Boone Turns Five & New Zealand’s Wild West Coast
Boone turning FIVE - what a freaking special time for all of us to experience this milestone in all of our lives — and celebrating on the wild West Coast of New Zealand felt pretty unforgettable. What unfolded was a week of trains, beaches, bikes, glaciers, playgrounds, and so much family time. The best kind of birthday adventure.
And the sweetest part? We get Nana with us for THREE whole weeks. Having her along for this stretch has made everything more meaningful — more laughter, more help, more shared memories.
Christchurch: Gardens, Food Halls & Epic Slides
We kicked off the celebrations with a train ride to Christchurch to meet Nana. Watching Boone turn five while boarding a train felt like the perfect blend of childhood magic and adventure.
Christchurch gave us one full, fun-filled day: wandering the botanic gardens, exploring playgrounds, and walking to the food hall for lunch. It was one of those joyful family days — fresh air, good food, kids running free.
We wrapped it up with Italian dinner and what might go down as one of the most epic playground slides we’ve ever encountered (NANA even took a ride and she was scared).
(There was a brief no-nap meltdown in there too — because travel with kids always keeps it real.)
Greymouth: Water Views & Slow Evenings
Back in Greymouth, we settled into a new Airbnb with incredible water views. Grocery shopping, cooking dinner at home, and walking down to the water felt grounding after being on the move.
We explored Shantytown, rode a little train, squeezed in a solid nap (a major win), and had dinner at a local brewery. The boys scooted to a playground and splashed in the ‘pool’ which was more like a 12 inch doggy pool but the boys took it on as their own and had the BEST time (kids running around nude, laughing.. just the best joy around) — simple moments, but the kind that make traveling with kids so special.
Hokitika: Bikes, Pies & Teal Water
Hokitika completely stole our hearts.
We started with a morning bike ride along the Western Wilderness Trail. Boone was SO proud riding his bike — until his chain fell off. Evan jumped in to fix it, with help from some kind bikers carrying tools. Adventure hiccup handled.
Lunch at the sweetest little pie shop was the perfect reward. Then we headed to Hokitika Gorge, where the water is that unreal teal-green color that doesn’t even look real. The suspension bridges, the forest, the drive — absolutely stunning.
We finished the day with a playground and scooter session, dinner in town, and beach time. Wes even got a nap in. Huge victory.
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Mountain Drama
On our longest drive south, we stopped at Franz Josef Glacier and drove past Fox Glacier. It was cloudy, so we only caught glimpses of the base of the mountain ranges — but even partially hidden, they were breathtaking.
The West Coast landscape feels dramatic and untamed. Misty peaks, dense forest, rushing rivers. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you quiet for a minute.
Haast: Wild Beaches & River Adventures
Haast welcomed us with sunshine and wind — and one of the wildest beaches we’ve ever seen. Massive driftwood scattered everywhere from rivers and landslides. Rugged, raw, and beautiful.
One of our biggest highlights was a river safari adventure — two hours of adrenaline, weaving through water and driftwood while learning about the mountains and wildlife around us. The kids were wide-eyed the entire time.
We had a late lunch in Jacksons Bay, walked the wharf, dipped our toes in the water, and ended the night playing Farkle. Evan and I even snuck away for a quiet beach walk while Nana held down the fort — one of those simple, perfect moments.
This West Coast stretch was full of birthday candles, playground slides, bike rescues, teal rivers, glacier views, wild beaches, and so much laughter.
Five days celebrating Boone turning five.
First weeks with Nana.
And countless little moments we’ll hold onto forever - what a gift to get to travel with my mom (Nikki and Nana). 💙