Today’s Family Travel Offer comes from Pinewoods Motel in Fairlie, New Zealand, and is 10% off Family Units when you mentioned our special code when booking.

They offer comfortable & very affordable motel accommodation in Fairlie, whether it’s for individuals or family requirements.

The motel is the ideal overnight stop in your travels between Christchurch and Queenstown/Wanaka. Or stay a few days in Fairlie to enjoy skiing, golf, fishing or making day trips to Lake Tekapo, Aoraki – Mt Cook National Park and the Mackenzie lakes.  Pinewood Motels makes an ideal home base offering you affordable rates with excellent service.

The Fairlie motel accommodation is only a 25 minute drive away from Lake Tekapo and is an“Afforable alternative to Tekapo”.

We offer quality motel accommodation in Fairlie with very competitive tariffs, 2 bedroom Family Units, Studio Units and an Access Unit (wheelchair). Plus 5 Sky TV with all units having flat screen 32″ TV’s, free wireless Internet, safe off-road parking, close proximity to facilities, children’s playground and BBQ area.  Families with children of all ages are well catered for at the Pinewood Motels in Fairlie.

The package includes:

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You know those movies where the stars wake up one day – either from a coma or some UFO-related accident – and the world seems the same, but there are a few subtle differences that tip the star off that everything is not quite the same?

That’s what New Zealand is like.

Woolies is called Countdown, shopping trolleys are ‘trundlers’ and thongs are ‘jandals’. Oh, and the price of fuel makes you want to never whinge about petrol prices in Australia ever again.

One of the major differences between Australia and New Zealand, of couse, is the geography.

On the South Island in particular, where my family and I just came back from after spending a week there, the scenery is simply stunning.

It’s the kind of place that every time you think it can’t get any better and you have to stop the car and get out to take a photo (despite the bedlam from the kids getting worse every time you do), you round the next corner and it’s gotten just a little bit more spectacular.

Disappointingly though, the only person who said “Choice Bro” or “Sweet As Bro” the whole week we were there was, much to my wife Kel’s annoyance, me.

We started in Christchurch, having secured a stupidly cheap fare on Jetstar from Sydney. The flight with our 2 year old and 1 year old was … interesting – mostly for the other passengers.

Actually, they weren’t as feral as I had feared and people actually commented on what good passengers they were! My kids have the ability to trick people that way…

After landing in Christchurch, we decided that the best option for us was to get out of there as soon as possible so we headed south towards the Central Otago region.

We were keen to spend some time around Lake Tekapo but, since we weren’t on a massive budget, we decided to base ourselves for two nights in Fairlie, just 30 minutes away from Lake Tekapo.

Fairlie markets itself as the affordable alternative to Tekapo, particularly in the summer when the place is mobbed (apparently) and prices on the Lake increase considerably.

We stayed at Pinewood Motels in Fairlie, in a two bedroom family unit, which make up 5 of the 10 units at the motel. The place is run by a really friendly couple, Charlie and Bronny, and it was clean and really reasonably priced at just $115 NZD (about $95 AUD) for the first two people and $15 NZD (about $12 AUD) for everyone after that. The motel has free wireless internet and off-street parking too.

They also have Studio Units that start at just $99 NZD (about $82 AUD).

The family units feature 2 bedrooms (with doors that close which all parents know is a huge bonus), a nice self-contained kitchen with everything you need so that you don’t have to eat out if you don’t want to, a bathroom (but no bath) and really great heating which definitely came in handy while we were there.

From our base at Fairlie we were able to access the trail up to Mt Dobson Ski Field, the highest ski field in New Zealand (which is only about 15 minutes out of town) but, since we didn’t have chains and the road was a bit dicey with ice and grit without them, we chickened out halfway up.

We were able to take in one of the most spectacular alpine views and Ocean was able to see snow by the side of the road which in her 2 year old world was pretty awesome.

From the bottom of the Mt Dobson trail, beautiful Lake Tekapo is only another 15 minutes drive with the spectacular backdrop of the Alps the entire time.

The Lake itself is absolutely amazing. Calm turquoise water backed by snow-capped peaks and lots of pram-friendly walking trails make it a pretty cool place to stop for a while.

The little bluff where the Church of the Good Shepherd sits is one of the most special places I have ever been in the world. There is something very serene and beautiful about the place and both Kel and I felt it.

Fairlie also has a pretty kick-ass outdoor playground with a potentially dangerous flying fox that our kids were able to let off some steam at also and the Farm Barn Cafe, just 10 minutes away from Fairlie on the way to the Fox Peak Ski Field and high up on a hill with great views as well, makes a great milkshake and has a fully stocked toy and kids’ book section with sun-drenched lounges for Mums and Dads too.

Fairlie and the Lake Tekapo region is definitely somewhere that Kel and I thought we would love to visit again and is a great family travel alternative to the more well-worn tourist tracks around the South Island.

Next stop: Queenstown.

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Today’s Family Travel Offer comes from Wotif and is an amazing special for Queenstown in New Zealand staying at the 5 Star Peppers Beacon.

Located on New Zealand’s South Island, the stunning lakeside Peppers Beacon is just 10 minutes drive from Queenstown Airport and an easy five minute walk from the centre of Queenstown.

The resort offers beautiful lake, mountain or garden views with a choice of four luxury accommodation styles including hotel rooms, two and three bedrooms suites and a deluxe penthouse suite offering picturesque views of the lake and Remarkables Mountains. All rooms have a television and sky television, tea/coffee making facilities, alarm/clock radio, refrigerator, hairdryer, STD/ISD direct dialing and ironing equipment. If you enjoy the finer things in life and enjoy your space then the suites are for you and include a fully equipped kitchen, private balcony, CD player, high speed internet access (fee) bath, tea/coffee making facilities, washing machine and dryers (please request when booking) and fireplace (please request when booking).

The resort’s stunning location provides a tranquil backdrop for rest and relaxation or you can take advantage of the various facilities onsite. Complete a workout in the gymnasium then soothe your muscles with a sauna, relaxing soak in the spa or an in-room massage. You can prepare your own barbeque lunch or dinner amongst the manicured hotel courtyard or choose from over 100 fine dining or casual restaurants, cafes and bars in Queenstown offering a different culinary journey each evening.

Queenstown is the Adventure Capital of New Zealand and offers a wide range of activities to keep you entertained all year round. Experience thrilling extreme adventures, submerge yourself in the scenic brilliance of the local region, enjoy a night at the theatre or explore some of the local boutiques.

The package includes:

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Today’s Family Travel Offer comes from Specialist Holidays and is an amazing special 5 night offer for families to travel to Manila and Boracay Island in the Philippines staying at the Red Coconut Beach Hotel.

A small intimate property of only 35 rooms, Red Coconut Boracay is strategically located at the centre of the most popular place on the island, sparkling White Beach.

Here you are just a few steps to most of the island’s sports facilities and boutiques, restaurants, bars and discos where the action is!

Guests can conveniently enjoy a walk to the islands many other attractions. Friendly, well trained staff will make you feel at home and assist you with any fun activity that catches your fancy.

The rooms are set overlooking the central pool and beachside restaurant and offer a spacious and comfortable living space with balcony facing towards beautiful White Beach. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the soft white sand, a relaxing massage on the beach, or a refreshing cocktail at sunset at one of the many beachfront bars.

Time to kick-back and take it easy!

The package includes:

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We are really pleased to announce the launch of our Family Travel Forum.

We want the forum to be a thriving and helpful online community for travelling families all over Australia and New Zealand.

It won’t have shameless advertising or spam or anything else which tends to ruin these kinds of forums. We are kicking the forum off with 2 different categories:

* Ask The Experts
* The Family Travel Community

But, since it’s YOUR community, we welcome any suggestions for new categories and topics.

You don’t even have to register to use the forum, just put a valid email address in when you make your comment or reply.

However, there are special offers and bonus secret prizes available at random times to members of the forum, so if you want to register please use the form in the right sidebar of the page – it’s FREE.

Then let’s share our family travel experiences so we can all benefit…

CLICK HERE to check out the Family Travel Forum.

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Today’s Family Travel Offer comes from Specialist Holidays and is an amazing special 5 night offer for families to travel to Samoa and staying at Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows (3.5 stars).

Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows Samoa is 3.5 star Colonial style family run hotel, centrally located in the harbour town of Apia. The Hotel overlooks the majestic Apia Harbour and set amongst lush, tropical gardens. A legend in the South Pacific for over 70 years, rich in history, charm and generations of traditions. Founded by Aggie Grey in 1933 as the old British Club and in the 1940s became a renowned club for American servicemen stationed in Samoa during WWII. The original hotel was in a wooden building that once had been the “International Hotel”. It was dismantled from its original site around 1900 and rebuilt where the new hotel now stands. It was once again dismantled in 1987 to make way for the new and modern accommodation. Over the years Aggie Grey’s Hotel has developed, modernized and expanded, as and when further accommodation and facilities were required.

Aggie Grey’s Hotel and Bungalows has 152 rooms; catering for everyone with a variety of accommodation styles; from large family rooms to standard and new wing rooms to garden bungalows with intricate Samoan woven roof interiors.

The hotel’s natural attraction is its lush green and colourful gardens dating back to when Aggie Grey was alive. The hotel’s greatest asset is the friendliness of its 300 plus staff or, as they say your extended family when you stay at Aggie Grey’s. Gracious service and straight from the heart of smiles. Members of the Grey family still extend that famous Aggie Grey’s hospitality. You will be made to feel right at home and the friendly staff will ensure your stay is both comfortable and memorable.

The package includes:

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Today’s Family Travel Offer comes from Intrepid Travel and is an amazing special 11 day tour for families to travel to Borneo and staying in Jungle Camps, Orangutan Reserves and Hotels and Guesthouses.

Take the kids on a magical journey to explore the natural wonders of tropical Sabah.

Learn how orphaned orangutans are rehabilitated back into the wild, swim among colourful fish and spot wildlife in steamy jungles.

Along the way, make friends with local villagers, try delicious cuisine and enjoy plenty of time to kick back and relax.

Round up the family and jump onboard this excellent adventure into the heart of Borneo.

The package includes:

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Today’s Family Travel Offer comes from Specialist Holidays and is an amazing special 5 night offer for families to travel to Fiji and staying at Plantation Island Resort.

Plantation Island is a place for everyone; romantic couples of all ages, families with children, and groups. If you’re looking for a value for money, action packed island adventure or a relaxing holiday whilst the kids are being entertained, then Plantation Island Resort is the perfect choice for you!

Plantation Island Resort is a tropical paradise nestled on the shoulder of a blue lagoon – one of the most beautiful and photographed islands in the South Pacific. The resort utilises 110 acres of tropical landscaped gardens and coconut palms and has 7km of white sandy beaches with spectacular coral reefs, part of which fronts the beautiful sheltered lagoon.

From the very first moment you arrive at Plantation Island you will experience the warmth and friendliness of our staff who will make your holiday one of the most memorable you will ever experience.

The package includes:

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Today’s Family Travel Offer comes from Creative Holidays and is an amazing special 8 night offer for families to travel to Phuket, Thailand and staying at Sunwing Resort and Spa Bangtao (4 stars).

The resort is located directly on the white sand beach of Bang Tao Bay called Bangtao Beach, on the West side of Phuket Island.

Only 25 minutes to Phuket International Airport or Downtown, 10 minutes to Laguna Phuket Golf Club and 20 minutes to Patong.

It is a fully contained family resort with its own restaurants, entertainment programs and a host of activities for all ages. With activities and entertainment to please each and every taste in your family from the smallest infant to the hardiest grandparent the Sunwing Resort and Spa at Bang Tao makes everyones’ fantasy a reality and leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime.

The package includes:

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Welcome to the new look Nick Bowditch Travel – Australia’s Family Travel Expert.

After 3 years of growing this blog into one of the most authoritative family travel resources in Australia, we have had a re-think, a re-design, and a re-birth!

This all coincided nicely with the subscription to the blog passing 10,000 – actually at time of writing this it’s at 11,203 – and the 3 year anniversary of the blog which became a business.

So, what’s changed?

There have been a few changes, some only minor ones and a couple of more important ones.

The Look.

The old blog had become a bit clunky and difficult to navigate around. We wanted to clean it up, keep it really simple and easy to find your way to what you want, and all without being one big billboard for advertisers.

The Concept.

Our new concept is much more about YOU – travelling families – and what you need to take your families on holidays in the easiest, most cost-effective and best value way.

We will be featuring deals, information and special offers from not only the big travel suppliers but also from retail travel agencies all over Australia and New Zealand, giving them the chance to compete with the larger companies for your travel dollars as well.

Not Much Else.

All of the old blog posts will remain on here. And the same no nonsense, sensible and experience-related advice we have always given to travelling Aussie families will still be given now – just in a cleaner and simpler fashion.

How does all this help me?

The best advice.

We will bring you great information and the best advice related to family travel, not only from our own contributors but from the suppliers and travel businesses who are advertising on the blog as well.

The best deals.

We have never been about bringing you the absolute cheapest bargain-basement deals and we still won’t be doing that. We prefer to bring you the best value for money and the most appropriate travel packages for you and your kids. Sometimes we will have offers that are really inexpensive and sometimes we will list some at the higher end of the market but they will ALWAYS be the great value for Aussie families.

Competition.

We will be featuring packages and offers from not only the big players in the travel industry but also from the smaller independent and even home-based travel suppliers and retail travel agents, which basically means more competition, which basically also means that YOU will end up getting the best value for money travel packages available.

We don’t have preferred suppliers or sweetheart deals with any of the hotels, tour operators, airlines or retail travel chains because YOU are the important part of our business – the travelling Aussie family.

What do you think of our new makeover? What services and special offers would you like to see on here now?

Please let us know in the comments below. When you leave a comment on this site, it appears straight away – no signing up, no waiting for the comment to be moderated – it will appear below straight after you have posted it.

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