TravelShoot the best way to connect with local photographers around the world

As you all are probably aware (from all our Insta spam) we recently visited Dubai on a family holiday and had an absolute ball.

One of the highlights of the trip for me was the photo shoot we did with Travelshoot.

Travelshoot is a company full of photographers around the world. All you have to do is visit the website, choose your location, pick your favourite itinerary and book your shoot!

Travelshoot will then connect you with the best local photographer that fits your brief and then everything is taken
care of until the photo-shoot day! Then once the shoot has been finished you’ll receive a couple of sneak peaks within 48 hours and then the full album within 7 days.

Our experience with Travelshoot was amazing it was such an easy process from start to finish.

Dubai is such a breathtakingly beautiful place with so many stunning photo locations and this shoot was such a perfect way to keep the memories of our trip alive for years to come.

Piper is always good when it comes to getting photos taken and often says things like “Mummy can you take my photo here so I can look at it later” and often they are the ones that turn out the best, but I was a little concerned going into this shoot as to how she would go with a new photographer and a foreign location but as always she proved me wrong and was an absolute star during the shoot and even drawing quite the crowd of onlookers
who also wanted to snap her photo saying how gorgeous she was.

 

The photographer we had on the day was so friendly and incredible with Piper candidly capturing all her smiles and
expressions perfectly. The final photographs that we received were breathtaking and exactly what we were after.

If your looking for a way to capture your holiday you can’t go wrong with Travelshoot.

 

 

*This post was written in collaboration with TravelShoot but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.



Best Family Hotel in Manly Sydney – Novotel Manly Pacific

Looking for a fabulous staycation hotel by the beach?

Travelling with little ones can be very tough, especially on long haul flights. Luckily
for all of us within Australia, we are able to reach places that are both family friendly
and luxurious (I know right, sounds almost impossible), within just a few short hours.

 

The Novotel Manly Pacific is one of these amazing places – Superbly located beachside in beautiful Manly in Sydney it’s just minutes’ walk to all that this wonderful area has to offer.

Space to sit and relax in the foyer watching the world go by.

 

As well as being right on the water and just a short walk to some unique shopping and cafes it offers easy access to the ferry terminal so it’s just a short trip across the harbour to Circular Quay and the heart of Sydney.

The Novotel Manly Pacific ticks ALL the boxes.

 

Located along Marine Parade is the lovely Fairy Bower rockpool it’s one of a number of historic pools cut and blasted along the New South wales coast.

 

When searching for kid-friendly accommodation, it’s a given that the Novotel brand is worth checking out. Each hotel aims to provide families with a comfortable and child-focused stay.

The spacious layout of the 213 luxurious rooms includes a mini bar, workspace, television and floor-to- ceiling windows as you just can’t go past the exquisite views over looking iconic Manly beach.

 

Manly Beach is situated among the northern beaches of Sydney.

 

Manly surf school runs classes for kids and adults daily.

Although it is important that rooms contain comfy furniture and space, when travelling as a family it is the little family-friendly touches that make stays homelier. The Novotel Manly Pacific contains so many of these, in the bathroom, there is an all-important bathtub, and essential when travelling with little ones.

But, family-friendly doesn’t just end with the room, a digital games table and arts and craft table keeps kids entertained during check-in and check-out.

Plus sand toys, buckets and spades, boogie boards, beach chairs, umbrellas are all available FREE to borrow in the reception area, just as long as you rinse and return. For me this is the best thing a hotel near the beach can offer, to not have to pack and lug the beach toys or worse still tell the kids you couldn’t fit them in the suitcase can make or break a beach trip for us.

Free beach toys are available to borrow.

 

Like all Novotel family friendly accommodation the family promise is upheld, where kids under 16 years stay and eat breakfast for FREE (one of a parent’s favourite words) for two children who share a room with their parents or grandparents.  The kids menu offers meal options that are both affordable, and healthy. The breakfast buffet
selection located at the Zali Restaurant includes an ‘Eggs Any Style’ station, as well as a pancake machine. Both of which, of course, are major hits with the kids.

Filled with kid-friendliness aspects from beginning to end, as well as its location being perfectly ideal for a beautiful family getaway.

Pool with a stunning beach view.

 

If you are looking for a fabulous staycation hotel by the beach, that offers both a luxurious and relaxing feel, as well as being 100% kid-friendly then Novotel Manly Pacific is most definitely for you and your family.

You can check out prices and availability HERE  Novotel Manly Pacific

 

 

 

 

*This post was written in collaboration with Novotel Manly Pacific but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.



Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach – Phuket Paradise

I have had so many questions on where we stayed in Phuket recently and I have no hesitation in recommending the Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach

They have all the bases covered for an active holiday, regardless of weather conditions.

Just how Marriott has managed to keep the personal touch in such large grounds is a mystery, yet also a welcome surprise.

Located on a secluded stretch of Tri-Tang Beach it’s close to the excitement of Patong close by, but the serene surroundings make it seem a world away.

Take advantage of the Phuket weather and relax by one of the three outdoor pools, while the kids  enjoy some time at the kids club with an all day activity program available from 8am to 8pm.

I can’t speak highly enough of all the staff, they were all fantastic and so very welcoming, the whole resort is just so beautifully set out and clean.

Of course you get all the little extras that 5 star offers like slippers and bathrobes and the cute towel animals on your bed every day but the main thing is being able to walk straight into the pool from your room. It is such a nice touch to wake up, open the curtains and step into the pool for an early swim before heading over to a huge breakfast at one of the two buffets available.

The private beach was right on our doorstep and if that’s not enough beach for you the hotel has a free bus that leaves 4 times a day that can drop you down to Patong for some local shopping and lots and lots of food plus more beach!

Below are a couple of real highlights that you can do with out even leaving the hotel.

Indulge At The Thai Pantry

Dinning at the Thai Pantry at the Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach is a must do! You must order the chicken and pork satay, papaya salad and vegetable rolls topped off with some fresh mango juice. Good value for top class cooking in an elegant restaurant, service was so friendly and professional we ate here on the first night staying at the hotel and knew straight away that another visit would be needed before we left.

Learn To Cook

While in Phuket, there is no better place to learn to cook world-renowned Thai food, what an awesome experience it was to learn to cook three dishes, all of which were simple to make, and exploded with taste.

The Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach classes provide a fascinating insight into Thai life, beliefs and culture through learning about its food, cooking and culinary myths, we learnt about the exotic herbs and spices used in everyday dishes.
Classes are part demonstration, part hands-on and are held in the Pantry restaurant at the Marriott Resort and Spa Merlin Beach a couple of times a week. We had a blast, the staff were amazing teachers and very patient with me (someone with pretty lousy cooking skills) but the best bit is getting to eat the lavish feast you have prepared at the end.

Visit The Butterflies

It is always fascinating to learn how nature works her magic turning the caterpillars into beautiful butterflies. If you want to see lots of butterflies, this is the place to come. There are also a large numbers of insects and other creepy crawlies and educational displays. We had an enjoyable hour getting hands on and learning from our guide Katy. Located in the heart of the Marriott Merlin Beach it’s available for in-house guests and made for a great educational experience for us and the kids.

It’s a great resort that I highly recommend for families with children, the best thing is the kids are asking when we’re going back and I’m ready to go anytime.

 

 

*This post was written in collaboration with Marriott but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.

 

 



Amazing Thailand – Our top 6 to do while in Phuket

Phuket guarantees an unfading vacation memory for parents and children, being one of the most family-friendly destinations with a wealth of attractions and activities for all ages to enjoy. This joins the wonderfully friendly people and culture which are present for the parents.

With so much to see and do in Phuket and so many great Thailand Deals available right now its the perfect time to take the family.

 

Here are just a few of the things that we got up too.

 

1. Visit A Temple

 

Wats – or Buddhist temples – are among the most important symbols of Thailand, partly because the majority of Thais are Buddhist and partly because they are so beautiful. In Phuket alone, there are 29 Buddhist temples spread around the island. They have been extending a warm welcome to visitors for over a century, locals come to pray and westerners come to learn something about Buddhism. The temples are open from seven in the morning till five in the afternoon and are a great way to get a feel for the country and mix with the locals. I would suggest visiting Wat Chalong, it’s the biggest and most important temple said to shelter relics from Budda plus it’s surrounded by local markets complete with roaming chickens, dogs and cats so there is something interesting for everyone to see at every turn.

2. Get Up Close With Some Monkeys

 

We just took a drive to see if we could find some local monkeys – The best place to start is “Monkey Hill” (real name is Khao To Sae) on the north side of Phuket Town – it’s the hill with the aerials / radio masts on top, easy to spot from much of the south of the island, being around 270m above sea level. There are lots of monkeys here, mostly they are found near the top of the hill. Local people come up to feed them, it’s not really a tourist attraction but we had a great time wandering around and checking out the monkey’s but I do suggest you don’t try and feed them yourself they did get quite aggressive with Piper when they found out she didn’t have any food for them, if you have small children I suggest even observing them from inside the safety of your own car.

Rang Hill

Also on the north side of Phuket Town, Rang Hill is quite popular as a viewpoint, we found a great place to eat with the locals and got some fresh air and exercise. We found monkeys a-plenty playing in the trees which was great to watch while we dined, again worth the visit and an experience we will never forget.

3. Check Out The Magnificent Beaches

 

Few islands can boast such an abundance of sandy beaches and clear waters as Phuket. The winding coastal roads along the west coast of this 540-square-km island offer stunning views and easy access to some of the world’s finest beaches.

Whether you want to sample the frenetic pace of Patong or find solitude on a remote stretch of sand in the north, Phuket’s beaches have it all for the sun seeker. Remember the sunscreen and bring bottled water for a fun day in the sun.

4. Visit The Protected Turtle Sanctuary

 

The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation is actually part of the wider JW Marriott Resort in Phuket and sits on Mai Khao Beach. The foundation was started in order to protect the nesting turtles in the area as well as to promote clean seas and beaches on the island.

The foundation is located within the grounds of the JW Marriott Resort in Phuket, but you do not have to be a guest of the hotel in order to visit. There are information sessions held daily here from Monday to Friday at 11:00 to 12:00. At one of the sessions, you will be able to learn all about how the foundation started as well as hear the story of the turtle population in Phuket. The emphasis here is on educating the public on how to sustain the delicate ecosystems that the turtles live in and promote their protection. There is also a feeding session where you will get the chance to see some of the resident turtles who live at the foundation and who have disabilities which mean that they would not thrive in the wild. The sessions are free to hotel guests and the general public, although donations are appreciated and all proceeds go towards to wellbeing of the turtles.

5. Learn To Cook

 

While in Phuket, there is no better place to learn to cook world-renowned Thai food, what an awesome experience it was to learn to cook three dishes, all of which were simple to make, and exploded with taste.

The classes provide a fascinating insight into Thai life, beliefs and culture through learning about its food, cooking and culinary myths, we learnt about the exotic herbs and spices used in everyday dishes. Classes are part demonstration, part hands-on and are held all over Thailand in many different hotel and restaurants. We had a blast, the staff were amazing teachers and very patient with me (someone with pretty lousy cooking skills) but the best bit is getting to eat the lavish feast you have prepared at the end.

6. Visit The Day Spa

 

A visit to a Day Spa is a must while in Thailand it’s the perfect place in which to unwind. You will find them everywhere throughout Phuket set away from the crowds, the luxurious treatments they offer in a serene space give guests a sense of calm, tranquillity and rejuvenation. Enjoy a post flight pick me up or treat yourself to a signature treatment, you will find it all and I can class myself as an expert as I was sure to do my research on this one having three Thai massages in 7 days stay.

 

Have you been to Thailand? Or are ready to book? Book a Tour

We would love you to share your experiences with our readers, so please leave a comment below and share with other.

Any questions on our trip just let us know and we will be happy to help you out.

Love Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Love Christmas? Then don’t miss Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill Ballarat Victoria

If you love Christmas, history and adventure, and are looking for a great day out that the kids will never  forget  – then you need to plan a trip to Sovereign Hill next July and experience Christmas in July

    

 
Sovereign Hill is Australia’s leading outdoor museum showcasing  Australia’s marvellous gold rush history, since its opening in November 1970 it has become an Australian tourism icon and has won numerous tourism awards. Known as a living museum emphasising working machinery and displays, costumed interpreters and visitor involvement, it’s no wonder Sovereign Hill attracts 450,000 people each year from around the world.
In July Sovereign Hill hosts a special  Christmas In July event, during  Winter Wonderlights the whole site is adorned with Christmas decorations, with wreaths at every shop front and lots of Christmas trees and stays open later than usual and this is for a special reason.  At 5.30pm each night make sure you standing mid street and watch the buildings of Sovereign Hill light up  – add to that the snow (the fake bubble kind) and music and it’s a magical street party you’ll be glad you stayed for.
During the day its business as usual at Sovereign Hill township, visitors can stroll down Main Street as snow-flakes fall at regular intervals over the Victorian-style buildings, decorations fill the window displays, the smell of Christmas treats and spices fill the air, and traditional Christmas-themed pantomimes are performed in addition to regular attractions and performances there are regular snow falls, Christmas goodies to buy, Christmas carolling and a Christmas-themed theatrical program.
Then at night, Main Street will sparkle with an amazing light projection show with over 20 of Sovereign Hill’s buildings lit up with large-scale image projections and Christmas animations. Children can also catch the Gingerbread Man as he dashes from building to building, peeking out from the Christmas themed lights and animation.
But do note that it’s cold in Ballarat (really cold) so dress warm (think hats, scarves, gloves, layers, two pairs of socks and a winter coat) and you will be fine but with so much to do and see we certainly didn’t have time to stand about feeling the cold.
HOT Tips:

And here’s a handy tip: you can get your entry ticket stamped at the Main Street Post Office (or the desk near the exit) and this will allow you entry again the following day, for FREE! two days for the price of one so stay and see a little more.

  • try to avoid Peak times which are school holidays and weekends
  • Parking is free on site;
  • Bring lots of snacks as eateries can get crowded, especially from 5pm when the last show finishes and the lights don’t start till  5:45pm
  • Book a sit-down Christmas dinner in advance this is an experience that’s now to be missed..
  • Most of Sovereign Hill’s attractions are outdoors so wear lots of warm gear (waterproof coat, layers, gloves, scarf, hat). Ballarat experiences harsh winters and once the sun goes down it is really cold
  • Make sure you visit the Confectionary Shop as it’s just not possible to visit to Sovereign Hill without stocking up on boiled lollies.
  • Gumboots are a good idea as the pathways can get muddy;
  • Bring a torch
  • All the shops take EFTPOS (even for small amounts). There is an ATM at the entrance, Sovereign Hill cafe and the post office
  • Sovereign Hill is a comfortable 90-minute drive from Melbourne along the Western Highway;
  • train and tour coach services which operate daily from Melbourne

 

For details on pricing and ticketing go to Sovereign Hill

 



If you’re a family travelling in New Zealand – here’s why you should stay at Holiday Inn

 

Recently we spent 5 fun filled days in beautiful Auckland. As part of our trip we spent a few nights staying in Rotorua, a place known for bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and natural hot springs, as well as showcasing the fascinating Maori culture.

We stayed with Holiday Inn, as they never disappoint me, I can always relax and let them take care of everything plus with Kids Stay & Eat Free* and the VIK (Very Important Kids) program, the hotel is a great base for both families and adventurers to explore.

Here’s why we think…

Holiday Inn Rotorua is the perfect destination to warm up this winter. Location Location Location….

 

Relax in geothermal hot springs or explore the Redwoods forest mountain bike trails. The mild weather in New Zealand means that you can stay active all year round with plenty of activities to entertain everyone.

Holiday Inn Rotorua is situated on the edge of the beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest. It’s the closest hotel to the famous Rotorua mountain bike trails and  after a day exploring, reward your body with a swim in the geothermally heated pool or enjoy the garden spa, it was such good fun for all of us, the excitement of swimming outdoors in the middle of winter was a major highlight for the kids.

Then head back to your spacious and modern room or relax in the bar before enjoying buffet or a la carte options in the Chapman’s Restaurant, the restaurant serves fantastic meals the kids really enjoyed the buffet dinner and breakfast, we enjoyed that they ate Free*

If  your heading into town for the afternoon or a thrill-seeking day out, jump on the complimentary shuttle service for guests to and from the Rotorua Tourism Centre on Fenton Street and you will be in the middle of everything you need.

During your stay at the  hotel, you can explore Rotorua’s wide range of experiences and attractions. With its well-known Maori cultural shows, geothermal activity and adrenalin pumping activities there is something for everyone.

 

 

There are three different room types; Standard, Superior and Deluxe. So you’ve got a few options to choose from depending on what you need size-wise, comfort-wise and in keeping with budget. The rooms have a modern but classic, comfortable feel to them, with everything feeling new and fresh.

Our room had an insanely good view with a private balcony that overlooked the sulphur springs and the Whakarewarewa thermal park – picture lots of trees with steam rising through them. It made leaving the room difficult, all I wanted to do was stay inside rugged up but adventured called. (See additional blogs for all the attractions and sites we visited)

 

Holiday Inn Rotorua was a great choice for us as it ticks all the boxes when travelling with kids – conveniently located: around the corner from Whakarewarewa and within walking distance (or a short drive) to all of the local attractions, well maintained/clean rooms, breakfast that offers more options than your average hotel breakfast, laundry open 24/7 and cheap to use, which is awesome when you are travelling a lot, air-conditioning, ensuite bathroom, Sky TV channels (including free to guest movies), broadband internet access, complimentary tea/coffee making facilities, iron & ironing board, bathrobes, complimentary selection of fresh fruits, heated outdoor pool, inhouse restarant (Big tick from us)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our 2nd and last stop was in Auckland at the Holiday Inn Auckland Airport it’s located only 4km from the Auckland international and domestic airport terminals so it made for a great place to base ourselves for the last couple of days adventures before we needed to board the hotel shuttle bus for the quick 5 min trip to the airport to start our homeward journey, again we received a warm welcome and the down to earth consistent service we have come to expect from Holiday Inn. Right from check in the staff were first rate friendly and professional, we ate in both the restaurant and on the 2nd night we ordered room service after a particularly long day, both were great with lots 0f choices and very tasty. But nothing beats a Holiday Inn buffet breakfast this is something they just seem to do really well! good choices, good service and plenty of room to sit and relax and not feel rushed. Plus of course kids stay and eat for free*

It’s expansive grounds made a welcome change to other airport hotels we have stayed in, perfect for the kids to get outdoors and enjoy some sunshine and have a run around if you have been cooped up on a flight for a while.

Our whole trip to New Zealand was made so much more enjoyable by staying in comfortable and family friendly Holiday Inn hotels, the wonderful staff who work here, they’re attentive and kind and make you feel really welcome. They’re able to help you out with ideas for places to eat, things to do, how to get around and where to go.

 

 

You can  Check out the current Packages and Special Deals by clicking here.

“Escape with a guaranteed 25% off to Auckland or Rotorua. Plus up to 5% more with YOUR RATE for IHG® Rewards Club members.”

– Book before June 21, 2017, for dates until January 31, 2018.

More information and special rates on accommodation can be found a Holiday Inn

We just loved New Zealand, so if you have any questions? Just let us know and we will be happy to chat.

Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo

 

Follow Them on

Instagram @hiaucklandairport and @holidayinnrotorua

FaceBook /HolidayInnAKLAirport and /HolidayInnRotorua

*Terms and conditions apply.

* Kids Stay Free – Up to two (2) children under 12 years of age, stay free when sharing a room with up to two (2) adults at any of the Participating Hotels, subject to maximum room occupancy restrictions and subject to availability. Baby crib/cot is complimentary while rollaway beds may be chargeable. Rules for maximum room occupancy will supersede this offer.

Kids Eat Free – For registered guests only. This is available for children under 12 yrs of age:

a) when ordering for breakfast, lunch & dinner;
b) when ordering in the hotel’s dine-in restaurant;
c) when ordering from the Kids’ Menu (which must consist of at least 1 main course and 1 dessert) and;
d) when accompanied by at least one (1) adult who is registered as a hotel guest at the Participating Hotel and must order at least one main course from the full priced menu.

The Kids Eat Free offer is limited to up to four (4) children per dining family, per meal OR up to two (2) children per parent, per meal.

The Kids Eat Free offer is not available for room service or with room rates negotiated for groups of 10 or more rooms, travel industry rates, corporate rates or employee rates.

 

**This post was written in collaboration with Holiday Inn (IHG Group) but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.

 



Melbourne’s LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

We recently had the opportunity to attend the Legoland Discovery Centre Melbourne we are BIG Lego fans having just been to Legoland in Malaysia so we were keen to test it out.

The Legoland Discovery Centre is the ultimate indoor Lego playground located in Chadstone Shopping centre which was a huge plus for me as I figured if I tired out the kids with lego, mumma would have a couple of hours to get her shop on in peace.

 

Plus our hot tip! 

If you’re planning a trip to the Legoland Discovery Centre or even the shop, you will notice that a lot of the workers there have nametags with minifigures attached to them. Just like Legoland Theme Parks, you’re allowed to initiate a minifigure trade with them! If you see a minifigure that you’d like, all you have to do is ask them to trade it with your own minifigure! This is a great fun activity that kids can do, especially if you have a lot of surplus or loose minifigures lying about at home, so be sure to bring a small bag of minifigures with you when you visit!

  

 

The opening hours are the same as the shopping centre, and you’ll need a ticket or an annual pass to enter the Discovery Centre.

Single tickets are $37.50 for adults and kids, although there are Concession Tickets priced at $27.50.

If you live in Melbourne and plan on visiting the Discovery Centre regularly, it might be more economical to buy an annual pass ($81 for individuals & $77 each for families which have a maximum cap of 2 adults) which grants you unlimited access to the centre all-year round.

Legoland Discovery Centre features two Lego rides, five themed Lego build and play zones, build classes from the Centre’s Master Model Builder, a 4D cinema, special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations, Melbourne’s top landmarks recreated in LEGO® bricks in MINILAND, plus more.

It’s ideal for families with children aged 3-10 and took us about 3 hours to really see everything, this is the perfect place for the kids to let there imaginations run wild in a world of colour and creativity!

The centre is first discovery centre in southern hemisphere for Lego, joining a global network of Lego Discovery Centres, including nine in North America, four in Europe and two in Japan.

Not to be confused with traditional Legoland Theme Parks, Leogland Discovery Centres are essentially mini versions of LEGOLAND, usually containing a mix of indoor, outdoor and interactive attractions.

The multi-million dollar attraction is filled with more than 2 million Lego bricks and 13 family friendly attractions, making it the ultimate indoor LEGO playground.

 

 

Adults MUST be accompanied by a child (up to 17 years old) to visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.

● Trading hours vary from 9.30am – 7pm

1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone Shopping Centre  Chadstone Victoria Australia | View Map Link opens new page

*This post was written in collaboration with above mentioned attractions but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.



Our Top FIVE Favourite Attractions While Visiting Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland has a fantastic history and a world of exciting experiences waiting to be discovered. So, if the kids are up for discovering the Maori culture and heritage and uncovering a city bursting with fresh and quirky experiences, Auckland is just the spot for you.

Here are our top FIVE favourites, just to get you started….

 

Agrodome – The Unique New Zealand Farm Experience

Agrodome is a fun event for the whole family, informative & very entertaining, cos lets be honest who doesn’t like farm animals.

Spend the day and make sure you catch all the demonstrations with sheep, dogs and other animals, including audience participation. Make sure you do the farm and sheep shearing tours, The kids will love it!

Heaps of animals are on display and the open areas for kids to explore are a good place to take the whole family.

Set in the heart of 350-acres of lush farmland, yet only 10 minutes from Rotorua city centre, you’ll find this little gem.

For over 40 years, visitors from all over the globe have come to the Agrodome to see the world-famous Farm Show starring a cast of talented animals.  After the show you can visit the Farmyard Nursery, which is home to the cutest baby animals who are available for cuddles and photos all year round!

Plus, if you really want to explore the Agrodome 350-acre working farm then join our Farm Tour. During this guided tour, you’ll get to hand-feed loads of friendly animals and sample delicious kiwifruit juice and honey from the land.

Before you leave, don’t forget to pop into the Woollen Mill and Shearing MuseumHere you’ll learn the remarkable story of NZ pioneers the Bowen brothers and discover the full process of wool from the Sheep’s back to yours.

Such a great experience for the kids, its easy to see why it’s one of New Zealand’s must-see attractions, open in any weather, 365 days a year!

  

 

 

 Whakarewarewa Village

This is a MUST visit whilst in Rotoura, it was educational as well as fun, my kids have been poi dancing and doing the haka ever since we visited (or their version may I add!!)

This is a uniquely down home New Zealand experience that you wont want to miss, steeped in a rich history and filled with unique Māori culture and heritage. Whether you want to be mesmerised by the boiling mud or learn more about the geological forces created in the area that lies within Rotorua, The Māori people have lived here for centuries, co-existing in harmony with the geothermal forces that lay beneath their feet.

Join an hourly guided tour through the Whakarewarewa Village and experience a living Māori village. See how they use the geothermal energy for everyday use and experience traditional dances and songs (including the legendary “Haka”) from the resident kapa haka group – Te Pakira.

Village entry includes entry to the Cultural Performances (11:15 and 2:00 PM daily) and access to explore the Geothermal Features and Self-Guided Nature Trails over steaming lakes and past bubbling mud. Watch the talented Kapa Haka group perform traditional Māori song and dance – there is so much to explore you will need at least half a day.

The Māori Village is owned and operated by the local residents, providing an intimate look into day-to-day life in a Living Māori Village. Visit and hear stories from the tour guides who have lived here for more than five generations.

Stay for lunch and enjoy a traditional geothermal hangi meal, cooked in the bubbling geothermal waters and steam of Whakarewarewa valley which produces a unique flavour which is simply delicious. Hangi experiences can be booked alongside the Whakarewarewa Village Tours, where you can choose from a full Hang meal, or be tempted by the sweet corn on the cob as a taster.

OPEN EVERY DAY (except Christmas day)

  

 

Rainbow Springs Nature Park

 

Set amongst the native trees and beautiful forests of Rotorua, Rainbow Springs Nature Park offers a fun-packed and educational experience for the whole family. Learn about New Zealand’s fascinating natural history and meet the creatures who call this great land home.

Animal and bird lovers  flock to Rainbow Springs Nature Park, a 9 hectare (22 acre) nature park and wildlife conservation center featuring many rare endemic species, a water ride, and a beautiful natural setting of native plants and streams.

Top of our list was to see the Kiwi encounter, Kiwi are shy fuzzy little flightless birds and are the park’s most famous inhabitants but as the ground dwelling creatures they only come out under the cover of darkness, but don’t worry about missing them during your daytime visit as they keep the kiwi in a nocturnal kiwi enclosure and your day pass includes repeat entry for the day of purchase until closing at 10pm, this means you can come back to the park once it’s dark to meet the kiwi in an outdoor, no glass enclosure. They often come out to play under the stars between 7pm-9pm – it’s a magical experience not to be missed!

We found heaps to do including a ride on the big splash, then spent some time with birds in one of the park’s free flight aviaries plus loved the exciting bird show.

Your ticket allows you unlimited admission for the day, so if you’re close by it makes for a great stop, letting you return at night to observe the nocturnal creatures.

Plus each day the team of experts run special encounters which allow you to get closer than ever to some of the park residents including trout, reptiles and native birds.

 

 

Rainbows End

A great day out for the family no matter what age and level of ‘fear factor’

If you’re in New Zealand, searching for a family-friendly thrill activity, definitely go to Rainbows End with over 20 rides and attractions there’s something for everyone, every day of the year expect Christmas day.

The staff are incredibly helpful and kind, and go to all lengths to satisfy your visit.

We enjoyed a fantastic fun day at Rainbows End and the kids just loved it!! Grab a day pass and go on whatever you want!

We loved the Roller Coaster and some of the rides will have you screaming, but in a good way! The Log Flume ride is always good fun without the fear factor.

Piper really enjoyed Kids Kingdom it’s a great sheltered entertainment centre just for the younger kids, children 8 year and under to run around and they have a blast.

Rainbow’s End is open  from 10am to 5pm each day and is worth adding to your must do list while in Auckland.

 

   

 

 

 

OGO Rotorua

 

According to our 10 year old son, this was his best experience throughout the whole trip!

New Zealand is the iconic Rotorua adventure activity in the world’s largest downhill park in the world, overlooking the spectacular views of Lake Rotorua & Mokoia Island. 

The Original OGO New Zealand has been operating for over 19 years and is the iconic Rotorua adventure activity offering the unique experience OGO Globe Riding, basically just rolling down a hill in a large inflatable ball.

Because it’s great fun, you want to go again and again.

We chose the Zigzag track… and it was awesome, such a thrill!  sitting in some warm water (winter time), being rolled down left and right down the track, it was so much fun.

Courtesy Clothing is available if your forget (Top, Shorts and Towel), Free Wifi, Hotpool and courtesy transport to and from Rotorua on request!

Open 7 days, 364 days a year, rain, hail or shine. Anyone from 6 years old can roll and we highly recommend it!  Go on, we dare you.

We had such an amazing time in Auckland, its the perfect haven for kids. If you’re heading to NZ be sure to get in touch with any questions you have as we would love to chat.

Love Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo

 

*This post was written in collaboration with above mentioned attractions but, as always, opinions are honest and my own.



QT Bondi review, Sydney: on Australia’s most famous beach

Bondi Beach is one of the most famous strips of sand in the country, if not the world and we were lucky enough to spend the last 5 days soaking up the sunshine and beach culture.

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We based ourselves at the QT Bondi – The location of this hotel couldn’t be better, located on Australia’s most famous beach right across the road from Bondi beach, it’s the perfect location in the hub of Bondi but just outside the noisy night life.

You have one of the world’s most famous beaches on your doorstep, so experiencing Bondi Beach is a must. Take a stroll along its length from North Bondi or visit the iconic Bondi Icebergs which is just a short walk to the south, Take a swim or experience the café scene, we did it all!

Bondi we will be back you stole our heart – We just cant wait to come back and do it all again!

Are you looking for or a Cheap flights to Sydney?

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The hotel has a unique style and playful vibe that is Bondi the rooms have city views, kitchenette and bespoke designer furnishings. The rooms have comfortable beds and quirky bits of furniture and decorations, the funky design imidelty makes you feel happy and hip. The room is well appointed with a kitchenette which was very handy for the family, I would describe it as closer to a serviced apartment than a hotel. There’s a two-burner stove, microwave, dishwasher and washing machine and even a nespresso machine. Also I loved all the little extras of gowns plus plenty of accessories in the rather large bathrooms.

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They have thought of everything and even have some fun inclusions to buy from the mini bar  – like undies and games even thongs (flip flops)

Have I already said ‘Great location’ I couldn’t get over just how convenient everything was, just across the road from the beach and heaps of restaurants in the vicinity, everything you need is on your doorstep just catch the lift down to the ground floor to Woolworths which is very handy for grabbing food, however there are lots of restaurants nearby that you just must try. (if you have been following us on snapchat you would have seen we ate our way around Bondi!)

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The staff were helpful – the one thing I found that let this hotel down is housekeeping, the room was serviced daily but every afternoon, everyday for the whole 5 days when we got back we would have to ring and ask for all the things they had forgotten to give us, from towels, toilet paper, milk, dishwashing tablet and more!! and the room was serviced in a very half hearted way. It felt more like they wanted it to be a self contained unit (where after the first night you provide all your own amenities and do your own cleaning) which you wouldn’t normally mind if they didn’t charge hotel prices for each night.

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If you have any question please just drop us a line as we would love to chat.

Love Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo

QT Bondi. 6 Beach Road, Bondi, NSW, 2026. (02) 8362 3900 See www.qtbondi.com.au

 



Melbourne: Crowne Plaza – Easy, Family Friendly Accommodation

 We recently spent a very enjoyable 3 days during our recent trip to Melbourne at the lovely Crowne Plaza. We were lucky enough to experience the Family Getaway package which included breakfast and tickets to the Melbourne SeaLife Aquarium.

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Crowne Plaza is great value in terms of quality of the room and location, it offers 4-star accommodation that is close to everything including the CBD, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, dining options and shops.

It’s such a convenient location for families with children as everything we wanted to see was just a quick trip by tram or foot, such a close walk to the CBD and located in the perfect part of the city to spend time discovering Melbourne’s Southbank. The free city circle trams made it so easy to get around and conveniently stopped opposite the Crown Plaza Melbourne.

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We received a very warm greeting and all staff were very kind and attentive, the hotel rooms were well designed and comfortable they had nice décor and were functional with all the basic requirements well catered for.  The room was clean and spacious, plus the service both professional and friendly. The beds were very comfortable and we had a great view of the city.

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We started our day with a sumptuous full buffet breakfast which was include in the family getaway package in the Clarendon Street Grill that over looks the iconic Yarra River. The kids loved the selection of hot dishes, pastries and even eggs made to order by the dedicated egg chef. We were very full and impressed with the high standard of food and service.

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Then we were off to the Sealife Melbourne Aquarium. Situated right in the middle of the city, it is the perfect way to spend a pleasant few hours and we enjoyed the huge tank with massive stingrays, sharks and colourful tropical fish. The penguins are very entertaining and we enjoyed watching them as they were slipping, sliding and waddling. All of the staff we came across were well informed, very interesting and friendly and we learnt a lot during our visit and found heaps to keep us entertained for hours.

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Overall, the Crowne Plaza gave us  great service and accommodation that is worth passing on to fellow travellers.  The friendly staff make sure you have a truly memorable stay, so if you are heading to Melbourne for business, shopping trip, or a family getaway I highly recommend staying at the Crown Plaza, which is family friendly and relaxing. This hotel has everything you need when visiting a new city with a family.

If you have any questions on the hotel or traveling please feel free to drop us a line as we would love to chat.

 

Love Kerry and Miss Piper xoxo