New Zealand North Island Road Trip with Kids

We went to the North Island of New Zealand in April 2017. It was autumn and we were super excited about this. Well, I think I was super duper excited about this the most. My mom and my sister came along too. Which means, there were 7 of us. 4 adults, 2 children and 1 infant.

Yes, I find myself repeating that a lot before and during the trip. This is my first road trip abroad, so I have come to realize that I have to make many bookings and reservations for 4 adults, 2 children and 1 infant. More bookings and reservations compared to a 'non road trip' trip, if you know what I mean.

Serene, isn't it?

At first I was very nervous at the prospect of long drives with kids on tow. I was super concerned about bathroom breaks, bored toddler and cranky baby. Though, turned out, everything was fine. More than anything, New Zealand is perfect for kids. They enjoyed the trip as much as us the grown ups.

Gosh! New Zealand have good coffee, I tell 'ya.

Beautiful looking spot behind the gas station, so we just HAVE to take some pictures, of course.

Anyway... Due to hubby not being able to leave work too long, the trip was only for 10 days including the flight journey and all.

Here is our complete self-drive road trip itinerary.

Day 1: Drive from Johor to Kuala Lumpur. Depart from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland at 11.45pm.

Day 2: Arrived in Auckland. Picked up and accommodation by the Mesra Homestay. Dinner, rest then sleep.

Day 3: Driving around Auckland. MOTAT and Mount Eden.

Day 4: Drive to Hamilton. Then to Rotorua. Visit Mitai Village in the evening.

Day 5: Drive to Tongariro National Park. Check out Ruapehu. Check into a motel in Taupo

Day 6: Drive around Taupo. Visit Huka Falls and Huka Honey. Check into WaiNot Cottage, Waikite Valley.

Day 7: Visit the cows in the morning. Check out the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park.

Day 8: Drive back to Auckland. Swing by the Eden Park Stadium, but we missed the tour. Back to the Mesra Homestay for the night.

Day 9: Bye bye New Zealand.

Day 10: Arrived in KLIA. Drove back from KLIA to Johor. Home sweet home.

It is obvious to us that 10 days were simply not enough to discover New Zealand because this country have so so so much to offer. We went home knowing that we will come back one day. We simply must. God willing.

Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang

We went for a spin around the Sepang area for aeroplane sightseeing. Was told about a spot near the airport where you can see planes landing at a very close range.

Plane flying so low!

Landing time.

It freaked my boys for a while seeing the plane so so close like it was going to land on your head. But once you get used to it, it started to become very fun.

Azhar can't take his eyes off the plane.

People hanging around for perfect picture moment with the planes.

And good picture moments too.

It was noon and the boys were hungry so we went to Mitsui Outlet Park which is approximately 10 minutes away from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Hard to miss from the road, this sign.

There are plenty of dining options here. Such as Padi House, Para Thai, the Coffee Beans, Starbucks, Dome, the Loaf and a food court. 

Good cakes.

Good coffee.

Good Thai food.

Anyway, for lunch, we decided to try the pizza at Gao! Gao!

Good pizza.

See that traditional oven? That's where they cook the pizzas.

Smoked pepperoni pizza.

Pizza was yummy, though the price was rather expensive in my opinion.

Anyway, they also put live boards to show the KLIA flight's arrival and departure time.

Ignore those cranky boys.

Mitsui Outlet Park also provides shuttle service from and to the airport, flight check-in kiosk and baggage storage services.

As for shopping, there are no shortage of it here. All of those cool brands at discounted price... Awesomeness!

You'll find Versace, Ralph Lauren, Clarks, Universal Traveller, Adidas, Puma... Amongst others.

Ah yes, there's also Beryl's Chocolate and Cafe at Mitsui Outlet Park.

For all chocoholics out there.

Mitsui Outlet Park also provides free WiFi.

Huzzah for free WiFi!

Anyway, I managed to snap the directory for this place. Can you see the details? Hope it helps.

Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA Sepang.

Short Trip to Düsseldorf and Dortmund - Part 4

Day 5 - Walking along the river.

Catch up on part 3 here.

The weather was amazing, we decided to check out the garden near the river. There was a bit of confusion when I told the taxi driver that we wanted to go to the Rheinpark. Dropped us not exactly where I had in mind, but oh well...

It was a small garden by the river with beautiful flowers. We spent about an hour here taking pictures and drinking in the view before we started strolling along the river towards the old town.

Beautiful and well maintained garden by the river.

Azzam trying to sniff the flowers.

Azzam and babah. Love!

I am absolutely in love with the flowers here. They're so so pretty! Even the boys can't resist them. It was like a cheerful and colourful spot for them to run around.

Düsseldorf is a city of arts. There were plenty of statues around the city. But I'm not very big on statues. I don't know... They tend to creeps me out. Which is why I don't really take many pictures of them statues.

But I love flowers. I really really do. And I can't get enough of them.

Azzam admiring.

Azzam and babah again.

Azzam loves flower so much.

When my husband managed to pull me away from the flowers, we started to make our way towards the Altstadt.

There were parking spot for caravans near the garden we were at. A sure nice way to camp by the river with the view of the water, bridge and the tower in the horizon.

Parking spot for caravans.

The bridge looks amazing with the blue sky.

Hanging out under the bridge.

Super nice day for a stroll along the river.

We spent our day afterwards going shopping and hanging out at the river by the Ko. Just sitting there on the bench, watching people go about their day and looking at the ducks was fun enough.

River by the Ko.

I must say, Düsseldorf can be quite romantic. Yes, even with the boys on tow. It was a lively city yet very very safe. And clean. Oh, how I wish we could go back one day.

Day 6 - Borussia Dortmund vs Hertha Berlin

On day 6, my husband and his colleagues were invited to watch the football match between Borussia Dortmund and Herta Berlin at the Signal Idura Park.

Catch up about his visit to the Signal Idura Park and Borussia Dortmund training centre here.

The boys and I however stayed at the hotel. I know... BOooohOoooo. And sobs. Sobs. Sobs.

Anyway, I shall let the pictures tell the story for you.

Go Dortmund! Go!

Opening ceremony

Opening ceremony

The scene outside.

Black and yellow everywhere!

Borussia Dortmund defeated Hertha Berlin with 4-0 that day.

Day 7 - Bye bye Düsseldorf.

We went home on day 7. Saying goodbye was never easy, we hated it. We have come to love this historical, artsy and charming city. Even the people here were wonderful and warm.

One last picture in front of our wonderful hotel.

A little about the hotel that we stayed in, the Breidenbacher Hof (not many pictures, I'm afraid). We had a wonderful time at the hotel. The staff were amazing and attentive. Perfect location too since it is literally 10 minutes walk to the Altstadt and 5 minutes walk to Königsallee.

So, that's about it, folks. Our short and impromptu trip to Düsseldorf and hubby's little adventure in Dortmund. Gosh, I really hope we can go back there one day. Wipe tears.

We named him Düsselduck!

Until next time. Hugs!

Torch Ginger Fried Rice

Torch Ginger is very common in Malaysia and Indonesia. Growing it can be a little tricky though, which is why the price can be quite high sometimes especially if you live in the city.

Torch Ginger

A good friend told me about the torch ginger fried rice recipe that she had at a restaurant, said that it tasted so so good. She asked around for the recipe and shared it with me.

God bless her. It WAS amazing.

What you need:

Shallots

Garlic

Dried anchovies

Bird eye chilies

Eggs

Winged beans

Torch ginger

Vietnamese mint

Cold rice

First step, blend shallots, garlic, dried anchovies and them chilies together, roughly. Don't blend too fine.

Heat up your pan and pour about 2 table spoons of oil. Throw in those blended ingredients in the pan. Stir it around and let it cook for awhile.

Meanwhile, chop the torch ginger and the Vietnamese mint finely. Chop the winged beans accordingly. Not to finely so that you can still feel the crunch.

Break the eggs in the pan. Let it set a bit then scramble it.

Pour in the cold rice. Cold rice means rice that you have cooked beforehand and let it cool preferably overnight.

Mix well.

Then add in the torch ginger and the mint and the beans.

Mix again.

Salt to taste.

Done!

Eat it right away. 

I mean, serve it in a plate then you eat it right away.

Or no plate, just dive in. Whatever you want. I'm not your mother.

*You can also fry up some dried anchovies beforehand to scatter on the fried rice upon serving adding some more crunch to it.

Short Trip to Düsseldorf and Dortmund - Part 3

Day 4 - The Altstadt, Königsallee and Schadowstraße.

Catch up on Part 2 here.

We decided to explore the nooks and crannies of the Altstadt again on day 4, because there were still so much more to see. I love love love walking around this part of town. And it was the perfect spring weather too.

We started our adventure for the day with a trip to a charming cafe with hand-painted antique furnitures that serves the best hot chocolate in town, Gut & Gerne Schocolade. Located near the Burgplatz, we ordered a cup of warm hot chocolate for each of us along with a piece of pie to keep our family warm. It's a big cup, actually.

Gut & Gerne from outside.

Table by the window on a sunny spring morning.

My very chocolatey hot chocolate.

And a piece of pie.

My boys and their drinks.

They also sell chocolates here. I love love love this cafe and their chocolates. I really really do. Gosh, just thinking about it makes me long to go back to Düsseldorf.

Very yummy selections.

Pwetty pwetty chocolates perfect for souvenirs.

I want to go baaaaack! I want I want I waaaaaaant!

Sorry, that was a temporary meltdown, a symptom common among travelers whenever they're reminded of their awesome trips. I'm calm now. I'm cool.

Back to the story.

We continued walking around for hours, checking out one alley after another.

The Burgplatz. I kept beheading the statue in my pictures for some reason.

I found a cute little shop that sells gummy bears. So so many gummy bears. And the best part is, they have gummy bears without gelatine too. A halal options for me. Yeay!

The gummy bears shop.

Gummy pizza!

Then we keep walking...

More exploring to do.

So beautiful

And took pictures...

Bilderbuch Düsseldorf - Maxplatz

And continued walking..

Mary's Column

And took some more pictures... Or, a kind stranger offered to take a picture for us.

A kind person offered to take a picture for us.

We then passed the city hall with the Kaiser Wilhelm monument at the front.

There I go again, beheading the statue.

Then head to Königsallee the home to all high end brands imaginable.

At the Ko.

Nice isn't it?

Straight to Schadowstraße where it is also a shopping heaven, but the prices are less scary compares to those at Königsallee.

At the Schadowstraße

Walking down the street.

And that, folks, was a lot of walking in one day for us. But it was fun. And the weather was so cooperative, we just didn't want to waste it by being at the hotel. Besides, there were always places to sit if you're tired.

So that's day 4 for you. I shall continue soon in a new post. Again. Grin.