As well as the great tourist destinations that we all know and love, there are an incredibly large number of hidden gems in New Zealand, too. Think about it: the population density is very low, and while the tourist hot spots are that way for a reason, there’s so much that’s skipped and overlooked. Having spent over a year travelling… Read More
New Zealand
Luggage List: Packing for New Zealand
When I was packing for New Zealand, I didn’t really know where to start. I knew that it was a country that could be very cold, and I also knew that I planned to live in a camper van for some, if not all, of my time there. So, I thought I’d need to bring lots of warm clothes. I… Read More
14 Best things to do in New Zealand’s North Island
New Zealand’s North Island is sometimes passed off as being inferior to the dramatic landscapes of the South Island. I’ve heard of people skipping the North Island altogether, or only spending time in Auckland, which I think is a travesty! Sure, you may not be constantly surrounded by mountains, glaciers and jungles, but do you really want to skip the… Read More
How to find outdoor seasonal work in New Zealand
If you’re a traveller in New Zealand and you have a visa that allows you to work, at some point you might consider finding a job to fund your continued travels. But how do you find seasonal work in New Zealand? There are many different resources that you can use, but first you should consider what type of work you… Read More
10 Free things to do in Napier, New Zealand
Napier is not often considered one of the must-see destinations on a trip to New Zealand. Located on the central east coast of the North Island, it is usually skipped in favour of Taupō, Tongariro and Taranaki. But Napier is actually a lovely coastal town with a unique style where you can relax for a while and take a breath… Read More
Wharariki Beach & the beautiful Archway Islands
There are so many gorgeous beaches in New Zealand that it’s hard to keep track of them all. But if you haven’t visited Wharariki Beach yet, make sure you add it to your list of must-sees before you leave the country. Located right at the top of the South Island on the north western tip, it’s a bit of a… Read More
Abel Tasman National Park: a pristine paradise
With stunning beaches, enchanting forests and hiking and adventure options for all fitness levels, there’s nothing to not like about Abel Tasman. This National Park is the smallest of all the National Parks in New Zealand; however, it is home to one of the country’s Great Walks. Add in plenty of kayaking, fishing and horse trekking options, and you can… Read More
Te Mata Peak: a great way to see Hawkes Bay
Hawkes Bay is located on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, and is home to many attractions, including the beautiful Te Mata Peak. There are many different hiking and biking options to get to the summit, as well as a paved road for those who’d prefer to drive up. Te Mata is a very significant place… Read More
Your guide to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Often described as one of the best day hikes in New Zealand, Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a must for avid hikers. It is a long, challenging hike through a dramatic volcanic landscape and it takes around 7-8 hours to complete. The track is 19.4km long, which doesn’t seem too difficult at first glance. But with steep climbs up to 1886m… Read More
Lake Taupō’s impressive Māori rock carving
Lake Taupō is a huge body of water in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island. The lake is actually the crater from a huge volcanic eruption dating back 26,500 years. Its deepest point is 186 metres. There are many cruise or kayak options to get out onto the lake, and the main attraction is the large Māori rock carving… Read More