Trips & Treks for the Thrifty Traveller
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Kaikoura is a lovely little town on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Many people visit the area for its abundance of marine life and opportunities to see whales, dolphins, seals and more. It is also a beautiful area, where huge snow-capped mountains plunge almost directly into the ocean, and the grey pebble beaches hide shining… Read More
3 hour return There are many impressive hiking opportunities around Wanaka. Its stunning location means that you are spoiled for views everywhere you go. But, if you’re looking for a walk that has all of the reward for less of the effort, I highly recommend Rocky Mountain’s summit track. The track starts at Diamond Lake Conservation Area car park, 18.5km… Read More
