Genre: Forum

Auckland - where to stay and what to do with Kids??? Sponsors Hi All, Just in the early stages of trying to organise an itinerary (sp?) of what we are going to do and where to go when we come to NZ (I apologise now for the number of posts/questions I'm going to be making over the next few weeks). The plan is to spend a few days in Auckland before travelling up to the Bay of Islands for a couple of weeks, before we get down to the serious business of finding a job and settling down - currently torn between Hamilton/Cambridge area and Tauranga. However, to be honest we are quite flexible over our final destination and may even end up on the South Island. Anyway has anyone any suggestions of where to stay in Auckland that is child friendly, we have four kids who will be 9,8,6,& 2 and would prefer to book a hotel/motel that comes with a recommendation?? and also where are the best places to eat with kids (they aren't fussy and eat most things). We was only thinking of spending a few days in Auckland to get over the jet lag before moving on but has anyone any suggestions of things to do with the kids to keep them occupied - we have a number of NZ guide books etc.. but I was wondering where the locals recommend (or suggest avoiding ). Finally like most females I am a shopaholic what is the shopping like in Auckland where are the best places to go?? We are hoping to come over either the end of October or beginning of Jan, if this helps. Search the forum for 'Tarltons', (as In Kelly Tarltons) or 'Zoo', to find a few threads with things to do with kids. I know its not glamourous but the Westfield (NZ Shopping centres) foodcourts are always an easy option for food with children when travelling around. They're all over but there is one in the CBD near the ferry and one in Albany. Weiwera hot pools (about 45 mins north of Auckland) is a great trip. they have water slides and different swimming pools. The water is naturally hot and is open on cold wet days. it could be a stop off on the way to Bay of Islands. Also in Elleslie (south Auckland) there is a place called "Extreme edge", it is a cool indoor climbing centre and they have themed kids walls. It is great because it is all weather and tires them out. Thanks! I'm really glad I stumbled upon this site. I can see already it's going to be a Godsend with our research. The help I've encountered thus far is showing Kiwis truly live up to their rep as being friendly and helpful! Now I'll just settle back, crank up my Hayley Westenra tunes and continue digging in to more useful nuggets.