Ruapehu

Keen for winter getaway? We decided to get our winter fix and head to Mt Ruapehu for a family holiday and to celebrate our little boy turning three! When winter rolls around, you have one of two choices: Bunker down until the temperature starts climbing again or pull out your warmest gears and hit the great outdoors. For anyone that knows Arlo, you will know just how much he loves the outdoors, rain, sun or even snow! Mt Ruapehu has it all, stunning walks, National Parks, snow activities and you can even cuddle an oversized carrot if you really want to. Ruapehu is a fantastic outdoorsy place and you will easily fall in love with the town’s charm and the pristine alpine environment. We’ll go through it all and what we got up to in this travel guide to Mt Ruapehu for families.

First stop is the iconic Chateau Tongariro for some high tea because tea and cake is how every trip should start!

Milford Sound

I’m so excited to share our second part of our Mamamoon! You can check out the first part of our trip here. I’ve been blessed with being able to travel and see a lot of New Zealand however, I have never been to the Milford Sounds before. This is one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural landmarks. Many people say that the Milford Sound has the most beautiful countryside they have ever seen and it is often dubbed the 8th Wonder of the World.

Exchanging Family Pounamu

The 30th of June will be forever a date that we will remember. It was the day that we were supposed to be greeting our new born baby. We won’t be doing this now, because the heart stopped beating at eight weeks. “I had a miscarriage.” something that I never thought I was going to hear come out of my mouth. I had heard the upsetting fact that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage but I just never thought I would be that 1.

I feel honoured to have a platform that I can share my story for other woman, mama’s and yet to be mothers that you are not alone. Having a miscarriage sucks! There is no other way to put it. As soon as you find out you are expecting, you begin to dream. Those hopes and dreams need to be grieved, along with the loss of the child. It's emotionally draining and physically confusing and when you get to the nine-month mark, it feels like someone is ripping your beating heart straight out of your chest all over again.

Queenstown Mamamoon

There is no better travel buddy than your Mumma! Not only is she your best friend but she tolerates all your weird habits, forgives you when you get grouchy, you can borrow her clothes and you both know exactly what the other one would like to do and see while on holiday. I would hit up Coachella with my Mum (Yip, I'd choose her over all my besties). She’s the funnest, best person to party with. Trust me, we've danced on top of a few bar tables to know this!

Wairarapa hikes and bike rides

 

Walking and hiking throughout New Zealand is the best way to see beautiful landscapes and explore the wilderness. Here in the Wairarapa we are spoilt for choice when it comes to family friendly hikes. A walk in the Wairarapa can be anything from a short lakeside stroll to a walk along the coast or in the bush-clad Tararua Ranges. We love exploring and sharing our family day adventures and regularly find ourselves returning to these trails. We wanted to share our tried and tested family favourites. Whether you’re up for a light walk, run or bike ride, the trails below are a must to try! We are also looking forward to sharing some overnight hikes that are family friendly and where you can stay in some of the beautiful huts and lodges that we have here in the Wairarapa.