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You need to plan ahead when travelling with children. Make sure that you've got a bag packed with all of the travel essentials to ensure that you can deal with any sticky situation that may arise... and yes, these situations are more than likely to happen! So, what should you take?

Firstly, an emergency kit with the likes of plasters, toilet paper and water. Better safe than sorry! Secondly, in-car entertainment for the littlies is a must. Think of games that aren't messy or distracting to the driver, and can be played easily in a small space. Aside from in-car DVD players, and let's face it, how many of us have those, there are plenty of options. Eye-spy, pint-size board games, listening game CDs and portable electronic games are just a few ideas. Lastly, if all else fails, you will need to resort to bribery - a packet of lollies for 'good behaviour' treats is important, as is keeping the kids happy with regular healthy snacks throughout the journey.

Now that you've got the essentials packed, here's what you need to do during the drive. Take regular stops and do a few activities in different towns along the way. This works two-fold, it gives the kids a chance to burn off some energy and relieve boredom, and it will show them more of New Zealand than just driving straight through. There are plenty of free (or cheap) activities to keep them entertained throughout the country; play mini golf, take a dip in hot pools, build sandcastles on the beach, take a short bushwalk or just let them run riot at a playground or park.

Finally, a few words of advice: don't toy with nature - when they have to go, they have to go. So let them ASAP, otherwise you may end up regretting it for the rest of the drive!

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