Backyard Travel Family

Backyard Travel Family Helping families have epic travel, outdoor and hiking adventures in New Zealand
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04/06/2026

I didn’t know if we would be cruise people honestly…

But the kids absolutely loved it, and the cruise from
Shanghai - Incheon return over 4 nights was the perfect amount of time to test it out

✅ Here’s what I loved as a parent
- knowing there was always something the kids would like at dinner, and not having to make any decisions

- Being able to have a taster of South Korea, satisfying the travel bug

- There were so many activities that I don’t have to think how to fill in the day… there was more a problem of missing something to be honest

It was such a good break in the middle of China trip. A time to reset… eat some pancakes and potatoes haha which we didn’t see a lot of in China.. loved it, and we didn’t have to unpack..

Now they’ve got their eye on some longer cruises… and with my mind at ease, free of making all those big travel decisions… I’m inclined to agree

29/05/2026

💧💦Can you believe how clear the water is?

One of my favourite parts of New Zealand - pristine conditions and I hope it stays that way

Lake Hawea is just a short drive from Wanaka and the lakefront drops off super quick, meaning you can swim in water over your head, right near the shore

Things to do near Lake Hawea
- Breast Hill Track
- Drive out to Fantail and Thunder Creek Falls
- ride on the river track all the way out to Albert Town
- and your only 15-20 mins from Wanaka for all the fun tourist attractions there… but hang out here in the peace

Lake Hawea is huge and a great spot for a picnic without the crowds ❤️

Enjoy travelling New Zealand’s South Island - the best island if you ask me 😉

24/05/2026

Training for this their entire lives 🤣🤣

Over 21km and a gazillion steps

Plenty of Chinese mums and babies being pushed around by their Disney husbands 🤣🤣 but not us

I knew all that hiking would come in handy one day!

People always ask me: “how do you get your kids to hike that far?”Honestly it’s not always rainbows and sunshine….But it...
19/05/2026

People always ask me: “how do you get your kids to hike that far?”

Honestly it’s not always rainbows and sunshine….

But it usually depends on our choice of track

If it’s too easy.. it’s boring, their brains aren’t busy figuring out a path… it’s just plodding

Even trails that are a few hours uphill, there’s no time to moan because they’re finding a shortcut, trying not to fall over and the like….

Also remember our muscles are all warming up for that first 30 minutes or so.. it always seems hard for me at the start too

We have lots of little tips that work for our family, but this is most of the battle

So if you’re a parent who loves to hike…go off - head for a challenge and good luck!

14/05/2026

🤬🤬🤬I have a plan....

So I couldn’t get the dates my friend needed BUT....

Its time for Plan B

🔥 Let me introduce you to - a campsite and hut availability service (Ad)

So if you’re like me and couldn’t get the dates you want, you can set up a request for the dates you need...

Then wait... Schnerp will refresh the DOC hut website and as soon as there is a cancellation or space, you’ll get an email notification.

Cancellations actually happen quite a bit, but the key is knowing when the pop up and getting that booking right away

⏰ Now I just sit and wait...

And its not just for Great Walks either. You can search any of those popular family huts that book out during the weekends like the Ho**er Hut, Woolshed Creek and Packhorse Hut... super handy!

So if you’ve missed out on your New Zealand Great Walk, jump up to my link in bio and get yourself back in the running

✅ Doc Booking Tips
1. Make sure you have an account already on the DOC site
2. Get in the queue prior to 9.30am, you will be allocated a random waiting room number. After 930am you’ll just be added to the back of the queue
3. Have some dates and backup dates all written down so you don’t get confused
4. Know which huts and direction you’ll walk!
5. Good luck!

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