Where could we visit on the way to New Zealand?

[Curlewwoohoo]

Early stages of planning a trip to NZ to see my dad and his family on South Island. Will be me and dh with kids who are 6 & 9yo currently. Thinking to go this time next year, or the one after. Where could we stop to break up the trip? The ideal would be a couple of day lay up where the airport is convenient to see some sights. I would love the kids to experience a different culture. Even better if it helps with jet lag and flight prices, not sure if that's possible!

I am travelling to Auckland on my own and am watching this thread for inspiration! I am early 60s and have been leaning towards Singapore for a two day stop over . Any other ideas would be welcome.

I have been twice and I stopped in Hong Kong first time and then Bali. Both good fun. Hong Kong was interesting especially for markets and food. Bali was lovely for volcanoes, jungles and beaches. Oh plus the culture. I watched a wedding on the beach, it was awesome!

Another vote for Tokyo. They have probably the best Disney Park in the world there - Disneysea - as well as their own Disneyland.

You gain a day by going out across the Pacific and back across the Atlantic so a stop in LA on the way back could mean your kids get to see the original Disneyland too.

Fiji

I agree with Honeyroar upthread. I found Singapore to be quite characterless. It’s so clean and new it has no soul. Much of the original Singapore has been demolished and replaced by bland skyscrapers. I much prefer Hong Kong. It’s so much more real and has a better atmosphere.

Malaysia is so much more interesting than Singapore. SG is sterile, man-made, expensive, and in a couple of days you won’t have time to discover any of the “real” Singapore which is the only interesting bit IMO.

I would stop at KL, your money will go much further.

However I agree with pp that the stopover in Doha is likely to be much cheaper as it’s the most popular route now.

Malaysia

KL Malaysia from me as well. Or Japan.

As much as I like Singapore, its very bland compared to others (but still plenty to do just for a couple of days) and expensive.

But it depends where your travelling from/airfare/airline/times and so on

Singapore, Hong Kong or LA all tend to be natural stop overs. The best thing to do is get a return flight that touches down and then break the journey where the plane is stopping anyway.

If I were you I’d speak to a travel agent and ask them to give you the options for natural stopovers as this will be the most cost effective option. However for me cost effectiveness would be a factor and money may be no issue for you!

KL more for kids, mine loved the ' pretend jobs' park, you get to be a vet, doc, etc.
Lots to do and so much cheaper than Singapore.

My carer is off to Japan later this year and is gong via Doha. If you are flying with Qatar airways and have a stop over of more than a few hours then you can do a complementary trip from the airport without needing a visa.

If you change planes in Singapore the airport has loads to do, including a swimming pool which after 12 hours on a plane is wonderful - pack swimming stuff in your hand luggage.

Sri Lanka

Singapore is wonderful, the best airport in the world to spend time in too.
Hong Kong is different but fantastic too.

Whereabout in the South Island are you going?

Lincoln will be our main base, I want to take the kids to some other places though.