Looking for things to do around Auckalnd, no matter what the weather is outside?
Our pick in Auckland for the school holidays is Kelly Tarltons.
Kids can uncover the mysteries and monsters of the deep and take part in the Guardians of Atlantis Treasure Hunt where they must crack riddles to discover keys that will unlock the mythical city’s gates and get them in draw to win great LEGO prizes. They can huddle up and hear amazing myths from the abyss, including some of New Zealand’s most beloved watery legends such as Maui’s Fish and the Whale Rider, during hourly storytelling sessions every day in the NIWA room.
Lots of fantastic spot prizes are up for grabs during the hourly Tower Building competitions in the special LEGO Zone, where kids will also be able to build their own creations and show off their artistic flair with cool activities like shark origami, drawing lessons and a Taniwha drawing competition (where even more LEGO prizes are on offer).
In the Aqua Cinema they can check out The Adventures of Clutch Powers – the first ever full-length animated LEGO movie. Once they’ve had their fill of mythical beasts its off to say hi to all their favourite Kelly Tarlton’s creatures including King Penguin chicks which can be seen from the Snowcat ride, Phoebe the massive ray in Stingray Bay and the hungry sharks in Kelly’s predator tank.
For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/Regulars/Kelly%20Tarltons.html
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Moeraki Boulders
The Moeraki Boulders are a must see item on any family's trip down the lower South Island. These huge round boulders are strewn along the beach at Moeraki, some 40 kilmetres south of Oamaru on State Highway 1. It is a five-minutes walk from the car park to the boulders.
The boulders were embedded in the soft mudstone cliff until sea eroded the cliff, exposing the boulders.
The boulders are formed by the crystallisation of calcium and carbonates around charged particles, the process taking some four million years. To help children under stand, I suggest explaining how pearls are formed, as the same principle applies.
For information about the area visit us at http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/destination/SouthIsland/oamaru.html
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Useful tips for travelling by plane with kids
Flying with children was something I dreaded when my children were younger. I remember before being a parent that there was always a crying baby on the plane and somehow they always seemed to be just behind me! Here are some tips that I have used to make it easier, hope the following you will these useful too.
At the airport
Transporting yourself and your baby or toddler can be an interesting exercise at the best of times and airports present greater challenges. You need to have your hands free to deal with luggage and general security requirements and, at the same time, not lose a child or put the baby down. If you have checked in your luggage, which may include your pushchair, suddenly you are left with nothing to transport your child in and no hands free for important things like hand luggage! One option, if your child is young enough, is to use a front pack or sling. This will keep your hands free and , since a pack folds down easily, it will fit into your carry-on luggage. Some airlines will allow you to include an umbrella-like stroller in your carry-on luggage, but you will need to check with the airline first.
One of the things I put into my handbag is a plastic toy road sheet and three or four cars, small enough not to weigh much or take up much room, but good for keeping the children entertained while waiting to board a flight.
Keeping them safe
Until my children were six years old I used to attach a label, giving their first name and my mobile phone number, to the inside of their jackets - so the label couldn't be seen by strangers. This way, if my child got separated from me, I could be contracted.
Help my baby is crying!
We all hope it isn't our child that cries on the plane, but even the best of us parents can have a crying child.
One of the things that upsets babies and children especially is the pressure on their ears, normally most noticeable during take-off and landing. The idea of the flight attendants giving you boiled lollies to suck is that this reduces the pressure on your ears. But children have a habit of eating these rather quickly, so they have little benefit for those sore ears, and younger children can't manage the lollies safely anyway.
Instead, get your baby or small child to drink from a baby bottle or even a small water bottle, as this will produce the sucking action and will help reduce the pressure on their ears. You will need to ask the flight attendants well in advance as landing is a busy time and they need to be buckled in, just like you! If you are still breastfeeding, and happy to do it on demand, this is the most natural and effective solution for a baby.
For older children, what works best are lollipops. The ones that take a while to finish are best, so the sucking action will help relieve some ear pressure and might just keep them quiet.
Getting more than hot water on your lap!
If you travel with young children, sooner or later they will end up sitting on your lap. This brings up a very parent thing, the christening of parents by children's vomit or food destined for their mouths that make it to your clothes instead. So here is a very practical idea and one I have used. Put in a spare top in case the one you're wearing gets dirty. A quick visit to the toilet to put on a fresh top before landing means being able to greet family and friends looking and smelling great!
Hope these tips have been helpful. For more information visit our website http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/. Happy flying everyone
Gaye Miller
At the airport
Transporting yourself and your baby or toddler can be an interesting exercise at the best of times and airports present greater challenges. You need to have your hands free to deal with luggage and general security requirements and, at the same time, not lose a child or put the baby down. If you have checked in your luggage, which may include your pushchair, suddenly you are left with nothing to transport your child in and no hands free for important things like hand luggage! One option, if your child is young enough, is to use a front pack or sling. This will keep your hands free and , since a pack folds down easily, it will fit into your carry-on luggage. Some airlines will allow you to include an umbrella-like stroller in your carry-on luggage, but you will need to check with the airline first.
One of the things I put into my handbag is a plastic toy road sheet and three or four cars, small enough not to weigh much or take up much room, but good for keeping the children entertained while waiting to board a flight.
Keeping them safe
Until my children were six years old I used to attach a label, giving their first name and my mobile phone number, to the inside of their jackets - so the label couldn't be seen by strangers. This way, if my child got separated from me, I could be contracted.
Help my baby is crying!
We all hope it isn't our child that cries on the plane, but even the best of us parents can have a crying child.
One of the things that upsets babies and children especially is the pressure on their ears, normally most noticeable during take-off and landing. The idea of the flight attendants giving you boiled lollies to suck is that this reduces the pressure on your ears. But children have a habit of eating these rather quickly, so they have little benefit for those sore ears, and younger children can't manage the lollies safely anyway.
Instead, get your baby or small child to drink from a baby bottle or even a small water bottle, as this will produce the sucking action and will help reduce the pressure on their ears. You will need to ask the flight attendants well in advance as landing is a busy time and they need to be buckled in, just like you! If you are still breastfeeding, and happy to do it on demand, this is the most natural and effective solution for a baby.
For older children, what works best are lollipops. The ones that take a while to finish are best, so the sucking action will help relieve some ear pressure and might just keep them quiet.
Getting more than hot water on your lap!
If you travel with young children, sooner or later they will end up sitting on your lap. This brings up a very parent thing, the christening of parents by children's vomit or food destined for their mouths that make it to your clothes instead. So here is a very practical idea and one I have used. Put in a spare top in case the one you're wearing gets dirty. A quick visit to the toilet to put on a fresh top before landing means being able to greet family and friends looking and smelling great!
Hope these tips have been helpful. For more information visit our website http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/. Happy flying everyone
Gaye Miller
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Discover Fox Glacier with your kids
For an unforgettable family adventure take the kids on a breathtaking guided walk onto the world famous Fox Glacier with New Zealand's most experienced glacier guiding company.
Fox Glacier Guiding has tours suitable from 5 years old and upward and offer a full range of hiking tours and ice adventures to suit all fitness levels and ages.
Fox Glacier is the less crowded, less steep, more affordable option for families. Their friendly and professional guides will take you on the trip of a life time. They will educate you, entertain you and guide you onto the stunning Fox Glacier, part of the Westland National Park, a World Heritage Area.
To assure your safety, their guides are trained through the internationally recognised New Zealand Mountain Guides Association. They pride ourselves in offering exceptional customer service, the highest level of safety management and the best value for money trips
For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com
Fox Glacier Guiding has tours suitable from 5 years old and upward and offer a full range of hiking tours and ice adventures to suit all fitness levels and ages.
Fox Glacier is the less crowded, less steep, more affordable option for families. Their friendly and professional guides will take you on the trip of a life time. They will educate you, entertain you and guide you onto the stunning Fox Glacier, part of the Westland National Park, a World Heritage Area.
To assure your safety, their guides are trained through the internationally recognised New Zealand Mountain Guides Association. They pride ourselves in offering exceptional customer service, the highest level of safety management and the best value for money trips
For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com
Monday, March 8, 2010
Kids Ski Programme - Treble Cone July Holidays
Are you visiting Wanaka over the July School Holidays? Then the ski programme on at Treble Cone, Lake Wanaka might just be the key. They are a great way for your children to gain confidence on the ski slopes and suitable for 6 years and upwards.
There are two programmes, Riders and Sliders programmes for 6 to 14 year olds and TC Freeride Team programme, aimed at teenagers.
We have full details at http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/Treble%20Cone%20Ski%20Field.html
There are two programmes, Riders and Sliders programmes for 6 to 14 year olds and TC Freeride Team programme, aimed at teenagers.
We have full details at http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/Treble%20Cone%20Ski%20Field.html
Flying with under 2 yr olds
An article in the New Zealand Herald, Wednesday 27 January, 2010, told of a mother with her 18 months old twin girls being unable to board her flight bound for Australia because she was travelling alone with children under the age of two.
So I thought it would be a good idea to give you some idea of what their policies are.
Seating for Children and Infants
Below are the some airlines policy with regards to infants (children under 2 years of age).
Jetstar: Under-2s must be accompanied by an adult over 15 years old and are required to sit on an adult's knee during takeoff and landing.
Qantas: Infants who do not occupy a separate seat are carried for 10% of the applicable adult fare. Each infant under 2 years must be accompanied by a separate adult. Children over 2 years must occupy a separate seat. All children and infants must have their own tickets, whether or not they are occupying a separate seat. For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/Qantas.html
Air New Zealand policy: Children under the age of 2, not occupying a seat and accompanied by an adult, may travel on an infant fare. A child travelling on an infant fare must be held by the accompanying adult. For safety reasons an adult can hold only one infant, and children under the age of 15 may not hold infants. For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/flying.html
Pacific Blue Policies for infants (under 24 months) travelling with a single adult. Any child less than two years of age, is classed as an Infant, and must be nursed in the arm of a parent or guardian (at least 15 years of age).
A Guest can nurse only one infant at any one time (-> one adult, one Infant). Specific Infant Equipment (including but not restricted to Pram/Stroller, Portable Cot, Car seat, Baby Capsule) can be carried free of charge. For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/Pacific%20Blue.html
Hope this is some help. GM
So I thought it would be a good idea to give you some idea of what their policies are.
Seating for Children and Infants
Below are the some airlines policy with regards to infants (children under 2 years of age).
Jetstar: Under-2s must be accompanied by an adult over 15 years old and are required to sit on an adult's knee during takeoff and landing.
Qantas: Infants who do not occupy a separate seat are carried for 10% of the applicable adult fare. Each infant under 2 years must be accompanied by a separate adult. Children over 2 years must occupy a separate seat. All children and infants must have their own tickets, whether or not they are occupying a separate seat. For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/Qantas.html
Air New Zealand policy: Children under the age of 2, not occupying a seat and accompanied by an adult, may travel on an infant fare. A child travelling on an infant fare must be held by the accompanying adult. For safety reasons an adult can hold only one infant, and children under the age of 15 may not hold infants. For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/flying.html
Pacific Blue Policies for infants (under 24 months) travelling with a single adult. Any child less than two years of age, is classed as an Infant, and must be nursed in the arm of a parent or guardian (at least 15 years of age).
A Guest can nurse only one infant at any one time (-> one adult, one Infant). Specific Infant Equipment (including but not restricted to Pram/Stroller, Portable Cot, Car seat, Baby Capsule) can be carried free of charge. For more information http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/Pacific%20Blue.html
Hope this is some help. GM
Australian Family-friendly winery
I'm on the outlook for some family-friendly wineries anywhere is Australia. Have no idea so welcoming any help with this.
Many thanks GM
Many thanks GM
New Zealand family-friendly wineries
I'm on the search for family-friendly wineries in New Zealand that don't mind kids hanging out while their mums and dads try some wine.
If anyone can help that would be great. If they have a cafe attached to them even better.
Locally there is Ascension Winery between Warkworth and Matakana and Herons Flight on Sharp Road.
Will update this as I hear anything. GM
If anyone can help that would be great. If they have a cafe attached to them even better.
Locally there is Ascension Winery between Warkworth and Matakana and Herons Flight on Sharp Road.
Will update this as I hear anything. GM
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Family Accommodation by Auckland Airport
Just found accommodation near Auckland airport, via Twitter, that would be great for families who have been on a long international flight and need a bed for a night or two. Best Western BKs Pioneer Motor Lodge http://www.bestwesternauckland.co.nz is a new Auckland airport hotel.
They are not directly over the flight path, yet only 3 minutes (by car) from the international and domestic airport in Auckland. and with rental car and campervan companies at the airport, it makes sense to take a day out to get over the jet lag.
As their guest, you’ll have access 24 hour to a courtesy airport shuttle service for the International and Domestic airport terminals.
Very close to the airport are some great activities for kids http://www.butterflycreek.co.nz/ and mini golf and yes, there is even a McDonalds. By the way Butterfly Creek has a petting farm animals, crocodiles, train rides and a cafe - the kids playground is fun too! For more info on what to do in Auckland http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/destination/NorthIsland/cauckland.html
They have a wide range of accommodation options includes studios, 1-bedroom
units, 2-bedroom suites, and interconnecting family suites. They also have
access rooms designed to cater for guests with special requirements.
This is what their rooms offer:
Queen-sized bed
Sky TV and high-speed broadband Internet access
Kitchenette with either microwave or full cooking facilities
Complimentary coffee and tea
Comfortable recliner chairs
Air-conditioning (in superior rooms), ceiling fans, heating and electric blankets
Self-contained bathroom with either showers or luxury spa baths
Laundry facilities
For more family-friendly ideas just visit us at http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com
They are not directly over the flight path, yet only 3 minutes (by car) from the international and domestic airport in Auckland. and with rental car and campervan companies at the airport, it makes sense to take a day out to get over the jet lag.
As their guest, you’ll have access 24 hour to a courtesy airport shuttle service for the International and Domestic airport terminals.
Very close to the airport are some great activities for kids http://www.butterflycreek.co.nz/ and mini golf and yes, there is even a McDonalds. By the way Butterfly Creek has a petting farm animals, crocodiles, train rides and a cafe - the kids playground is fun too! For more info on what to do in Auckland http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com/destination/NorthIsland/cauckland.html
They have a wide range of accommodation options includes studios, 1-bedroom
units, 2-bedroom suites, and interconnecting family suites. They also have
access rooms designed to cater for guests with special requirements.
This is what their rooms offer:
Queen-sized bed
Sky TV and high-speed broadband Internet access
Kitchenette with either microwave or full cooking facilities
Complimentary coffee and tea
Comfortable recliner chairs
Air-conditioning (in superior rooms), ceiling fans, heating and electric blankets
Self-contained bathroom with either showers or luxury spa baths
Laundry facilities
For more family-friendly ideas just visit us at http://www.kidsfriendlynz.com
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Fun for boys 8+ Christchurch
Have just found a great activity for families with boys eight years and over in Christchurch. It's called Xriders and they're like powered skateboards.
They do holiday programs as well as hire out for birthday parties and the great thing about them is that they come to you. You will need a large area of concrete, but from what I send (on their web), this looks awesome.
They do holiday programs as well as hire out for birthday parties and the great thing about them is that they come to you. You will need a large area of concrete, but from what I send (on their web), this looks awesome.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
