You might not have heard of the Tutukaka Coast, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth a visit. This stretch of coastline north of Whangarei is home to two of New Zealand’s best beaches, Matapouri Bay and Whale Bay, and a scenic coastal track that connects them. Whether you’re spending a few days at the … Read more
If you’re into rugged coastal scenery, deserted beaches and being out on the open water you’ll want to head for the Bay of Islands, around three hours north of Auckland. There is heaps to do in the area, including a couple of waterfalls, two of New Zealand’s nicest seaside towns and of course, the famous … Read more
One of the best travel experiences you can have on New Zealand’s North Island is a journey into the depths of the Waitomo Glowworm Cave. You’ve probably seen the surreal photos of boats passing under thousands of tiny blue lights, but what is a Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour really like? I’ll attempt to describe it … Read more
Do you want to make the most of your next trip to New Zealand but don’t have unlimited time to see everything? Spending two weeks in New Zealand will allow you to see a huge variety of landscapes, from beaches and volcanoes in the north to the snow-capped mountains and crisp lakes of the south. … Read more
A mass migration of tour buses occurs daily on the road between Te Anau and Milford Sound, New Zealand. Those buses are full of tourists keen to experience Milford Sound, often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. I was one of those passengers a few years ago, and while I enjoyed the … Read more
This post was originally published in March 2015 and was updated and expanded in January 2019 “You can actually drive, right?” I asked Gia before we committed to renting a car to explore all the fun things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand. There wasn’t a lot of confidence flying around, but she informed me … Read more
Fiordland National Park is one of the most rugged and beautiful areas of New Zealand. Massive waterfalls, lush forests and jagged mountains make for some amazing views. Milford Sound is without doubt the star attraction – its sharp green peaks rise from the water while boats slowly pass by. It’s quite a scene, and is … Read more
This post was originally published in February 2018 and updated in December 2018 If there’s one thing New Zealand doesn’t do so well, it’s cities. I generally advise people to get out of the main centres as soon as possible, as the real appeal of New Zealand lies in its huge variety of (mostly) unspoilt … Read more