Holiday Adventures

Holidays are awesome

Family holidays are a highlight of the year for me. The time spent together making memories and strengthening relationships is invaluable. In the last few years we have really tried to prioritise time away together as a family.

Fewer distractions (e.g. toys, work, devices) means more time reading, walking and playing games. Our family loves exploring new places and discovering interesting walks and activities.

Trip up north

In the last week, we have been away up north near Dargaville. While the weather wasn’t great, we still managed to visit the Kauri Museum, see Tane Mahuta, and do several walks. One was on the southern entrance of the Hokianga Harbour, out to where there used to be a signal station. The views were beautiful and the terrain was fascinating to explore.

We also climbed to the top of Tokatoka Peak (near Dargaville) and walked around the base of the Maungaraho Rock. It would have been fantastic to climb to the top, but that will have to wait till another time.. you have to use chains to haul yourself up, and we didn’t think it would be safe with five young kids! Having one on my back messed with my balance too.

We had a quick stop to check out the Kai Iwi Lakes one day, and a very long drive to the end of the Pouto Peninsula on another. It wasn’t until we got to the end of the road that we discovered the lighthouse we were seeking was a 7km hike along the beach! Needless to say, we gave that a miss.

Have a holiday!

To any couple or family I would really recommend putting aside time in your year to get away together! It doesn’t have to be expensive either. If you’re homeschooling you probably have to survive on one income, so keeping the price down is helpful. For us, the time away together is what counts, so we usually look for the best deal we can find and decide location based on that! I have always found holidays to be excellent for reconnecting with my husband and for just enjoying our children without wearing the teacher hat!