A family adventure in South Africa: exploring wildlife and culture
Some adventures are the once in a lifetime kind, Kahu de Beer and her family take to South Africa on a family …
Travel
OHbaby! are going on holiday! Well, occasionally we will be, and we'll let you know all about it.
We'll be braving long and short haul trips, around New Zealand and the world, and letting you know how we get on. We'll be the guinea pigs, and you'll get the benefit of knowing what works and what doesn't when you take your children on holiday - be it to Tokyo or Taranaki!
We also have some travel tips in in our Traveling with babies and toddler pages.
Vanuatu: An island in the sun
Mum-of-two and photographer Tetu Wichman celebrated her 40th birthday in Vanuatu, with a week of luxury, complete with uninsurable plane rides and an active volcano. Well ahead of time, I let it be known that I wanted to celebrate my 40th …
Queenstown: a winter wonderland
Escape for a mid-winter family break in New Zealand's own snow capital. Queenstown is the idyllic South Island winter holiday destination, with so much to do out-of-doors - walks, jet boating, skiing, and four-wheel driving. If you've been to …
A family's first campervan adventure
Even as a teenager, I dreamed of travelling the country in a home on wheels. Back in my carefree, pre-children days, I had visions of buying a bus with some bohemian-dressed girlfriends and hitting the road for a summer. That trip never eventuated - …
Taking a family trip through Tokyo with a toddler in tow
Does the thought of long-haul travel with a toddler fill you with fear? Our former editor and husband took their toddler to Tokyo for a week - and lived to tell the tale! Here's how they survived. When most parents contemplate long-haul travel, …
A winter escape: Talofa lava Samoa!
Seeking an escape from winter's chill? Vicki Febery heads to sunny, tropical Samoa for the perfect family-friendly getaway. The winter was rather dire in New Zealand, and, having had a month of head colds making our family miserable, we were all …
Fiji Family Holiday
Danielle Wright introduces her children to the South Pacific on a family trip to Fiji taste of the tropics. “Bool-AH!” says my four-year-old daughter, gleefully high-fiving men in skirts with bare chests, as we dodge golf carts trundling along the …
Flying high: surviving long haul travel with a baby
Travelling long-haul with a baby strikes fear in the hearts of many but, as Michele Powles writes, it is possible to get to your destination with your sanity, and that of your fellow passengers, intact if you think ahead. My husband summed it up: …
Rotorua spa weekend - what to do and see
Ruth Brown goes in search of pampering on a mums’ weekend away in Rotorua. Ah, decisions, decisions. My travel buddy, Karen, agonises all the way down in the car from Auckland to Rotorua, should she have a facial or a massage? What is best? It’s a …
Family fun: campervan around the Coromandel
Former OHbaby! Editor Ellie Gwilliam packs the family into a campervan for a weekend break in the Coromandel. Our kids were looking forward to our weekend in a “Campfor Ban” with the level of anticipation usually reserved for birthdays and …
A Dream Holiday in Rarotonga
When New Zealand skies are grey, tropical islands beckon. Former OHbaby! Editor, Ellie Gwilliam, packed up the family and made the dream a reality in beautiful Rarotonga. Arriving in Rarotonga is an assault on all your senses, in a good way. The …
Wonderful Wellington: our kid-friendly capital
OHbaby! Managing Director Angela Pedersen booked a ‘kid-friendly’ city break for some precious one-on-one time with her youngest child. There is something rather special about your little one reaching the age where you can go away for a weekend …
Exploring Bali with the Family: A Dreamy Getaway
OHbaby! Editor, Kristina Rapley and her family spend a dreamy few weeks exploring Bali. Often referred to as 'Mama Bali' or 'Island of the Gods' in spiritual circles, Bali is far more than just beautiful villas, infinity pools, and incredible …
A mid-winter family escape to beautiful Rarotonga
Kahu de Beer and family take a deep dive into island life in stunning Rarotonga. Words: Kahu de Beer Is there anything better than escaping to a tropical island in the middle of winter? The endless cold, rainy days back home make that first …
Adventure Awaits: Essential Tips for Camping with Kids
Embarking on a camping trip with your little adventurers is a fantastic way to create lasting memories and foster a love for the great outdoors. However, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience requires some thoughtful planning. Fear not, fellow …
Rarotonga Bonding - Mum & Daughter take a trip
Rarotonga is the perfect destination for some quality mother-daughter time, writes OHbaby! Managing Director Angela Pedersen It's not every weekend you get to hang out on a tropical island with one of your kids. But the chance to have a dedicated …
The perfect escape - camping with kids
Wild and free children, fresh air, and rich moments of connection. Liv van Leeuwen shares why setting up camp with the family is the perfect escape. What if I told you I knew how you could be totally present with your kids, have more than a …
Here's how to enjoy a stress-free holiday with a toddler in tow
OHbaby! editor Kristina Rapley shares their first overseas holiday as a family of three, on stunning Plantation Island. Many moons ago my husband Ashton whisked me away on a surprise trip to Fiji for my 30th birthday. We travelled by boat to one …
Tips for international travelling with children
As the world starts to open up again many families will be taking to the skies, often for the first time with kids. Seasoned family traveller, Robyn Dold shares how to make it a success. London’s Heathrow airport – I was carrying my small son, a …
Flying with little ones? Here's how to make it a flying success!
As the world starts to open up again many families will be taking to the skies, often for the first time with kids. Seasoned family traveller, Robyn Dold shares how to make it a success. London’s Heathrow airport – I was carrying my small son, a …
A magical family campervan trip in the South Island
A camper van trip in the magical South Island was a family holiday filled to the brim, Kahu de Beer shares their adventures. We’d been planning our South Island camper van trip for months but due to Covid restrictions it’d been cancelled, rebooked, …
Family recharged in between lockdowns in beautiful Coromandel
A luxury weekend getaway in the Coromandel was the perfect way for the Gilmour family to recharge and reconnect. Ruth Gilmour shares why sometimes a wee escape is just the ticket. After experiencing the highs and lows of infertility and …
Family friendly activities to do in Nelson
Thanks to our Face book friends for their family friendly ideas of what to do in Nelson. 1. Kaiteriteri: This is a beautiful part of Abel Tasman with a golden sand beach and activities for the whole family, such as mini golf, playground, bush …
Samoa is a 'must-do' destination, even with a toddler!
A getaway to the islands of Samoa marked the Stirnemann's first trip overseas as a family. Rebecca Stirnemann shares why this destination should absolutely be on your list. The tropical islands of Samoa are an intoxicating experience. Arriving in …
A family glamping adventure in Taupō
An off-grid family adventure was the perfect way to celebrate a 40th birthday – surrounded by nature in a gorgeous glamping set-up, starry skies overhead. Kate van den Bergh shares her family's special holiday with us. My husband Willem and I have …
This family takes us on their travels to Western Australia
Little did the Brooker family know, the New Zealand borders would shut due to lockdown just one week after they returned from their overseas getaway! Holly Brooker inspires us to take advantage of the open borders and explore Western …
Supporting local: family fun in Rotorua
The Keam family walk, swim, ride and eat their way around Rotorua. A mid-winter getaway is always more alluring if there’s the promise of a hot mineral spa to soak in at the end of each day. With that in mind we (Jane and Matt) took our two girls …
Golden Moments: Gold Coast with three kids
Thinking about a mid-year getaway for your family? OHbaby! Managing Director Angela Pedersen gives her verdict on the Gold Coast as a destination for creating happy memories. Our friends thought we were mad. And I admit, I also questioned if our …
Tips for happy long-distance travels with a two-year-old in tow
Megan Hawkins shares a story in issue 34 of OHbaby! Magazine of her sentimental journey to Ireland to scatter her father's ashes. Six countries, seven flights and one Eurostar journey later - Megan has some insightful tips for travelling abroad with …
13 tips for travelling long-haul with a baby
Former flight attendant and new mum Alice Cranfield offers 13 tips for travelling long-haul with baby. Before becoming a mother, I had worked as a flight attendant and over the years I helped hundreds of parents who braved long-haul flying with …
Family holiday in blissful Bali
Victoria Dickinson and her young family find their happy place during a three-week holiday in Indonesia.Vivid sunsets, stunning subtropical gardens, fresh healthy cuisine, friendly locals, rich culture and total relaxation. This is just a snippet of …
A Gold Coast 'toddler-moon'
Seeking some quality time before baby number two arrives, pregnant OHbaby! staffer Shannon Taylor and her family head to the Gold Coast on a ‘toddler-moon’. At 28 weeks pregnant with an energetic two-and-a-half-year-old in tow, we jetted off on …
A family adventure in Southern splendour
Jaimee Clapham and partner take the kids down south, making the most of childminders to ease the stress of travelling with little ones – and to escape up the mountain, kid-free! When we planned our whirlwind three-day family holiday to the South …
Urban entertainment in family-friendly Wellington
A long weekend in the capital leaves the Falconer family longing to return. So many sights, so little time! The last time I visited Wellington I was in my first trimester of pregnancy with my firstborn, Frankie Grace, and experiencing food …
Venturing outdoors for safe, fun visits in Dunedin with young children
NOTE: We have updated this article to take into account Covid-19 and its impact on New Zealand. The past year has been a gruelling one, and the lockdowns and restrictions have been especially hard on families with young children here in NZ. …
Tips for a fun family camping holiday
Whether you're roughing it or taking a trailer-load of creature comforts, get out there and enjoy! Love it or hate it, camping is a Kiwi tradition that's cheap, fun and an experience for the whole family. Hardy souls still favour sleeping under the …
Family holiday at the Chateau
Marianne Falconer and family hit the Grand Chateau for a holiday, and discover hidden gems in the Tongariro National Park. You know you’ve had a good family holiday when your eldest says, “I want to buy the Chateau so that we can go back there …
Heading away these holidays? Here's how to beat car sickness
If you're bracing yourself for the stop-start of holiday traffic right now, here’s one for the road. If you suffer from car sickness, you're not alone. New research just in from Ford and motion sickness experts explains it's a condition that …
Croissants and chaos: a family road trip in Europe
Deanna Kloosterboer shares her memories of travelling through Europe with two young children in tow, and only having to call an ambulance once! Nothing could feel more exhilarating than hearing the words “While we are in Holland visiting family, …
How to be a great guest when you have kids
Staying with friends or family is a great way to save money when you’re taking the kids on holiday. But if you want to be invited back - with your children – here are some tips to help you be the perfect house guests. Keep in mind that you’re …
How to make travelling with a toddler work
Alice Parminter and family discover Ireland, and that travel with a toddler has its benefits, to be sure. Like many Kiwis, I’ve travelled before. But no adventure has ever been quite like this – our first trip as a family. I knew it wouldn’t be …
Making memories on the Gold Coast
For a family holiday filled with fun, thrills and water play, Angela Pedersen headed across to the Gold Coast and spent five days making memories. Each year I ask my kids about their favourite memories of the past 12 months, and they always agree …
Have bump, will travel: pregnancy travel tips
Veteran traveller Hannah Symister shares her top travelling tips for the mama-to-be. I will never forget flying to London from Morocco early on in my pregnancy with my first child. We had just enjoyed a very relaxing time away in Marrakech, …
On tour in Thailand
Catching up with family is a good excuse for a holiday – especially if your relatives live in Bangkok. Alice Veysey took her family on a journey of discovery. There’s something quite transformative about seeing the world through your children’s …
Hot water haven: a family holiday in Hanmer Springs
Alanna dennis and her family took a trip to the south island alpine township of hanmer springs, lured by the promise of crisp mountain air and relaxation. Travelling with our toddlers has always been tricky – but a short domestic plane ride from …
Have baby, can travel!
Having a baby may clip your wings somewhat, but as Oliver Driver discovers, it is still possible to get up and go. This is the end, we thought. No more big city adventures, no more island escapes, no more drinking Coronas under the Mexican sun or …
Couple's retreat in Vanuatu
A couple’s retreat may seem logistically impossible for new parents but is well worth the investment (and wait!), as Ellie Gwilliam discovers. It’s a strange feeling – dropping your children off at school, waving goodbye to the grandparents and …
Luxurious Queenstown
Luxurious Queenstown Scenic Matakauri This was the luxury journey to end all luxury trips: staying at at four of the best resorts in New Zealand - three of them judged among the best hideaway spots in the world. The assignment: …
A daughter's bittersweet trip to Ireland
Unexpected circumstances can take you on extraordinary journeys. Megan Hawkins travelled to the other side of the world, two-year-old in tow, in honour of her father. You hear people refer to the ‘moment that changed my life'. In my case, it was a …
Jenny-May shares her Rotorua babymoon with us
Life changes dramatically when a newborn arrives — more so when it’s two at once! TV presenter Jenny-May Clarkson, pregnant with twins, discovers that a babymoon weekend escape is sweet preparation for parenthood. Jenny-May Clarkson (née Coffin) is …
A taste of Taranaki
Former OHbaby! staffer Andrea Bennett and her family discover Taranaki's rugged west coast is the perfect setting for a weekend escape, whatever the weather. Excitement was high in our house as we set off from Auckland to Taranaki. It was our first …
Romantic get away in the Bay of Islands
OHbaby! staffer Marianne Prentice puts some sage relationship advice into practice and heads to the Bay of Islands for a child-free romantic getaway. I remember once hearing a speaker (whom I won't name as I'm bound to misquote) saying something …
Baby on a boat
Jessica Loyd-Mostyn and husband James, had their first baby aboard a yacht, anchored in Mexico during hurricane season. I had a picture in my head of what our life would look like as we prepared to have a baby. In this image I’d be starting …
Californian Family Holiday
Sarah Tennant packs up the family and heads to Disneyland to experience first-hand the Happiest Place on Earth. On January 8th 2014 I stepped into a plane with my husband, teenage sister, five-year-old girl (Rowan) and two-year-old boy (Miles). We …
Things to do in Sydney
Thanks to our Facebook friends for their family friendly ideas for holidaying in Sydney. The Darling Quarter Kids Playground in Sydney is well worth visiting. It is centrally located, close to other attractions (Darling Harbour, Wildlife Sydney …
Things to do in Wellington
Thanks to our Facebook friends for their family-friendly ideas for activities in Wellington. Storyplaceat Te Papa is wonderful on a day when you need to escape the Wellington weather! The host reads a themed story and introduces an activity for …
Family-friendly activities on the Coromandel
Thanks to our Facebook friends for their family-friendly ideas for activities and entertainment on the Coromandel Peninsula. Bullswool Farm: A farm park where you can feed, groom and interact with farm animals. They have just recently opened a …
Things to do in Tauranga
Thanks to our Facebook friends for providing these family-friendly ideas for things to do in Tauranga. 1. Memorial Park: The park has a wee train, memorial swimming pools and a huge recently updated playground, right by the beach — huge …
Things to do in Christchurch
Thanks to our Facebook friends for their family-friendly suggestions of what to do in Christchurch. Here are 16 great activities for preschoolers and their parents: 1. Willowbank Wildlife Park: A great for kids to explore and see birds, wildlife …
Family friendly activities in Rotorua, New Zealand
Thanks to our Facebook friends for their family-friendly ideas of what to do in Rotorua. Paradise Valley. An amazing day out with so much to see. Giant trout and roaring lions. Best of all, you can buy feed to give to the farm animals along the …
Kids' activities for visitors to Palmerston North and the Manawatu
Thanks to our Facebook friends for their family-friendly ideas for things to do in Palmerston North and Manawatu. 1. Victoria Esplanade (has heaps of things often we only do one at a time) - Walks - Playgrounds - Feed the ducks - talk to the …
Family friendly activities in Hamilton
Thanks to our Facebook friends for their family-friendly ideas of what to do in Hamilton. A visit to Tinytott Farm (in Hamilton) is a must! Loads of animals to feed and play with. And you get a little tour around the farm as well as a miniature …
Things to do in Hokianga
Thanks to our Facebook friends for providing family friendly ideas of what to do in Hokianga. 1. Sand boarding on the stunning picturesque sand dunes in Omapere, Hokianga: hokiangaexpress.webs.com 2. Tane Mahuta, the gaint Kauri tree Tane Mahuta, …
Family fun in Rotorua
Looking for a holiday destination that can keep the whole family active and entertained? Julia Wong suggests Rotorua may be the ticket. Being the home bodies we are, hubby Matt and I rarely venture out of Auckland with our two young children …
