Travelling with kids isn’t always smooth. In many cases, it can be downright trying! This is why it’s important for parents to give thought to the itinerary and accommodation in advance. Factoring in what your kids will need, what will make them comfortable, and what will help them maintain their routine as much as possible while on vacation. If you’re currently in the early stages of planning a family getaway to the awe-inspiring country of New Zealand, this guide will prove essential.
Here we’ll take an in-depth look at what you need to look for when choosing family-friendly accommodation in New Zealand. Picking unsuitable accommodation can create challenges that may detract from your experience, so let’s make sure that’s not going to be an issue!
Plenty of Space for Kids to Relax and Play
When travelling solo or with a significant other, it’s not usually necessary to have extra space in your accommodation. However, travelling with kids is a totally different scenario. Having extra floor space means kids can stretch out, relax, play with toys, and get comfortable. Ideally, you’ll spend the majority of your time outside your room exploring New Zealand, but there will still be downtime.
Do You Need a Separate Sleeping Space?
Separate sleeping spaces are closely tied to extra space in your accommodation. Depending on the accommodation type, you may have the option of having separate bedrooms or dedicated sleeping areas. This can be extremely handy if you have young kids who need to nap during the day or go to bed early. This allows adults to relax, watch television, or play a board game without disturbing the kids.
Larger families may need to rent a full house if they want fully separate spaces. It will feel like a vacation home rather than just a cramped hotel room.
A Bath for Bathing Young Kids
Although a relatively small feature, a bath is likely a necessity for parents with young kids. It’s simply not possible to properly bathe young children in a shower stall. Hotels generally make it clear in their listings whether they have a bathtub. Even if it means upgrading your room type to get a bathtub, the added cost may be worth it.
A Fully Equipped Kitchen or Kitchenette
One thing that parents everywhere can attest to is how often kids eat. Three meals a day is nowhere near enough to keep them satisfied. Instead, it can feel like a never-ending carousel of snacks. There’s also the fact that eating three meals a day at restaurants can get extremely expensive. If it’s not in your budget and you’re looking for a cost-effective solution, accommodations with a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette are a must.
A fully equipped kitchen means you have all the same amenities as a standard home kitchen. It includes appliances such as an oven, microwave, a full-sized refrigerator, a full sink, and maybe even a dishwasher. It will also come with all the kitchen utensils, cutlery, pots, and pans. A kitchenette is a smaller version of a fully equipped kitchen, offering only the basics. It’s common to find a microwave, a beverage fridge, a coffeemaker, and a sink for washing dishes, and it should still include pots, pans, dishes, and cutlery.
Think about the convenience that having a functional kitchen can offer while on holidays. Even if you just make breakfast daily, that’s one less meal you’ll need to purchase in a restaurant. It also makes snack time more convenient.
High-Speed In-Room Wi-Fi
In-room high-speed Wi-Fi has become an expectation for most travellers, and it isn’t just for cartoons or streaming — it also lets parents unwind on their own terms. Whether that’s catching up on messages, uploading photos and videos from your trip, or browsing the casinos ranked by Casinos.com, high-speed Wi-Fi is essential.
Safety Is Always a Factor
As a parent, your number one concern is your child’s safety. Just because you’re on holidays, it doesn’t mean you can stop worrying about safety. Look for accommodations with strong safety features, such as deadbolts on doors, secure locks on windows and sliding doors, and rooms located above the ground floor. If the room has a balcony, ensure the door is always locked and that your kids can’t unlock it without your supervision. Consider placing a chair in front of the door for added security.
Hotel Activities and Amenities to Keep Kids Entertained
Hotel activities and amenities can be plentiful, especially for those properties that cater to families. Amenities such as a pool, playground, arcade, family-friendly dining, shops, entertainment programs, and kids’ activities may be available. Keep in mind that if you don’t plan on spending a lot of time at the accommodation, these extra offerings may not be necessary. Ultimately, the choice depends on your vacation style.
Central Location Near the Top Attractions and Sites
Finally, consider the location. If you don’t want to spend the majority of your day commuting from one attraction to the next, then you need a central location. By making a list of the sites and attractions you want to visit in New Zealand, you can narrow down your accommodation options. Ideally, you’ll be within walking distance of at least a few sites you want to see.