Explore Queenstown Like a Local

Explore Queenstown Like a Local

Despite my sensibilities saying otherwise, packing up the kids and heading to Queenstown the Monday before Christmas was a genius idea – a trip I’m keen to repeat each December as a respite from the madness that is Auckland during peak retail season.  Trading the 

Family Travel – A getaway that’s #closerthanyouthink

Family Travel – A getaway that’s #closerthanyouthink

Location, location, location. It’s everything when you’re deciding where to escape for a little R&R and even more crucial when you’re holidaying with the kids in tow. We’ve travelled with the kids a wee bit internationally and A LOT around New Zealand and after a 

Auckland’s Christmas Tradition – Farmers Santa Parade 2016

Auckland’s Christmas Tradition – Farmers Santa Parade 2016

Kiwi’s are a funny old bunch when it comes to traditions aren’t we?  Here in New Zealand we don’t have too many hard and fast holiday routines when compared to other countries but we sure love those traditions that have stood the test of time 

Things I’ve learned about Saturday Sport

Things I’ve learned about Saturday Sport

Our 5th season as rugby parents has just come to a close, and with that our washing machine, gumboots, weekday evenings and Saturday mornings breathe a collective sigh of relief! Don’t get me wrong, we LOVE rugby, but it’s a big commitment at J1 level 

The Nelson Ark – Helping Teens and Rescue Dogs Move Forward

The Nelson Ark – Helping Teens and Rescue Dogs Move Forward

One of the awesome things about our Flying Start judging panel is that each time we convene it’s an exciting process of discovery as we are introduced to some of the many amazing community groups that are out there, often flying under the radar, doing some really cool stuff.  Jetstar’s 

How I shopped the H&M Launch in Auckland

How I shopped the H&M Launch in Auckland

If you’re a fan of global mega-brand H&M you’re probably already planning your first look and the new store at Sylvia Park that opened it’s doors for the VIP shopping preview last night. Guests were not disappointed.  The red carpet was rolled out, shopping bags, 

Road Trip Diary – Day 3 Taupo

Road Trip Diary – Day 3 Taupo

We are off on an amazing 4 day tour of the upper North Island  in conjunction with Choice Hotels Asia-Pac, Hamilton Waikato Tourism, Destination Rotorua and Destination Great Lake Taupo!  Catch up on Day 1 here and Day 2 here! We awoke on Sunday to the most beautiful, 

Road Trip Diary – Day 2 Rotorua

Road Trip Diary – Day 2 Rotorua

We are off on an amazing 4 day tour of the upper North Island  in conjunction with Choice Hotels Asia-Pac, Hamilton Waikato Tourism, Destination Rotorua and Destination Great Lake Taupo!   Despite a thunderous night in Hamilton we slept really well at the Quality Hotel Ambassador and started our day 

Road Trip Diary – Day 1 Hamilton Zoo

Road Trip Diary – Day 1 Hamilton Zoo

We are off on an amazing 4 day tour of the upper North Island  in conjunction with Choice Hotels Asia-Pac, Hamilton Waikato Tourism, Destination Rotorua and Destination Great Lake Taupo!   We have been looking forward to this family getaway for a long time!  There is nothing 

Auckland City Limits – The Main Event

Auckland City Limits – The Main Event

The first Auckland City Limits Festival has been and gone and dealt an undisputed smackdown to the New Zealand festival scene. Organiser Campbell Smith successfully pulled off an event that was everything Big Day Out could only dream about.  The Western Springs location was central and easily