Jennifer From Backyard Travel Family

Family is all that matters. Kia Kaha (Stay strong) New Zealand has had a huge shakeup today. They’ve just changed our alert level to be at 4 on Wednesday which means we will be on complete lockdown. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Everyone! What that means for most is that you have to stay home and you can only go out to the supermarket. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I feel very mixed.. not about the decision, but in my emotions. I’ve been hoping this will happen for a little while now. Just shut the schools I’ve been thinking and let’s get it contained before it goes too far. I’m pretty practical and pragmatic about it all. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But just hearing those words that we are now in isolation.. even though its what I wanted and know needed to happen, just feels like the world has suddenly come caving in. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We are locked down for 4 weeks, but to be honest I think it will be months not weeks. We now get to navigate homeschooling and spending time just at home. Coming from someone who always finds an excuse to leave home and go onto an adventure.. this is to say.. a little daunting. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Blessed that we are at least on a farm and have open space, and feel for those in apartments who won’t have the same freedom. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It is confinement that will give us freedom. It’s not forever. So cuddle those loved ones close. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If anyone needs to chat, I’m here! Tell us how you are and where you are below ⬇️ Crazy times ahead.... from our family to yours - Kia Kaha (stay strong) . . . . #covid_19 #covid19 #kiakaha #backyourbackyard #exploreyourplace #hanmer #hanmersprings #explorenz #travelfamily #nzmustdo #staystrong #canterburynz #coronavirus #newzealand #familyfirst #blessedlife #familyadventure #homeschoollife #homeschoolmom #homeschoolcommunity #roadschool #familytravel #newzealandguide #adventurekids #stayhome #homepro #goproanz #aptroute

Geez guys, what to write when you’re a travel blogger on lockdown huh? 😬😳 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Well New Zealand may have just shut the borders to anyone that is not a resident or citizen... but that doesn’t mean we can’t explore our own backyards. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While social distancing is not compulsory, but the prudent thing to do, we can still go and explore in nature right? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Well that’s my theory. I’m not a crafty mum, an amazing Pinterest teacher with amazing resources... that’s not me, but hats off to you legends that are.. (seriously you guys are amazing) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I love to bake and get outdoors with the kids (I swear for my own sanity more than anything else) so that’s what we will do. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ You won’t get me teaching my kids Chinese or building an amazing organic garden. It’s just not my thing.. if you’re lucky I might make play doh... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So my plan is to share some spots with few people, easy to socially distance yourself if you want to that will still fill your bucket... is that ok with everyone? And if it all goes downhill and I start to turn into a Pinterest mum... call me out eh? Let’s leave that to the pros... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📸 Cathedral Cliffs, overlooking Gore Bay, near Cheviot (half way between Kaikoura and Christchurch) . . . . #backyourbackyard #exploreyourplace #christchurchnz #canterburynz #gorebay #nzsouthisland #southislandnz #gorentalsnz #aptroute @alpinepacificnz @christchurchnz @christchurch_isite @gorentalsnz #nzroadtrip #selfisolation #socialdistancing #covid_19 #coronavirus #travelfamily #nzmustdo #explorenz #cheviot #kaikoura #lookafteryourself #newzealandguide #offthebeatenpath #offthebeatentrack #nztravel #visitnz #exploreyourbackyard #nzbeaches #familytravel #wanderlustmomblogger #nzmum

⬆️ This is what we plan to do...Here is the situation in New Zealand ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Ive had a million questions regarding the Coronavirus situation in New Zealand. So here is what we know so far and what I plan to do as a family ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you are heading to New Zealand, you must self quarantine for 14 days of you arrive from overseas (excluding the pacific islands) , so if you are here for a big trip, then if you feel safe to travel, you can do so. Then quarantine in an Airbnb or hotel or campervan and stay away from public places. Otherwise I know airlines are offering credits etc, depending on who you are flying. The same case in Australia actually. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here in NZ itself, there are 8 cases and over 10,000 people have self isolated. They know this as they have registered with health line, a call centre facility with trained nurses. I have no doubt there are some who don’t feel like going to work this week, although I’d say the majority are keeping everyone safe ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So what does it look like here? We are in a smallish town in the South Island so I really feel few effects here. Everyone seems fine but cautious. Kids are going to sport, the supermarket is out of a few things but o am in no way worried I won’t have food.. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In Christchurch City, the large playgrounds were still filled with kids. People were out in bars and restaurants. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I have no doubt that things could change very quickly, but this is how things are today, where we are. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We plan to continue to explore outdoors, but be careful around hand washing. Out in nature you are often self isolating by default. There are thousands of tracks and outdoor places to explore where you come very few people so we do not feel like this is a risk to us. We are being cautious but still living our lives. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you are feeling anxious or worried, endorphins are great mood boosters so get outside, go for a walk, a run, a game of football in the backyard... we can all do with a natural high! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Stay safe, wash your hands! Kia kaha whanau! . . . . #covid_19 #coronavirus #coronavírus #newzealand #thisisnz #nz #gorentalsnz #covıd19 #selfisolation #socialdistancing

Surely now is the best time to focus on local and explore something new right here in our own backyards... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Here in New Zealand we are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world. We are an absolute bucket list destination for so many, yet we travel overseas to get away from sights we have never even seen here in New Zealand. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So exploring hidden gems is on our bucket list right now. You? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This beaut spot is Gore Bay about an hour south of Kaikoura and 90 minute north of Christchurch. It’s a small detour from Cheviot nestled just a few kilometres off the main road but wow! It was nothing like we expected. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Kaikoura can have quite a rugged coastline but this was such a great spot. The kids paddled, we headed just up the hill to see Cathedral Cliffs at Gore Bay and it was the perfect day. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We took a chance off the main road, follow a random sign and were surprised by paradise. If you didn’t go looking, you would never know it was there ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ➡️ So tell us where you are from or if you will be exploring a little more local at the moment? ⬇️ I will tell you in the comments what’s on my list . . . . #newzealand #nz #travelnewzealand #southislandnz #visitnz #gottalovenz #nzmustdo #nzguide #newzealandguide #kiwipics #newzealandvacations #newzealandfinds #canterburynz #newzealandadventure #bestnewzealand #destinationnz #travelinspiration #travelfamily #travelingfamily #familytravel #travelkids #kidscantravel #babycantravel #adventurekids #gorebay #newzealandguide #coronavirus #covid19 #explorelocal #christchurchnz @christchurchnz @christchurch_isite @purenewzealand @gorentalsnz #gorentalsnz

Sport for kids was a big discussion in my Instagram stories this week. I had so many DMs about involving kids at an early age and about what sport was like in your own country and wanted to delve a little deeper. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Pre kids, I was involved Sport Management and my job was to increase participation in kids sport, so I do feel at least somewhat qualified to talk on this subject. I am super passionate about getting kids involved, but not because I want to turn them into amazing athletes who will represent their country or region. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Sport for me goes far beyond that and the lessons kids (and adults) can learn from sport are by far the greatest benefits to physically playing. They learn sportsmanship, how to lose, how to win, how to be resilient, how hard work pays off... stickability and determination. They learn that not everything will go their way, and that’s totally ok. To overcome their fears.. how to fail and try again. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Growing up learning these life lessons will make them better human beings. So to be honest, I don’t care whether they are good at it or not, just they they try and they have fun. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For them, fun is the main thing. Here in New Zealand there are always teams for everyone. I know from talking to friends in the USA, high schools have one team for a sport and if you don’t make it, then you don’t get to play. I love the fact that here in New Zealand that you can just okay no matter how good you are. Because at the end for the day, it’s about having fun with your friends, subsequently learning some life skills and playing sport for life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’m also a fan of trying as many sports as you can. It’s not about starting a kid in football at 2 years old and forcing them to do one sport so they become a success. It’s about learning lots of sports, cross crediting those skills across everything they plan. Specialisation should be reserved for teenagers who shown talent, not primary school kids. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What is sport like where you live? What’s your stance on it for kids?

Have you ever tasted water from a glacier? The kids absolutely loved drinking the cold clear water in the waterfalls and rivers on the Franz Josef Glacier Track... there were a heap of fun things to do around Franz Josef for kids so we highly recommend it! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I mean there’s no better way to encourage them to drink water than to get it from the source right? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The Franz Josef Glacier Walk is a 90 minute return walk, just out of Franz Josef township. 95% of it is flat so an easy option for the kids. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ They loved jumping over on the stepping stones in the other, the waterfalls and of course seeing the glacier. You can’t walk on it from here so if you are keen to do that, you need to take a helihike in (suitable for older kids) ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There are some other short walks in the area too like Peters Pools and Lake Wombat if you are up for another walk. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Want to know more? head to our full guide on our website (link in bio) and make sure you know how to walk here safely 👍 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Who is keen to see a glacier? Have you been to one before? Tell us below ⬇️ . . . . #westcoastnz #glaciercountrynz #destinationnz #franzjosef #franzjosefglacier #nzmustdo #newzealand #newzealandfinds #stufftravelnz #nztravel #nztrip #nzblogger #nzroadtrip #ilovenz #nzpocketguide #newzealandadventures #newzealandpics #newzealandgram #stayscenic #southislandnz #nzmumtrepreneur #makeithomenz #natgeotravelpic #travelnewzealand #familytravelblog #hikingnz #explorenewzealand #discovernewzealand #wonderlustnewzealand #gottalovenz @tewaonui_forest_retreat @scenichotelgroup @westcoastnewzealand @glaciercountrynz @mountainsafetycouncil @ospreypacks @nzpocketguide

Bookmark this place! It really is incredible! The Hokitika Gorge was the first place I discovered via Instagram. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I literally had no idea it was here and it’s only 3 hours from my house. While Instagram has been under fire for driving people to “photo stops”, I also love how it helps beautiful places be discovered. It’s a bit of a two edged sword but I have to say, thanks for this find! Isn’t it stunning! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The Hokitika Gorge is 30 minutes inland from Hokitika Township. It’s a 15 minute walk to the awesome swingbridge you can see behind us. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Where have you discovered via Instagram? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #newzealand #nz #purenz #travelnewzealand #hokitikanz #southislandnz #capturenz #visitnz #gottalovenz #nzmustdo #nzguide #newzealandguide #kiwipics #newzealandvacations #newzealandfinds #westcoastnz #kiwi_photos #newzealandadventure #bestnewzealand #destinationnz #travelinspiration #travelfamily #travelingfamily #familytravel #travelkids #kidscantravel #babycantravel #adventurekids #stayscenic #newzealandguide @westcoastnewzealand @gottalovenz @purenewzealand @nzgeo @nzstuff @southproud.co.nz @hokitika_nz @ross_beach_top_10 @newzealandguide @scenichotelgroup

The only reason we found this track was from the great suggestion from our B&B host. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if a B&B would be my sort of accommodation but I loved the local connection and being looked after. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It was like I was finally able to have a real holiday, especially not having to worry about meals. What a treat right? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ And without our lovely hosts we would never have known about this track which was my “walk of the summer.” Very grateful for this bit of paradise off the beaten track. . 📸 Deep Stream Track, Lake Aviemore near Kurow ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We partnered with @otbt.co.nz for this awesome stay in Kurow. A lot of hidden gems here and local spots to explore... and not many tourists. It was like exploring the old New Zealadn and we loved it ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Swipe to check out our video of our lovely stay. Thanks @otbt.co.nz ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you could choose any type of accommodation, what would it be? A bit of luxury? Something unique like an ice hotel? A yurt or glamping tent? Camping remotely? . . . . #nzmustdo #explorenz #newzealand #purenewzealand #newzealandvacations #newzealandnatural #newzealandfinds #newzealandguide #newzealandtravel #travelnewzealand #newzealandtrip #travelnz #nzsouthisland #nztrip #nztravel #gottalovenz #nzsummer #nzmade #nzroadtrip #kiwiexperience #kiwipics #familyroadtrip #travelfamily #familytravel #ig_newzealand #earthpixnz #newzealandphotography #discovernewzealand #realmiddleearth #waitakinz @waitaki_nz @purenewzealand @goproanz @stufftravelnz @nzgeo @jetstarnz @greatsightsnz

This was my favourite walk of the summer. With views like this, it’s not hard to see why. We literally stumbled across it, reversed up and thought let’s just see what it’s like. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I think sometimes the less planned and researched things are, the more magical they are. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Like when we were in France... The Eiffel Tower was great, but it wasn’t mind blowing as we’ve seen it in every photo and every movie. Hallstatt in Austria has become insta famous, but when we were there 10 years ago, it was 5 lines in a Lonely Planet book without a photo and we just went on the off chance because it sounded ok. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Now once I’ve seen enough to decide to go there, I try to do less research so that I don’t ruin the magic... ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So this awesome track is Deep Steam Track right on Lake Aviemore in the @waitakinz district. The walk is about 20-30 minutes each way, depending on where you turn around.. and we venture a little further to swim in the stream where it was shallow. So scenic and definitely worth getting g off the beaten track for. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Save this post as it’s relatively unknown on the internet. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ➡️ So let me know... so you research it all out.. and do you feel like it ruins the magic sometimes? . . . #newzealand #nz #purenz #travelnewzealand #northislandnz #southislandnz #capturenz #visitnz #gottalovenz #nzmustdo #nzguide #newzealandguide #kiwipics #ig_newzealand #newzealandvacations #newzealandfinds #kiwi_photos #newzealandadventure #bestnewzealand #destinationnz #travelinspiration #travelfamily #travelingfamily #familytravel #travelkids #kidscantravel #babycantravel #adventurekids #downunder #newzealandguide

Have we got any Lord of the Rings fans here? I’m not a crazy super fan, but I do like the films. I think it’s quite cool to be able to visit various film locations around New Zealand. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In fact over summer we visited: - here: Mt Sunday in the Ashburton Lakes, short walk that was a Lord of the Rings film location, Edoras, capital of Rohan - Anatini in Duntroon which was in The a Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.. where the tents were all set up pre battle at Aslans Camp - Castle Hill which is also nearby a film location for Narnia.. where the huge battle happened. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do you have any film locations you would love to visit? Or that you have visited? ⬇️ I’ll tell you mind below in the comments . . . . #lordoftherings #filmlocation #ashburtonlakes #midcanterburynz #canterburynz #nzsouthisland #nzbloggers #nzmustsee #nzfamily #nzphotographer #newzealandsouthisland #newzealandtravel #nzfinds #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southislandroadtrip #nzroadtrip #familytravel #wanderlustmomblogger #mombloggers #mompreneur #nzinfluencer #familyvacay #makeithomenz #littletravellersnetwork #familyadventuresummit #gowithnugget #childrenofmountains #iwasbornwild #travelfamily

Just a kid, seeing not limitations, just another mountain to climb ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The kids loved exploring the Omarama Clay Cliffs. They feel so random... like they would be better suited in Utah or the desert. But that’s one of the best things about New Zealand, the diversity of landscapes. I’m constantly surprised.. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ A few tips for the Omarama Clay Cliffs - it is just a $5 honesty box fee per car (bargain!), so make sure you bring some cash - it is super slippery and dusty up in the cliffs itself so wear good shoes, so ditch the flip flops. I wish I had put my hiking boots on for trip instead of just running shoes - there’s no topping the kids exploring which is super fun but don’t wear your best clothes. You will be covered in dust afterwards 😍 - no drones are allowed here - it’s a gravel road down to the Clay Cliffs (so if you are in a rental car or campervan, check the terms and conditions of rental) - there are no toilets or food options here so make sure you stop in Twizel or Omarama if you need these - the Clay Cliffs are just 15-20 minutes off the road driving from Queenstown to Mt Cook/Tekapo so a great road trip stop when travelling through ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 👍 Save this post for future reference! . . . . #huffposttravel #fodorsonthego #lpkids #natgeotravel #tlpicks #roamtheplanet #passionpassport #bdteam #bpmag #livetravelchannel #travelstoke #bbctravel #theculturetrip #purenz #travelnewzealand #southislandnz #capturenz #visitnz #gottalovenz #nzmustdo #nzguide #newzealandguide #kiwipics #newzealandfinds #destinationnz #travelingfamily #familytravel #kidscantravel #fujifilmxseriesnz #newzealandguide