Places to go with babies in New Zealand

"I haven’t taken him in to see the butterflies yet but my nine month old adored the cuddly creatures at Buttermilk Farm. The wee slice of country in the city is the perfect place for crawlers and pram-bound bubbas on a sunny day. Just pop the waterproof overalls and gummies on and let bubs go wild meeting kune kune pigs, chasing chooks, feeding the friendly goats and stroking the super soft guinea pigs and bunnies. My son definitely preferred the farm over the conventional zoo, as he could play with these animals."

"Wriggle and Rhyme at your local library is a great free little activity for your baby which involves music and dancing. But it’s also a lovely way to meet other parents in your community. Birkenhead Library’s facilities are fresh and user-friendly, with plenty of carparking off Hinemoa Street (though the entrance is a little sneaky), a play area outside and plenty of decent cafes within cooee. Wriggle and Rhyme is just a half hour session so make sure you arrive on time, though no one’s going to stare at you if you’re late. Then afterwards head upstairs and rummage through your old favourites and new treasures for story time at home."