer. Here you can surf, ride the rapids, bungee jump, kayak, canoe, cycle, and even ski in the winter.
While I would recommend New Zealand as a family destination the cost and time necessary to journey to this side of the world are quite prohibiting.
Take a look through my photo album as I share my favourite memories.
New zealand is great and exotic, last time I went was 3 years ago, but that was before the bad economy. NZ is probably one of the only places I’ve been to that’s so quiet and friendly, even better then Hawaii and more culture too 🙂
Bonnie Smith
COO/Director FXP
http://www.forexpulse.com
Your photos and your description make me want to book a trip right now! Looks like such a fantastic adventure for you and your family.
Gorgeous. I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand. The flight sounds scary but it looks like it’s worth it. Beautiful shots.
Looks like a fabulous family trip, Carol! thanks for sharing your lovely photos.
pavlova! i was in australia when i was twelve and they made us pavlova…heaven! i have tried it since and have since given up trying to find it anywhere else.
So beautiful Carol! I spent a month there and I always say to people…shorten your time in Australia and spend it in New Zealand. I looooved it. Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch…it’s all just so beautiful! Even smelly Rotorua! I can’t wait to get back there one day!
I think I might have stayed, forever, Beautiful!