It has always been a dream of ours to travel to New Zealand. However, with baby number two on the way, an adventure like that felt more like a pipe dream than a realistic plan. That all changed when we attended theHoliday World Show in Dublin, Ireland, and met Jenny and Graham from Roundabout NZ. Little did we know that a casual chat would lead to the most epic adventure for our little family.
From the very beginning, Jenny was amazing. She took the time to really listen, asking all the right questions to understand exactly what we were looking for in a trip. Every detail we mentioned, no matter how small, was taken into account. The result was a perfectly tailored itinerary that allowed us to explore New Zealand comfortably, safely, and at our own pace.
We spent three unforgettable weeks travelling the length of the country, starting in Auckland and making our way down to Queenstown. The entire trip was seamless. Every accommodation, activity, and transfer was thoughtfully planned, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and warm Kiwi hospitality, without the usual travel stress, even with young kids.
Jenny provided us with a comprehensive itinerary, complete with suggestions for things to do at each destination and along the way, as well as recommendations for restaurants, cafés, and even the nearest supermarkets. The itinerary was so well thought out that we barely deviated from it, it truly felt like it was made just for us.
There were so many highlights we’ll cherish forever: a magical visit to Hobbiton, which turned out to be the perfect size and pace for toddlers; exploring Rotorua; a cozy cabin stay in the middle of a national park that felt like something out of a storybook; a lovely little city break in Nelson; and the unforgettable beauty of Abel Tasman National Park, just wow!
Mount Cook was absolutely spectacular, and our whale watching flight in Kaikoura was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A personal highlight? Mom even got to sneak in a sauna and cold plunge right on the shore! We also explored the stunning Milford Sound by car, which allowed us to take it all in at our own pace.
We wrapped up our journey in Queenstown, where the accommodation was a perfect touch of luxury, peaceful, comfortable, and the ideal place to relax and unwind before heading home.
Knowing that Jenny and Graham were just a phone call away if we needed anything was incredibly reassuring especially when travelling with young children in a country so far from home. That level of care and support gave us the confidence to truly enjoy every moment, knowing we were in safe hands.
Travelling with a toddler and a one-year-old is no small feat, but Roundabout NZ made it not only possible, but genuinely enjoyable. We can’t thank Jenny and Graham enough for helping us turn our dream into a reality.
If you’re considering a trip to New Zealand, do yourself a favour and get in touch with Roundabout NZ, you’ll be so glad you did.
Caitriona, Diarmuid, Saoirse (3) and Tadhg (1).