This March, we returned to New Zealand with our kids, recreating some of our magical adventure from 2010.
Day 1: Travel to Queenstown New Zealand
It was a very long plane ride, and a lost Sunday, but after many hours of travel, we arrived in Queenstown and hit the ground running. The first thing we did is head up the mountain on the Gondola for an amazing view of the lake and a chance to ride on the fun Luge. After a few rides on the luge, Elsa, Liam and Karna, went on a zip lining adventure down the mountain, while I took the gondola back down to see the kiwi birds at the birdlife park. It was great to enjoy being outside after so much time on the plane. We then headed into town for some yummy food and ice cream.
Day 2: Queenstown Adventures
We started the morning on the water with both of the kids going on a fun Shark Boat ride. After exploring a bit of the botanical gardens, we then took the steam engine boat ride over to Walter Peak for a bbq lunch and chance to learn more about sheep farming. When we returned, both kids said they wanted to do the Luge again, so we headed up the mountain for many more fun luge rides. It was a great day of adventure.
Day 3: Queenstown to Mt. Cook
We headed out early, because Elsa and Karna had a bungee jumping appointment at the Karawau Bridge. Elsa was fearless and Karna needed a little nudge. Liam wasn't big enough to jump, so he did a fun zip run.
After this we drove up to Mount Cook. It was a beautiful drive across the South Island. It started to rain, but the weather was still good enough for us to get to go on the Glacier Explorer Tour of the Tasman Glacier.
After our tour we were able to hang out at the Hermitage Hotel, where we spend the night, and check out Mount Cook while we ate dinner, before it hid behind the clouds again.
Day 4: Mt. Cook to Christchurch
It was another driving day, this time exploring around on our way to Christchurch. Once we got to Christchurch, we were able to go punting along the Avon river. This was a lovely way to experience the botanical gardens.
Day 5: Christchurch to Nelson
We spent the morning at the botanical gardens, enjoying the Dahlias and Begonias. I spent extra time with the flowers, while Karna took the kids to the Canterbury Museum, which was transformed into a giant street art exhibit. The museum is being redone for earthquake safety, so they took everything out and invited artist in to tag the whole place. We then met up for lunch at the Riverside Market before heading toward the airport and the Antarctic Center. We had fun in the cold, before flying up to Nelson.
Day 6: The Wedding
We spend the morning near the beach with the kids, before boarding a bus and going to Craig and Dayna's wedding. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful event. While we were at the wedding, a babysitter took Elsa and Liam on adventures and to the beach.
Day 7: Auckland
The next morning we headed up to Auckland to visit with Tim and Erica. It was lovely to stay at their home, visit their boat, and then explore a bit of Aukland, like the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the local gardens. Elsa and Liam really enjoyed Tim's ping pong table.
Day 8: The double Monday to Travel Home
For our final day, we headed up a volcano crater, One Tree Hill, and then out to a beach for lunch and a final ocean swim. It was a fun day before we headed to the airport and the long ride home.
We're looking forward to coming back some day.
