Babies are pretty portable, and cute enough to skip queues. Photo / Getty Images
New mum Caroline Botting spoke to some brave first-time parents who'd achieved what seemed like the impossible - enjoyable getaways with their young bubs.
Yes, there's the A-Z of luggage to pack and a limit on those evening cocktails, but travelling with a baby aged 6 months or under has more benefits than you may think. They're pretty portable, cute enough to skip queues; still unable to crawl into some perilous situations and, most importantly, almost everything that includes them will be free. Here's where these new parents took junior and why they'd recommend these baby-friendly destinations.
Omaha
Just 60 minutes from Auckland, Omaha was the perfect driving distance when Fiona and Dan Holdem took their 3-month-old "daytime cat napper", Harper, on her first weekend away.
Fi's family has a bach at the surf beach but, with friends and family frequently joining them on holiday, there's plenty of accommodation at Omaha catering to all budgets.
"In the morning, we'd pick up a coffee at Kickback Cafe and double up a nap for Harper with some exercise along the beach," Fi says. "Alternatively, take the pram and check out the interesting architecture on the flat streets."
Being up early on Saturday gives you the perfect opportunity to visit Matakana Markets, and here you'll find loads of homegrown produce and gourmet goodies. Fi suggests grabbing breakfast and a spot by the river to enjoy the live music. or pick up some local produce for dinner. "Alternatively, eat at the recently renovated Matakana Pub. We enjoyed a beer and a meal while Harper kicked back on the grass," says Fi.
Nothing will rejuvenate a tired mum more than a relaxing massage, and a visit to Matakana's Blush Beauty Lounge can be booked between a feed or a sleep.
For something to appeal to your grown-up sensibilities designate a driver and head to Brick Bay Vineyard for lunch.
"We popped Harper in the front pack and started with their beautiful sculpture trail, before enjoying a well-deserved glass of wine and a food platter served in their glasshouse. Harper was also entertained, watching the birds on the lake."
A South Island roadie
For more adventurous new parents, why not take your baby to see the epic landscapes and scenery of the South Island by campervan.
It might sound like a mission, but you won't have to worry about nappy changes and feeds - simply pull over. Bub can sleep while you drive and admire the scenery. Just think of the blinds in the back, plus there's a kitchen at the ready for heating food and bottles. And with the long days ahead you'll see a lot.
Eden was 6 months old when Candice and Fraser Robertson drove around the lower South Island for nine days.
"We flew to Queenstown and picked up a Britz campervan. Get a big one with all the mod-cons and one where your baby seat - which is hireable - can be placed directly behind the driver rather than at the back of the vehicle," Candice suggests.
Highlights included romantic walks around Queenstown lakefront while Eden snoozed, an early morning breakfast looking over the glassy water of picturesque Glendu Bay and, one of many firsts for Eden, have fish and chips on Akaroa Wharf.
"The trip was all scenery, and it was easy for Eden to have sleeps because our accommodation came with us. We also took the pushchair and a backpack for trekking in/out of wineries and cafes and we had loads of picnics in the most picturesque spots."
Coromandel
Grab the sunscreen and sand toys and head to the stunning beaches of Coromandel Peninsula. Although the area is packed with spectacular secret bays, native forests and coastlines, with a bub in tow, urban spots will offer just as much, if not more for new mums and dads.
Eliza and Max Riedel took their 3-month-old daughter, Ivy, to Pauanui for their first break away. Making use of those early starts, Max would pop Ivy into the front pack and they'd snatch some couple time walking along the 3km surf beach.
"Ivy was entertained watching the waves, seagulls and dog walkers and we'd have the chance to catch up and Ivy would always have a great morning sleep with all the sea air," Eliza says.
While the surf beach isn't the place for a gentle dip, the calm, clear waters of the estuary are ideal. Take a picnic and set up for a paddle-snooze routine on the grass in the shade of the pines.
For a change of scenery, Eliza suggests the 25-minute ferry ride across the bay to Tairua, returning for dinner with fish and chips from Sand & Surf Takeaways, to enjoy on the beach.
Just 40 minutes' drive from Pauanui is one of the best surfing destinations in New Zealand, Whangamata.
With a keen surfer dad, Lulita McIlroy was just 7 weeks old when she went to check out the waves with her parents Renata and Rick.
"The two hours' travel time was perfect as that was the duration of her day sleeps," Renata recalls. "With friends we hired a bach close to the beach where we could cook our meals and relax in the sun while the babies slept. Rick would often take Luli to check out the waves and we could wander down there to watch him surf."
Like Pauanui, Whangamata also has an estuary, a great place to take your tot for a paddle. There are also many restaurants and hotels available for an early evening meal.
Waiheke Island
Does your little one hate the car seat? Well, have we got some white noise for you. Sarah and Kevin Burt had an unexpected surprise when they took their 4-month-old son, Jack, to Waiheke Island.
"The hum of the ferry sent Jack into a deep sleep. It was brilliant," says Sarah.
Waiheke is famous for its award-winning wines, and a visit is not complete without calling in at one of its many vineyards.
Stonyridge and Passage Rock wineries are known for being family-friendly, but sans car, Sarah and Ken booked for lunch at Cable Bay.
"We wanted to enjoy the wine, but we discovered there are no taxis with baby seats on the island, so take your own if you plan to explore or, alternatively, take the car ferry or bus," Sarah says.
Although it was a slightly rough track, it took them only 15 minutes to walk to Cable Bay, which has a large dining area and plenty of room to manoeuvre a pram.
Just a short 20-minute stroll from Cable Bay is Oneroa village, a bustling little hub on the island where new parents can enjoy an afternoon coffee or a spot of shopping.
Directly below the shops is Oneroa Beach, beautiful, white sand seashore, offering the perfect place to spend an afternoon in the sun and a splash with bub.
And, as little ones often dictate mealtimes, there are loads of takeaway outlets on Waiheke Island.
But, if you're feeling like a night out, head out for Italian at baby-friendly Stefano's Pizzeria.
Mount Maunganui
With its vibrant cafe scene, golden sandy beaches, great shopping and laid-back atmosphere, it's little wonder Mt Maunganui attracts young families from around the country.
Start the day with a buggy-friendly, 40-minute walk around the Mount, or for mums eager to get back into pre-baby shape, grab the front pack and hike to the top. It's the challenge Vicki Whalley and Kirk Vosper took on with their 6-month-old son, Max.
"There are a few different routes depending on whether you love or loathe steps," says Vicki. "It's hard work, especially with the weight of a 7kg baby, but the view from the top is worth it. The added bonus is if you can get Dad to join in and carry the picnic basket or baby or both."
Cafes near the beach often are busy, so Vicki recommends going to the Mount's main street where there are numerous stroller-accommodating cafes that serve up excellent food.
"My sister-in-law and I went to Astrolabe Brew Bar for lunch. They have a cool outdoor area with heaps of room.
"The food was delicious and we even had a cheeky wine," Vicky says.
A day at the beach is a must at the Mount and this town offers two great options. For a quiet paddle head to the harbour beach Pilot Bay but, if you're looking to introduce junior to some waves, the western end of the main beach has shallow breaks.
Both offer free parking, public toilets and a short walk to the sand.
Nothing soothes an exhausted mother or a tired, scratchy infant like warm water. Take yourselves to Mt Maunganui Hot Salt Water Pools for a late afternoon wind down and, hopefully, a good night's sleep afterwards for every member of your family.
WIN
Travel has five copies of Lonely Planet's Travel with Children guidebook to give away.
Email your tips for travelling with little ones to travelcompetitions@nzherald.co.nz and we'll publish the best tips in an upcoming issue.
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