This post is part of my New Zealand trip series. To learn more about the trip as a whole, check out my previous post: How we Planned a Three Week Trip to New Zealand with a Five Month Old. This blog is geared towards families with small children. If you enjoy this article, please be… Read More Family Travel Tips for Exploring Fiordland National Park
The post highlights the Catlins region in New Zealand as an ideal yet often overlooked destination for relaxation, featuring stunning nature spots and accommodations like the Curio Bay Salthouse. It emphasizes the area’s remoteness and food scarcity, providing recommendations for lodging and dining, notably the charming Niagara Falls Cafe.… Read More Discover Hidden Relaxation for the Family in New Zealand
This post is part of my New Zealand trip series. To learn more about the trip as a whole, check out my previous post: How we Planned a Three Week Trip to New Zealand with a Five Month Old.
The Karamea region in New Zealand offers family-friendly hiking trails and unique accommodations. Despite limited options for food and lodging in the remote village, Last Resort Karamea stands out with its cozy rooms and knowledgeable owners who are passionate about the area. Visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, including the Heaphy Track and Fenian Caves, making a return trip highly appealing.… Read More Why Karamea Is a Perfect Vacation for Outdoorsy Families
During a New Zealand trip, we traveled from Taiphape to Wellington, then rode a 4-hour ferry to Pincton. The ferry provided scenic views and comfortable amenities. Despite limited time in Wellington, must-do activities and accommodations are highlighted. In Picton, we recommends swimming with dolphins and enjoying the stunning coastal views.… Read More Taking the ferry to South Island and driving to Murchison
This post details a day trip from Taupo to Tongariro National Park in New Zealand. We regret only spending a few hours there, as the park is stunning and offers several easy hikes. We recommend planning to spend more time exploring the various walks and enjoying activities such as rafting and skiing in the area before continuing on to Wellington. We also provide accommodation recommendations.… Read More Hiking Tongariro National Park with an Infant
During our New Zealand trip, we stayed at Boulevard Waters in Lake Taupo, with stunning lake views and convenient access. The apartment had great amenities and value for the price. Lake Taupo is a popular vacation spot with geothermal attractions like Waimangu and Wai-o-tapu. Two nights in this beautiful area were sufficient.… Read More What to do while your are visiting Lake Taupo, New Zealand
During our visit to Waitomo, we stayed at the Waitomo Village Chalets and explored the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. The accommodation was basic but convenient, close to the caves and a nearby general store. We took cave tours, although some were not suitable for our baby. Limited food options in Waitomo led us to eat at The General Store and Waitomo Homestead for meals.… Read More An Overnight Stay in Waitomo, New Zealand
A couple’s dream honeymoon to New Zealand was initially thwarted by the pandemic, and later complicated by a pregnancy. Despite discouragement, they chose to travel with their infant, meticulously planning a scenic itinerary spanning national parks and cultural experiences. Their successful trip serves as an encouragement for other parents not to postpone travel due to having a baby.… Read More How we Planned a Three Week New Zealand Adventure with a Five Month Old
Mark Johanson is an American journalist based in Santiago, Chile. His stories about travel, food, design and the environment have appeared in numerous global publications, including National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, The Economist, The Financial Times, Konfekt, Robb Report, AFAR, Food & Wine, Dwell, CNN, Bloomberg and the BBC, among others. He is the coauthor of 20 Lonely Planet guidebooks to destinations across the Americas and Asia, and has contributed to a dozen more coffee table books for the iconic travel brand. His first literary work, Mars on Earth, was released in 2024 by Rocky Mountain Books and named among the best travel books of the year by National Geographic and Geographical Magazine. Click through the menu here or links below to learn more about his work.
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