[Davvie]

Hi All,

Just in the early stages of trying to organise an itinerary (sp?) of what we are going to do and where to go when we come to NZ (I apologise now for the number of posts/questions I'm going to be making over the next few weeks). The plan is to spend a few days in Auckland before travelling up to the Bay of Islands for a couple of weeks, before we get down to the serious business of finding a job and settling down - currently torn between Hamilton/Cambridge area and Tauranga. However, to be honest we are quite flexible over our final destination and may even end up on the South Island.

Anyway has anyone any suggestions of where to stay in Auckland that is child friendly, we have four kids who will be 9,8,6,& 2 and would prefer to book a hotel/motel that comes with a recommendation?? and also where are the best places to eat with kids (they aren't fussy and eat most things).

We was only thinking of spending a few days in Auckland to get over the jet lag before moving on but has anyone any suggestions of things to do with the kids to keep them occupied - we have a number of NZ guide books etc.. but I was wondering where the locals recommend (or suggest avoiding :)).

Finally like most females I am a shopaholic :laugh what is the shopping like in Auckland where are the best places to go??

We are hoping to come over either the end of October or beginning of Jan, if this helps.

Ta for the help
Jenny

[JandM]

Places with children - Kelly Tarlton's, the zoo, MOTAT, the park between the last two to watch the birds, the museum in the Domain.

[Jon-and-Lou]

We had a week in Auckland, and booked a place via this website ... holidayhomes.co.nz.

We stayed in the Dutchmans Retreat in Maraingi Bay - was fab., but only 2 bedrooms so probably not big enough for your needs?

As for things to do? We just explored the beaches, and general areas, took the Devonport ferry one day into town, did the sky tower which was fab.

Food wise - you'll be spoilt for choice. Lots of eateries, and all sorts on offer - especially if your children are like ours, and quite unfussy.

Will pop back if I think of anything else

[Tia Maria]

Search the forum for 'Tarltons', (as In Kelly Tarltons) or 'Zoo', to find a few threads with things to do with kids.

I know its not glamourous but the Westfield (NZ Shopping centres) foodcourts are always an easy option for food with children when travelling around. They're all over but there is one in the CBD near the ferry and one in Albany.

http://westfield.co.nz/nzcentres/

Also there are a few good places in China Town but I can't explain how to get there....maybe someone else can!

We've found that Mecca Cafes have always been fine with children:

http://www.meccacafe.com/

As have Esquires, which do coffees, cakes, sausage rolls etc:

http://www.esquirescoffee.co.nz/

A good tip is to scan the cafe/restaurant and see if they have a 'box of toys', those that do often have children's menus and are more relaxed about families.

Cheers

Tia

[Kerry and David]

The snowplanet is north of Auckland

http://www.snowplanet.co.nz

Orewa has a great beach if you just want to chill out, it takes about 35 minutes from Auckland CBD.

My kids enjoyed the Museum as others have suggested. We love all the National Parks in the area too.

It may be worth having a look at the AA website too for more ideas:
http://theaa.co.nz



Kerry

[Helsandfamily]

Weiwera hot pools (about 45 mins north of Auckland) is a great trip. they have water slides and different swimming pools. The water is naturally hot and is open on cold wet days. it could be a stop off on the way to Bay of Islands.

Also in Elleslie (south Auckland) there is a place called "Extreme edge", it is a cool indoor climbing centre and they have themed kids walls. It is great because it is all weather and tires them out.

[Davvie]

Hi,

Thanks for all of the replies - looks like there will be no problems keeping the kids occupied rain or shine.

Anyone any recommendations for child friendly accomodation, as their is six of us it is always a nightmare trying to find rooms big enough :).

Thanks
Jenny

[DonDeLaVega]

Anyone any recommendations for child friendly accomodation, as their is six of us it is always a nightmare trying to find rooms big enough :).

Hello all,

This is a big concern of ours as well. We have 6 kids, ages: 13,11,8,5,3,2.

Will we be hard-pressed to find affordable housing to fit all of us comfortably? This was a big factor when we were looking into moving over to Ireland.

As far as transportation, I'm only assuming there are minivans and the like we'll be able to purchase once we're down there... ?

Thanks,
Don

[JandM]

As far as transportation, I'm only assuming there are minivans and the like we'll be able to purchase once we're down there... ?No problem there. This may be of interest. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/index.htm

[DonDeLaVega]

No problem there. This may be of interest. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/index.htm

Thanks! I'm really glad I stumbled upon this site. I can see already it's going to be a Godsend with our research. The help I've encountered thus far is showing Kiwis truly live up to their rep as being friendly and helpful! :)

Now I'll just settle back, crank up my Hayley Westenra tunes and continue digging in to more useful nuggets. :nice1

Don

[JandM]

:D at the 'Kiwis'... The actual Kiwis around here are few and far between, then there are a few more who immigrated and have progressed to citizenship. Most of us on the forum are would-be migrants, or migrants who've made it, so we're a right mixture from all over the world. I'm British, with a son who went to live in NZ when he married a Kiwi, and Kiwi grandchildren growing up in Titirangi. We hope to be able to join them via the parent sponsorship route one day, and meantime I make sure I do my NZ homework so I know what they're talking about. :nice1

However, you're absolutely right about the warmth and kindness of people in NZ - when we've visited, we met with help and generosity everywhere.

I just thought, you could look at accommodation on TradeMe as well, to get an idea of prices.

[DonDeLaVega]

:D at the 'Kiwis'... The actual Kiwis around here are few and far between, then there are a few more who immigrated and have progressed to citizenship. Most of us on the forum are would-be migrants, or migrants who've made it, so we're a right mixture from all over the world.

Ah well... [blushing!] :o Then perhaps it's a case of the like-minded all being drawn together. Ha! :laugh

[jeffanar]

Finally like most females I am a shopaholic :laugh what is the shopping like in Auckland where are the best places to go??


I have just come back from a weekend in Melbourne, and Auckland shopping is quite depressing compared to that :wah

Depends on what your budget is, Dressmart in Onehunga is an outlet shopping mall and you can get some great bargains in there, at the other end of the spectrum there's lots of designer botiques on High St in the city, in Parnell and in Ponsonby