sally

We are a British family with 2 young kids (4 and 18 months) We are spending a month in New Zealand intending to travel in a campervan from Auckland to the Bay of Islands then down to the South Island, flying out of Christchurch. Then we are flying to Sydney, staying there for a few days and then with relatives in Avalon on the Northern pensinsula and then travelling up to Port Douglas in a campervan. Spending about 6 weeks travelling up this coast. Flying into Ayers Rock for a couple of nights. Then to Perth for about 3 weeks, eventually flying out of Perth.

A couple of questions. How long would you stay in Auckland and where? Where to stay in Sydney? And what to do when we get to Perth? eg hire another campervan and where to go - realising it will be early July by this time. Any other suggestions or recommendations would be most grateful, particularly for hotels with any childcare facilities as we realise that we will want a break from the kids at times.

Rosa

Tips for NZ: Depending on your interests, three-four full days in Auckland would be fine. You could achieve a lot in this time if you sort out before you go what you want to see and do. The best place to stay would be in the central city area, in particular somewhere close to the Domain or similar would be good with kids (grass, playgrounds etc). All hotels should provide babysitting services, otherwise look in the yellow pages when you get there for babysitting agencies - they are very reputable (the hotels use some of them). There are some very good books around on travelling in NZ with kids - I'm sure you should be able to find them on the internet.

Best wishes for a great trip!

Sally

Thanks Rosa for your ideas on Auckland. The tips will be very useful.

Sarah

Hi Sally!
Regarding staying at hotels-try hostels! So much cheaper and also offer so much more. many of the backpackers who stay there want to make some extra cash and you'd most likely find a responsible babysitter no problem. The SW and Perth are beautiful! Campervan is the best way to see the SW. I started out in Perth went down through Dunsborough, Margarets River, Pemberton, Albany making a circle back up to Perth. Northbridge is the party of Perth-tons of pubs clubs restuarants etc. The city centre closes about 5pm. Fremantle might be a bit better of a place to stay with kids. Closer to the beach and a bit quieter with many cafes. The train from Perth runs every 15 min. and is only $2. (Platform 8, Perth station, only takes 15 min. to Freo) Be forewarned there are no grocery stores within the heart of Perth, take the train to Subiaco or Freo where there are Coles' and Woolworths.
If you'd like any more advice/tips just email! I just returned from a 6 month backpacking trip in Oz and spent 1 month alone in Perth! I'd be happy to share any thoughts on traveling w/ you!
Cheers,
Sarah

marg

If you are looking for a caravan park in Perth, we can recommend the Perth International Caravan Park in Forrestfield. It is fairly new, has excellent and spotlessly clean facilities including large laundry, better kitchen facilities than I have at home, guest lounge, shop and cafe. There is a bus stop at the front door. They have cabins as well as caravan sites.

Marin

Hi Sally,

If you would like to consider homestay while in auckland, email me for details. We could help you with babysitting as we have a 14month old baby as well

sally

Thanks everyone for your replies. Great help.

And thanks Marin for your offer. We are only staying in Auckland for a couple of nights and thought we's stay in a hotel in the centre. We were recommended the Domain area by someone.
Anyone know that or can suggest any hotels there.

Sarah thanks for the hostel suggestion. When I was travelling around 15 years ago, I noticed they have family rooms and that they do cater for all age groups so I will keep them in mind.

And Sarah, thanks fro the suggestion