Finally we are here. Possibly the most magical place on earth (yes I say that on every vacation, but I swear this is it!). I surprised Ben for his 30th back in Feburary with a trip away to Queenstown New Zealand. We loved the idea of spending money on each other, than spending it on a huge party. As Ben works FIFO, we needed to fit the holiday into a week away and NZ was the perfect fit.
Here’s my trips and tricks for this family vacay. Lots of questions coming through, so hopefully I can answer them all here. I’ll be doing another blog on what we do and where we eat during the week. If you have any more questions please ask away.
TIPS & TRICKS
Packing
- Write yourself a detailed list and tick it off as you go- Nothing is too small to add as you’ll be surprised the silly things you forget
- We packed super minimal- Layering for cold weather is key
- Two cases between the three of us
- With two cary on back packs- So much easier to travel with bags on your back
- Hard Suitcases with 360 degree turn wheels- Can fit so much in and they each have their on locks with codes by Samsonite #collab
- Used reusable ziplock bags to separate everything in and this was a lifesaver (nappies, spare clothes, food etc)
- For the week, we each have three jumpers to layer with pants/ leggings and thermals & a large jacket
- We had a Very busy Bag to Entertain Alaska for $50– Brilliant for quick organisation if you don’t want to create one yourself #giftedtoalaska
- All foods for Alaska were allowed on the plane- Packet yogurt, custard, fruit etc. Water in her bottles was also allowed
- Pack extra phone chargers as we only packed one but we have two phones and an I pad so needed more
- Pack a sound machine or use your iPad for sound on Youtube if your baby sleeps with noise
Flights
- We paid $35 each flight to pre select our seats
- Chose to take our own Joolz pram as hiring one was about $80
- We checked it into Over Sized baggage at no extra cost and wasn’t damaged in anyway at the other end (we didn’t use a pram cover)
- Because we had a stop over, it was really handy to wheel it to the next check in with a grumpy toddler strapped in. They do have prams to loan at the airport too
- Before you sit down, get out everything you think you’ll need and put it in the baskets in front of you (food, entertainment, headphones etc)
- We booked a midnight flight and kept Alaska awake until flight time. This meant she was completely knackered and fell asleep on me before take off (she slept most of the flight)
- She sucked on her dummy so her ears weren’t affected (or she could have had her milk too)
- I would suggest paying the extra and flying with Air NZ from Perth, as the stop over and delay was a little stressful and hectic with a toddler. We had to collect our bags and check in again. Try and fly direct if you can afford it.
- We were lucky Alaska was asleep when our meal came out so we could eat in piece ahaha
Accomodation
- We are staying at Queenstown Platinum Vilas
- Self contained two story apartments with the most incredible views and gas fire
- only a few minutes from town. Not exactly walking distance but super close
- I found it hard to find a nice place that had more than one bedroom. As Alaska sleeps in her own cot, we wanted her to be in her own room
- This place is a little pricey, I think I paid about $3,300 during peek time but it’s totally worth it for the luxury we have
- Came with highchair, fire guard, stair baby gate, portable baby cot and bedding
- Everything is really new, clean , super stylish and we feel like we are staying in a five star resort
Car
- Ben hired our SUV car through Avis for $900
- Came with baby seat and Nav-man
- Great to have your own transport as we can be super independent
This post is in no way sponsored. All words, creativity, imagery & thoughts are completely my own.
Don’t forget to stop by my Instagram page for more inspo, shits & giggles.
Hi Kyriee love your blogs. Have you visited Arrowtown yet , quiet quaint also Te Anau and Milford sound are beautiful. Take a boat trip on MSound . Enjoy your holiday xx
Thanks for sharing your travel tips Kyree. It’s very useful although I know my girl wont be sleeping like Alaska. 😆 we would love to plan for our family trip to NZ when we save some money. Do you just stay in queenstown for a week?
Regards
Cherie
Oh, we love love love NZ! Cannot wait to go back. Your trip looks amazing so far, I love your accommodation! In regards to direct flights, we fly direct from Per – AKL and then get a connection to Christchurch or Queenstown. It’s still a bit of stuffing around, because you need to go from International to Domestic, but worth it to get the long flight all done with no interruptions. Have a great week!