International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand.

In 2006 we visited Christchurch for the first time and took the Dwarfs to the International Antarctic Centre. Loads of information on what it is like to live in and see Antarctica, as well as the chance to experience a simulated Antarctic storm, where temperatures dropped to around -18 degrees. The Dwarfs all rugged up as best they could in oversized snow jackets and had fun playing in the ice and snow. Outside is the Hagglund Ride, which is an all terrain vehicle used by scientists in Antarctica and can drive through mud, snow, water. Lots of fun and very educational for the Dwarfs. For more information, go to: http://www.iceberg.co.nz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bali Hai Cruise, Bali, Indonesia

As part of our 2007 trip to Bali, we took a day cruise to Lembongan Island on the Bali Hai II. After about a 30-45 minute trip across on the Bali Hai II, we moored at it's pontoon. The Pontoon itself had multiple things to do including a glass bottom boat to look at the reef, Banana boat rides and a waterslide which dropped right into the sea. After we had finished enjoying all the fun on the pontoon, we took a tender to the Island of Lembongan and spent sometime relaxing by the beach while the Dwarfs played. Definitely an enjoyable day out had by all.

You can find more information on the Bali Hai II by clicking on this link: http://www.balihaicruises.com/reef-cruise

Funfields Adventure Park, Whittlesea, Victoria, Australia

Funfields is an adventure park in the outer Melbourne suburb of Whittlesea. The park has many rides, water slides and a toboggan slide down a long hill. Heaps of fun for the whole family and even though most of the Dwarfs were too small to go on all of the rides, the definitely had a great time. There are BBQs and outdoor settings, so you can bring your own lunch and then spend the rest of the afternoon playing. For more information visit the following site: http://www.funfields.com.au

 

 

Dahilayan Adventure Park, Bukidnon, Cagayan De Oro, Philippines

As part of our trip in 2010 to the Philippines, we and the Dwarfs visited Dahilayan Adventure Park. After a 40 minute drive through vast pineapple plantations we reached our destination. The main attraction of this place was the Ziplines, what we'd probably call them 'flying foxes' here in Australia. There was also a ropes course, quad bikes and a café with the usual drinks and snacks. Despite being unlucky with bad weather, the Dwarfs had a ball having turns at the Zipliine. They didn't do the full one which is about 800m long, but did the ones which were about 300m & 150m long. For more information: http://www.dahilayanadventurepark.com

Mare, New Caledonia

Mare was a small island we visited on our South Pacific Cruise in 2012. It is part of the Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia. We took a short bus ride from where we docked at Tadine to Yejele Beach. Absolutely beautiful, crystal clear water, white sand, perfect temperature for a swim. The water was nice and calm for the kids. Pine and palm trees littered the coast line and volcanic rock formations were to be seen everywhere. The beach had several small huts which sold things such as drinks, food and souvenirs. Both CFP Franks and AUD dollars where accepted currency. The amenities available at the beach were very rustic. The Dwarfs absolutely had a ball though, perfect place to visit for them especially since they love swimming, playing in the sand and exploring rock pools. Not exactly somewhere I would want to spend an extended period of time and holiday exclusively, however perfect as a cruise ship port: