It’s hard to miss Rangitoto Island when you visit Auckland. It forms part of almost every view you’ll see, its broad, volcanic shape draped gracefully along the horizon of the Hauraki Gulf. Usually with a few yachts decorating the foreground. Taking the half-hour ferry trip from the central Auckland waterfront […]
North Island
Travel ideas for the North Island of New Zealand
The ultimate one-month New Zealand trip itinerary
Here is my ultimate one-month New Zealand trip itinerary. I have included a mix of the main attractions and places that will not appear on a travel agent’s New Zealand itinerary! A few tips for planning your New Zealand trip itinerary Overall, when planning your New Zealand vacation, aim to […]
New Zealand: Whanganui River paddle
A journey on the Whanganui River is to follow in the paddle strokes of countless travellers over centuries, yet it still feels like you are an intrepid explorer in darkest somewhere. It is a chance to immerse yourself in both the pure landscape and the indigenous culture of New Zealand. […]
New Zealand with kids: A one-month itinerary for families
I am frequently asked to recommend New Zealand travel itineraries for family and friends so I thought I would share some of these with the rest of you! This itinerary is focused around ‘New Zealand with kids’ – for families travelling to New Zealand for one month. This is what I […]
Things to do in Auckland, New Zealand
I posted about my love affair with the New Zealand capital of Wellington a few weeks ago and ever since have felt I must do justice to Auckland – New Zealand’s largest city. I have lived in Auckland for only one year – as a student – but I have […]
Wandering in Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington is my city in New Zealand. I wasn’t born there, I didn’t grow up there, I didn’t study there, I only lived there for five years. But it would be the only city I would choose to live in were I to go back to New Zealand to reside. […]
My favourite day walk in New Zealand
New Zealand is famous for its hiking. We even have our own name for it – ‘tramping’ – which always raises a giggle. New Zealand has a series of Great Walks and there is no doubt these are some of the best hikes in the world, through landscapes that would impress […]
Best shopping spots in Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is a shopper’s dream. From upscale designer boutiques to colourful farmer’s markets, Auckland has it all. As the largest city in New Zealand, the geographical layout provides several distinct shopping centres, many just a short distance from the heart of the city. Malls in Auckland Westfield Malls are situated […]
Wandering through New Zealand’s geothermal wonders
New Zealand is part of the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ and growing up in Aotearoa, geothermal wonders and seismic activity (i.e. earthquakes) are something you become accustomed to. In fact, New Zealand is set right along the boundary between two tectonic plates – the Australian and the Pacific. This fault […]