Family Adventures

  Family adventures are some of the best memories we create — day trips to the beach, visits to Hobbiton , or weekend escapes to Rotorua . But for parents, there’s one part of the day that can turn excitement into stress: transport. Anyone who’s tried to wrangle a group of kids into multiple cars knows the challenge: parking hassles, traffic, getting split up, and trying to keep everyone on time. That’s why more families and community groups are choosing coach hire as their go-to solution. 🚌 Why a Coach Makes Family Travel Easier A coach isn’t just a big vehicle — it’s a game-changer for group travel: Everyone stays together: No risk of losing cars along the motorway. Safety and peace of mind: Professional, police-vetted drivers who put families first. Room for everything: Bags, strollers, sports gear — no cramming needed. Cost-effective: One coach often works out cheaper than several cars. 🌿 Perfect for Family-Friendly Day Trips Waitomo Glowworm Caves ...

  Introduction Family days out should be fun, stress-free, and memorable. In Auckland, there are plenty of choices — from zoos to museums , ferries to parks . But one activity is rapidly becoming a family favourite: riding Auckland’s only vintage 1960s London Routemaster bus with Vintage Views . The Double-Decker Discovery Tour offers the perfect mix of excitement for kids, convenience for parents, and affordability for the whole whānau . Here are five reasons why this experience stands out. 1. It’s a Real Adventure for Kids 🚍 Children love novelty — and the Routemaster delivers it in spades. The chance to: Climb the narrow staircase to the top deck. Grab the coveted front seat with its “driver’s eye” view. Wave at passersby from above. For many kids, the bus ride itself is as memorable as the sights outside. 2. Stress-Free for Parents 👨‍👩‍👧 No parking, no navigating, no trying to keep kids entertained while you drive. Parents can sit back, relax, and e...

  Introduction Planning family outings can be tough. Parents want relaxation, kids want excitement, and everyone wants memories that last. That’s why Auckland families are falling in love with the Vintage Views Double-Decker Discovery Tour . Affordable Family Fun With tickets priced at just $49 for adults and $19 for children, it’s one of the best value activities in Auckland . Compared to theme parks or attractions that cost hundreds, this offers maximum fun without breaking the budget . Why Kids Love It The top deck adventure : Climbing the stairs and waving from the front seat. The novelty factor : It’s a bus unlike any other in New Zealand. Interactive sightseeing : Kids point out landmarks, beaches, and bridges. Why Parents Love It Stress-free : No driving, no parking. Educational : Kids learn about Auckland’s geography and landmarks. Flexible : Multiple departures daily to fit around naps or meal times. The Route for Families Mission Bay :...

  Travelling with kids is a balancing act: you want fun, they need excitement, and everyone wants it to be stress-free. Auckland is one of the best cities in New Zealand for family adventures, with parks, museums, and beaches all within easy reach. Here’s a perfect family day itinerary — built around the ultimate kid-pleaser: a ride on a vintage double-decker bus . Morning: MOTAT + Western Springs Start with a visit to the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) . Kids can climb on vintage planes, learn about science in interactive exhibits, and see historic vehicles. Next door is Western Springs Park , ideal for picnics and scooter rides. Midday: Double-Decker Discovery Tour After lunch, it’s time for the highlight: the Vintage Views Routemaster tour . Kids love running up the stairs to the top deck, waving to pedestrians below, and seeing the city from above. Parents love that the 90-minute loop hits all the highlights without long walks or endless planning. Mission B...

  Auckland is one of the most family-friendly destinations in New Zealand . From beaches to zoos, playgrounds to museums, there’s no shortage of ways to keep the kids entertained. But what if you could combine learning, fun, and adventure into one day? That’s exactly what this list is about. 1. Auckland Zoo The zoo is a classic for a reason. With giraffes , elephants , lions , and more, kids get close to animals while parents enjoy beautifully landscaped enclosures. 2. MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) Perfect for curious kids, MOTAT brings history and science alive with interactive exhibits, aviation displays, and vintage vehicles. 3. Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium Walk through shark tunnels , meet penguins , and discover the underwater world. It’s an educational and thrilling stop for all ages. 4. Mission Bay Beach Day Pack a picnic, rent bikes, or just let the kids run wild on the sand while parents enjoy the waterfront cafes . 5. Auckland Domain & Wi...

  Introduction Auckland is a city built on volcanoes, hills, and harbours. That means views are everywhere — from mountaintops to bridges, from iconic towers to rooftop bars. The city is as much about its skyline as it is about its culture, and there are dozens of vantage points waiting to be explored. Natural Vantage Points Mt Eden (Maungawhau): A dormant volcanic cone with 360-degree views of the city and both harbours. One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie): A place of cultural significance with sweeping views. North Head: Overlooking Devonport and the Hauraki Gulf, with old military tunnels to explore. Urban Vantage Points Sky Tower: The tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere offers unparalleled views. Rooftop Bars: The Glass Goose and Dr Rudi’s pair cocktails with cityscapes. Auckland Museum Steps: A surprisingly good skyline backdrop. A Different Angle — The Routemaster Experience While natural and urban lookouts are fantastic, they require travel...

  Group Travel Made Simple: From School Runs to Scenic Tours in New Zealand Organising transport for groups — whether it’s children heading to school, a sports team on the road, or travellers exploring New Zealand — can feel overwhelming. Luckily, Kiwi businesses are stepping up to make it easier. 🚌 Safe Transport for Schools and Communities For Auckland parents, the biggest concern is safety. Kiwi Coaches has built its reputation on student-only services with check-on/check-off systems, professional drivers, and decades of trusted service. No crowded public buses, just reliable, private transport for children. 🌄 Touring New Zealand with History and Heart For those looking beyond Auckland, Honour Bound offers a unique 20-day Military Heritage & Scenic Tour . Guests explore ANZAC history, battlefields, and coastal defences, while also enjoying New Zealand’s iconic landscapes. 🔗 Why It Works Together Both brands focus on safe, reliable, Kiwi-owned transport — whethe...

  Travelling as a family means finding experiences that everyone can enjoy — parents, kids, and sometimes even grandparents. In Auckland, there are plenty of parks, playgrounds, and museums, but few activities deliver the mix of fun, nostalgia, and sightseeing that the Double-Decker Discovery Tour does. Here’s why our lovingly restored 1960s Routemaster bus has quickly become one of Auckland’s best family-friendly attractions . A Bus Ride Like No Other Most kids have been on a school bus. Some may have taken public transport. But stepping onto a bright red vintage double-decker bus is something completely different. The Routemaster isn’t just a way to get from A to B. It’s a moving adventure . From the polished handrails to the spiral staircase leading to the top deck, every part of the bus feels special. For children, it’s like stepping into a storybook — or even a movie set. Parents love the nostalgia too. While kids marvel at the novelty, adults get to relive the charm...

  The Hidden Benefits of Coach Hire for Local Sports Clubs Running a local sports club means balancing training schedules, competitions, and fundraising. One of the biggest headaches? Transporting your team. Whether it’s football, cricket, hockey, or netball, ensuring players arrive together, on time, and ready to compete is critical. That’s where coach hire comes in — and the benefits go far beyond simply getting from A to B. 🏟️ Team Spirit Starts on the Bus Travel isn’t just about logistics — it’s part of the experience. A dedicated coach allows teams to: Travel together in one vehicle Share pre-game strategies Bond through music, jokes, and camaraderie Some of the strongest team memories are made before and after the match, on the bus. 🛡️ Safety & Reliability Parents and organisers can rest easy knowing that professional drivers, police-vetted and experienced , handle the transport. No more stressing over who can carpool or who might get lost. 💸 ...

  Introduction Travelling with kids? Auckland is one of the best family destinations in New Zealand. Here are the best tours and experiences for children in 2025 . SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Penguins, sharks, and seahorses. Great for toddlers through to teens. MOTAT (Museum of Transport & Technology) Interactive exhibits. Trams and planes fascinate kids. Auckland Zoo Over 1,000 animals. Family passes available. Harbour Cruises Short ferry rides to Devonport or Waiheke. Kids love boats. Guided Nature Tours Rangitoto Island hike. Waitākere Ranges bush walks. Bonus: Routemaster Discovery Tour Safe and fun for kids. Open top deck = excitement. Affordable: $49 adults / $19 kids. Family Travel Tips Bring snacks and water. Use AT HOP cards for transport savings. Check weather for outdoor tours. ❓ FAQs Q: Is Auckland kid-friendly? Yes — most attractions cater to children. Q: What’s the best indoor activity? MOT...

  Introduction Rain doesn’t have to spoil your trip. Auckland is full of indoor attractions designed for kids and families. Here’s the 2025 rainy-day guide for Auckland with kids . MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) Hands-on exhibits. Perfect for curious young minds. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Penguins, sharks, and underwater tunnels. Engaging and educational. Auckland Museum Discovery Centre Interactive exhibits for children. Covers science, culture, and history. Indoor Playgrounds & Trampoline Parks Options across the city (GravityNZ, Uptown Bounce). VR & Gaming Centres Teen-friendly fun with interactive tech. Bonus: Routemaster Tour Even in the rain, the enclosed lower deck keeps families dry while enjoying the city. ❓ FAQs Q: Are museums free for kids? Often discounted or free for residents. Q: Does the Routemaster run in the rain? Yes — rain or shine. 🏁 Conclusion Rainy days in Auckland can still be fun-filled...

  Introduction Teenagers can be tricky to entertain, but Auckland offers plenty of adrenaline, culture, and social experiences to keep them engaged. Here’s the top activities in Auckland for teenagers in 2025 . Adrenaline & Adventure Sky Tower : SkyJump or SkyWalk. Rainbow’s End Theme Park : Rides and rollercoasters. Sports & Outdoors Surf Lessons at Piha . Skate Parks in Grey Lynn and Victoria Park. Interactive & Tech MOTAT : Transport and technology hands-on. VR Gaming Venues : Downtown Auckland. Urban Culture K Road : Street art, vintage shops, music. Sylvia Park : Shopping and cinemas. Bonus: Instagram-Friendly Routemaster Teenagers love unique photo backdrops — and the Routemaster is as iconic as it gets. ❓ FAQs Q: What’s best for rainy days? VR experiences or MOTAT. Q: Is Auckland safe for teens to explore? Yes, with supervision in busier areas. 🏁 Conclusion Teenagers thrive on activity, independence, and Instagr...

  Introduction Finding somewhere to eat that keeps both kids and adults happy is key to a smooth family trip. Auckland has plenty of restaurants and cafés designed with families in mind. Here are the top 10 kid-friendly dining spots in Auckland for 2025 . 1. Cornwall Park Bistro Playgrounds + wide lawns outside, fresh seasonal food inside. 2. Mission Bay Cafés Options like De Fontein (Belgian), plus beachside fish and chips. 3. Takapuna Beach Cafés Beachfront dining with kids’ menus. 4. Parnell Baths Café Casual eats near the pools and waterfront. 5. Ponsonby Central Food hall with something for everyone. 6. La Fourchette (St Heliers) French-style, with relaxed vibe and family options. 7. The Grounds (Henderson) Huge outdoor playground attached to the restaurant. 8. Little & Friday (Belmont) Famous for pastries, family-friendly seating. 9. Eden Cloakroom (Mt Eden) Café with space for strollers and kids’ play area. 10. Urban Soul (South Auckland) Modern caf...

  Introduction Travelling with children in Auckland is easy thanks to family-friendly hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Here’s the ultimate 2025 guide to Auckland for families . Where to Stay CBD hotels : close to ferries and Sky Tower. Takapuna : beachside accommodation. Zoo area (Western Springs) : motels and Airbnb. Where to Eat Mission Bay : fish and chips by the beach. Ponsonby Central : diverse food hall. Family-friendly cafés : Cornwall Park Bistro, Kingsland cafés. What to Do Auckland Zoo : 1,400+ animals. Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE : Penguins and shark tunnels. MOTAT : Interactive exhibits and trams. Western Springs Park : Ducks, playgrounds, and BBQs. Snowplanet : Indoor ski slope. ❓ FAQs Q: Is Auckland stroller-friendly? Yes, especially along coastal paths and CBD. Q: What’s the best family day itinerary? Zoo + Mission Bay + Routemaster sightseeing loop. 🏁 Conclusion Auckland has everything for families: safe beac...

  Introduction Travelling with children is easier in Auckland thanks to family-focused attractions. From animals and aquariums to parks and playgrounds, there’s no shortage of things to do. Here are the best family attractions in Auckland for 2025 . 1. Auckland Zoo Lions, orangutans, and a new South East Asia track. 2. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Penguins, sharks, and stingray encounters. 3. MOTAT Transport and technology museum with interactive exhibits. 4. Snowplanet Indoor ski slope, 30 minutes from the CBD. 5. Western Springs Park Free playgrounds, lakes, and BBQs. 6. Playgrounds Takapuna, Mission Bay, and Cornwall Park are favourites. ❓ FAQs Q: Are these attractions suitable for toddlers? Yes — especially the zoo, playgrounds, and MOTAT. Q: Are family passes available? Yes — most attractions offer discounts. 🏁 Conclusion Auckland is built for families, with something to entertain every age. For an extra treat, ride the Routemaster for a sightseeing loop ev...

  Introduction Rainy days can put a damper on travel — but in Auckland, the fun doesn’t have to stop. The city has a wealth of indoor attractions and all-weather activities that keep families entertained no matter the forecast. 1. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Penguins, sharks, and stingrays — kids love the moving tunnels. 2. MOTAT (Museum of Transport & Technology) Interactive exhibitions, vintage trams, and aviation hangars. 3. Auckland Museum Discovery Centre Hands-on science and natural history perfect for kids. 4. Indoor Trampoline Parks Bounce & Beyond, Uptown Bounce — energy burners for rainy days. 5. Snowplanet An indoor ski slope just outside the city. 6. Auckland Art Gallery Creative workshops and interactive displays. Tips for Families Book tickets online to skip queues. Many attractions offer family passes. Pack snacks and water bottles. ❓ FAQs Q: What’s best for toddlers? Museum discovery centre and trampoline parks. Q: Do these attr...

  Introduction Travelling with kids can be a challenge, but Auckland makes it easy. With world-class attractions, free playgrounds, and family-friendly dining, the City of Sails is a paradise for parents. Here’s your ultimate guide to a family day out in Auckland in 2025 . Morning: Auckland Zoo Over 1,400 animals, new habitats, and hands-on kid-friendly zones. Midday: MOTAT (Museum of Transport & Technology) Vintage trams, planes, and interactive exhibitions. Lunch: Western Springs Park Picnic BBQs, ducks, and playgrounds. Afternoon: Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Penguins, sharks, and stingrays — indoors, perfect for rain. Evening: Mission Bay Playground, fountain, fish and chips at the beach. ❓ FAQs Q: What’s the best family attraction? Zoo for outdoors, Kelly Tarlton’s for rainy days. Q: Can we do a short sightseeing loop? Yes — the Routemaster tour is family-friendly and runs rain or shine. 🏁 Conclusion Auckland is a playground for families. Make it unforget...

  Introduction On 25 April, the nation pauses. ANZAC Day is more than a public holiday — it’s New Zealand’s most solemn day of remembrance. Honour Bound creates itineraries that let travellers experience ANZAC services and sites in person. The Spirit of ANZAC Commemorates the Gallipoli campaign of 1915, where Kiwi and Aussie soldiers forged a shared legacy of courage. Dawn Services Auckland Museum : Thousands gather each year. Pukeahu National War Memorial (Wellington) : Central ceremonies. Local town cenotaphs : Every community honours its fallen. Beyond the Day Gallipoli exhibitions at Te Papa Museum. ANZAC memorials throughout both islands. Honour Bound Tours Our 20-day itinerary aligns with ANZAC Day, ensuring guests can attend dawn services, visit museums, and reflect at battlefields. ❓ FAQs Q: Can visitors attend services? Yes, they’re open to all. Q: Is ANZAC Day a public holiday? Yes, nationwide. 🏁 Conclusion Commemorating ANZAC in New...

  Introduction Auckland is the perfect base for day trips. Within one or two hours you’ll find wildlife encounters, waterfalls, historic railways, and beaches perfect for families. Here are the best family day trips from Auckland in 2025 . SheepWorld (Warkworth) See sheep shearing shows and feed farm animals. Educational and fun. Goat Island Marine Reserve Crystal clear waters, snorkelling, and glass-bottom boat rides. Glenbrook Vintage Railway Ride a restored steam train through countryside. Kids adore it. Hunua Falls A short drive to South Auckland for a picnic and a waterfall walk. Waiheke Island Beaches Just 40 minutes by ferry — shallow, safe waters at Oneroa and Onetangi. ❓ FAQs Q: What’s the easiest day trip without a car? Waiheke Island by ferry. Q: Are these trips suitable for toddlers? Yes — especially SheepWorld and Glenbrook Railway. 🏁 Conclusion Auckland is a gateway to family adventures, from farms to islands. 👉 Add a vintage city loop before o...

  Introduction Travelling with kids? Auckland is a dream destination for families, thanks to its wide range of parks and playgrounds. Whether you’re looking for a space to picnic, play, or let the kids burn off some energy, Auckland delivers. This guide rounds up the best playgrounds and parks in Auckland for 2025 , complete with insider tips. 🌳 Western Springs Park A favourite for families, Western Springs combines playgrounds, wide open spaces, and a lake full of ducks. It’s next door to Auckland Zoo and MOTAT, making it a full day of fun. Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, BBQs. 🌸 Cornwall Park Cornwall Park isn’t just scenic — it’s interactive for kids. Sheep graze nearby, there’s a large playground, and plenty of room to run. Families often bring scooters and bikes. Tip: Visit the café inside the park for kid-friendly meals. 🌊 Mission Bay Playground Overlooking the beach, this playground includes slides, climbing frames, and plenty of sand. Parents can relax ...