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New Zealand

A guide to the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

A guide to the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

Dated: January 6, 2020

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

Posted Under: Hiking, New Zealand, New Zealand

Rocky Mountain: Wanaka’s short but rewarding hike

Rocky Mountain: Wanaka’s short but rewarding hike

Dated: December 16, 2019

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

Posted Under: Hiking, New Zealand, New Zealand

10 Interesting things to do around Nelson

10 Interesting things to do around Nelson

Dated: December 9, 2019

Nelson is beautiful. Located in the ‘Top of the South’, it has a large number of sunshine hours compared to the rest of the New Zealand’s South Island and is often referred to as ‘Sunny Nelson’. The city itself has a lot to offer, including a lovely weekend market. And, as it is surrounded by THREE national parks, you can… Read More

Posted Under: Destinations, New Zealand

Whispering Falls: Nelson’s stunning day hike

Whispering Falls: Nelson’s stunning day hike

Dated: November 25, 2019

2 hours return If you’re anything like me, after spending some time in a city you’d like to get back out into nature and do some hiking. I was pretty happy to find out about this short day hike to Whispering Falls, just a 40 minute drive out of Nelson city centre, at the top of New Zealand’s South Island…. Read More

Posted Under: Hiking, New Zealand, New Zealand

Aoraki/Mount Cook: Hooker Valley Track

Aoraki/Mount Cook: Hooker Valley Track

Dated: November 4, 2019

When I visited Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, I felt like I’d wandered into a fairytale. I know how that sounds, but honestly, it’s probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited! At 3,724 metres high, Mount Cook is a challenge for the most experienced mountain climbers, but for the vast majority of us it is merely a beautiful… Read More

Posted Under: Hiking, New Zealand, New Zealand

Moving to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa

Moving to New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa

Dated: August 26, 2019

New Zealand, Aotearoa, The Land of the Long White Cloud. If you’re thinking about visiting this beautiful country and want to stay longer than a regular tourist, your best option is probably the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa. The application process can seem pretty daunting at first, but don’t fret! I’m here to walk you through it and to provide… Read More

Posted Under: New Zealand, Working Abroad

Hiking the Mount Taranaki Summit Track

Hiking the Mount Taranaki Summit Track

Dated: June 24, 2019

Updated November 22, 2020 If you want a challenge, the Mount Taranaki summit track is certainly that! Located on the west coast of New Zealand’s north island, this volcano is 2,518m high and is an almost perfect cone. This means that there are no easy parts and the whole trek is a steep climb! When we set out to conquer… Read More

Posted Under: Hiking, New Zealand, New Zealand

Top 7 awesome things to do in Auckland

Top 7 awesome things to do in Auckland

Dated: June 17, 2019

Updated November 2, 2020 Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and probably most well-known city, despite the fact that it is not the capital. Located on the country’s North Island, it is usually the city that travellers will fly into before starting their kiwi adventures, and there are plenty of fun things to do in Auckland. With its position on the… Read More

Posted Under: Destinations, New Zealand

The most beautiful Great Barrier Island day hike

The most beautiful Great Barrier Island day hike

Dated: May 20, 2019

Updated September 28, 2020 Day hike: 4-6.5 hours If there is one place in New Zealand that holds a special place in my heart, it’s an island called Aotea. More commonly known as Great Barrier Island or ‘The Barrier’. Located about 100 kms off the coast of Auckland, it is completely off the grid. And it is one of the… Read More

Posted Under: Hiking, New Zealand, New Zealand

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Hello and welcome!

My name is Sarah and I am the owner of Last Minute Wanders.
I started travelling on a budget in November 2012 and I haven't looked back!
Exploring new destinations fills me with joy and I'm here to help you do the same, without breaking the bank. Read More…

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12 Beautiful Hidden Gems in New Zealand

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lastminutewanders

🥾Trips & Treks for the Thrifty Traveller
🏝 Budget Travel Advice, Destinations & Hikes
📍England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
🌏 28 countries
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Sarah | Last Minute Wanders
One of my goals this year, which I talked about a One of my goals this year, which I talked about a lot last year but didn't actually do much of, is to see more of Dorset. 
.
There are so many wonderful places to visit in this south coast county and I've barely seen any of them, even though I live here! 
.
So, to start off the year right, we completed a wonderful loop walk which starts at the abandoned Tyneham Village and takes in Flower's Barrow and Worbarrow Bay.
.
The occupants of Tyneham Village were forced to evacuate in 1943 so that the military could use the area for training in WWII. The villagers expected to be able to return but were never allowed to. This area is still part of the MOD ranges and is only open to visitors on certain days.
.
Flower's Barrow is an iron age hill fort with the rampart ridges still clearly visible and an incredible view across the cliffs and Worbarrow Bay below. Swipe right to see the view and spot one of the military bunkers of the MOD ranges.
.
.
.
#lovedorset #dorsetcoast #dorsetlife #tynehamvillage #flowersbarrow #ironagefort #dayhike #loopwalk #purbeckridge #dorsetwalks #isleofpurbeck #uktravel #visitengland #newyearsresolution #newyeargoals #hikemoreworryless #exploremore #travelblogger
Spontaneous trips and long walks make for my favou Spontaneous trips and long walks make for my favourite kind of Sunday 💙
The New Forest isn't too far away from where I live but I rarely make the trip. Every time I do, though, I wish I did it more often!
We've had quite a lot of rain recently, which has resulted in a lot of pools on the plains and some gorgeous reflections 😍
.
.
.
#newforest #reflections #stoneycross #sundaystrolls #southofengland #newforestnationalpark #visitengland #englishcountryside #greatbritishcountryside #uktravel #travelblogger
Merry Christmas to all wherever you are in the wor Merry Christmas to all wherever you are in the world! It's been a bit different this year but I hope you've managed to have a good day and get into the festive spirit. I'm just glad that nobody can take away the traditional Christmas Day walk!
How have you spent your day? Have you managed to celebrate as usual or has it been completely different?
.
.
.
#merrychristmas #covidchristmas #christmaswalks #sussexlife #southcoastengland #homesweethome #familytime #travelblogger
This time last year we were in beautiful Samoa, wh This time last year we were in beautiful Samoa, which seems almost impossible now that we're in the UK! 💙
.
We actually had our first experience of lockdown while we were there due to a measles outbreak and a mass vaccination campaign to bring it under control, meaning that we were unable to leave our beach-side accommodation for a few days. 🏖️
.
Little did we know that the word "lockdown" would become part of our daily vocabulary, not just for us but for the whole world!
Or that it wouldn't be all sunbathing and cocktails on the beach... 🍹
.
If you're thinking of taking a break on an island as gorgeous as this once travel opens up again and it's safe to do so, check out my 6+ reasons to add Samoa to your bucket list through the link in my bio. Just hit 'Destinations -> Samoa' 
.
.
.
#samoa #polynesia #pacificislands #beachlockdown #tosua #lalomanubeach #beachsunsets #coupletravelgoals #sunsetcocktails #lookatthosecolours #blueseabluesky #travelblogger #takemeback
Yesterday marked 8 YEARS (!!) since I first left h Yesterday marked 8 YEARS (!!) since I first left home to travel long-term, and it got me thinking of what I had been worrying about all those years ago! 🧳
.
Keeping healthy is usually either something that new travellers worry a lot about, or something that they don't even think about until it's too late. I was the latter. 😬
.
It's easy to fall out of your regular health routine when everything is suddenly so different, but I've updated an article which covers 7 simple ways to stay on top of your health and focus on having the time of your life! ♥️
.
Link in bio!
.
.
.
#stayhealthy #stayhealthywhiletravelling #howtostayhealthywhiletraveling #travelhealth #stayhealthyonholiday #stayhealthyonvacation #hydrateyourself #traveladvice #travelexpert #travelblogger
Climbing Mount Taranaki in New Zealand's North Isl Climbing Mount Taranaki in New Zealand's North Island was one of the toughest experiences I've had on a day hike!
.
Not having hiked for a while, I wasn't at my fittest and it took 12 hours to get up and down this incredibly steep mountain.
.
There were times when I thought I might have to quit, but I persevered and when I reached the top, I was so glad that my determination had pushed me through.
.
I was on top of the world! 
.
Of course, I was only halfway through by that point and the descent was almost as tough as the climb, but it was totally worth it for that sense of accomplishment 💪🏔️
.
I like to remember that feeling when I'm feeling a bit low, to remind myself of what I can achieve if I really put my mind to it!
.
What helps to push you forward when you're feeling a little stuck?
.
Check out my hiking guide for Mount Taranaki through the link in my bio 👆🏻 just look for the New Zealand Hiking section!
.
.
.
#mounttaranaki #mounttaranakisummit #taranaki #egmontnationalpark #travelnewzealand #nztravel #northislandlove #nzmustdo #dayhike #mountainclimber #determinationpaysoff #accomplishyourgoals #nzfinds #keepgoing #theonlywayisup #mttaranakisummittrack
I don’t know about you, but I’m REALLY missing I don’t know about you, but I’m REALLY missing travelling at the moment and it has been getting me down a little 💔
.
It hasn’t helped that the weather has been pretty horrendous recently either ☔️
.
So today, as the rain clouds parted briefly today and the sun came out, I jumped at the chance to get out into nature and remind myself of how pretty my home area is 🍂
.
It really helped clear my mind and made me feel so much better! 🧡
.
What do you do to cheer yourself up when the blues hit?
.
.
.
#dreamnowtravellater #beautifulengland #dorsetlife #autumncolours #exploreyourbackyard #appreciatewhatyouhave #travelblues #uktravel #travelblogger #homeiswhereyourheartis
Are you interested in #solotravel but not sure if Are you interested in #solotravel but not sure if it’s the right decision for you?
.
Head over to @travelmexicosolo and her podcast #dreamtodestination to hear me chatting with Shelley about my solo travel experiences and why I think everyone should try it.
.
Honestly, solo travel transformed my life for the better! Give it a listen and let me know what you think! ✈️
.
.
.
#solotravelisgoodforthesoul #lovetravel #femaletravelinspo #youshouldtravel #travelblogger
I recently had the absolute pleasure of speaking t I recently had the absolute pleasure of speaking to the lovely Shelley at @travelmexicosolo on her awesome podcast #dreamtodestination about solo travel, why I love it and why I think everyone should try it at least once ♥️
.
Head on over to her account to check it out or search Dream to Destination on Spotify, Anchor.fm or Apple Podcasts!
.
.
.
#solotravel #solotraveller #solotraveler #daretotravel #traveltheworld #podcast #lovetravel #travelblogger
Load More… Follow on Instagram

Footer

Connect with me on Instagram!

lastminutewanders

🥾Trips & Treks for the Thrifty Traveller
🏝 Budget Travel Advice, Destinations & Hikes
📍England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
🌏 28 countries
📱#lastminutewanders

Sarah | Last Minute Wanders
One of my goals this year, which I talked about a One of my goals this year, which I talked about a lot last year but didn't actually do much of, is to see more of Dorset. 
.
There are so many wonderful places to visit in this south coast county and I've barely seen any of them, even though I live here! 
.
So, to start off the year right, we completed a wonderful loop walk which starts at the abandoned Tyneham Village and takes in Flower's Barrow and Worbarrow Bay.
.
The occupants of Tyneham Village were forced to evacuate in 1943 so that the military could use the area for training in WWII. The villagers expected to be able to return but were never allowed to. This area is still part of the MOD ranges and is only open to visitors on certain days.
.
Flower's Barrow is an iron age hill fort with the rampart ridges still clearly visible and an incredible view across the cliffs and Worbarrow Bay below. Swipe right to see the view and spot one of the military bunkers of the MOD ranges.
.
.
.
#lovedorset #dorsetcoast #dorsetlife #tynehamvillage #flowersbarrow #ironagefort #dayhike #loopwalk #purbeckridge #dorsetwalks #isleofpurbeck #uktravel #visitengland #newyearsresolution #newyeargoals #hikemoreworryless #exploremore #travelblogger
Spontaneous trips and long walks make for my favou Spontaneous trips and long walks make for my favourite kind of Sunday 💙
The New Forest isn't too far away from where I live but I rarely make the trip. Every time I do, though, I wish I did it more often!
We've had quite a lot of rain recently, which has resulted in a lot of pools on the plains and some gorgeous reflections 😍
.
.
.
#newforest #reflections #stoneycross #sundaystrolls #southofengland #newforestnationalpark #visitengland #englishcountryside #greatbritishcountryside #uktravel #travelblogger
Merry Christmas to all wherever you are in the wor Merry Christmas to all wherever you are in the world! It's been a bit different this year but I hope you've managed to have a good day and get into the festive spirit. I'm just glad that nobody can take away the traditional Christmas Day walk!
How have you spent your day? Have you managed to celebrate as usual or has it been completely different?
.
.
.
#merrychristmas #covidchristmas #christmaswalks #sussexlife #southcoastengland #homesweethome #familytime #travelblogger
This time last year we were in beautiful Samoa, wh This time last year we were in beautiful Samoa, which seems almost impossible now that we're in the UK! 💙
.
We actually had our first experience of lockdown while we were there due to a measles outbreak and a mass vaccination campaign to bring it under control, meaning that we were unable to leave our beach-side accommodation for a few days. 🏖️
.
Little did we know that the word "lockdown" would become part of our daily vocabulary, not just for us but for the whole world!
Or that it wouldn't be all sunbathing and cocktails on the beach... 🍹
.
If you're thinking of taking a break on an island as gorgeous as this once travel opens up again and it's safe to do so, check out my 6+ reasons to add Samoa to your bucket list through the link in my bio. Just hit 'Destinations -> Samoa' 
.
.
.
#samoa #polynesia #pacificislands #beachlockdown #tosua #lalomanubeach #beachsunsets #coupletravelgoals #sunsetcocktails #lookatthosecolours #blueseabluesky #travelblogger #takemeback
Yesterday marked 8 YEARS (!!) since I first left h Yesterday marked 8 YEARS (!!) since I first left home to travel long-term, and it got me thinking of what I had been worrying about all those years ago! 🧳
.
Keeping healthy is usually either something that new travellers worry a lot about, or something that they don't even think about until it's too late. I was the latter. 😬
.
It's easy to fall out of your regular health routine when everything is suddenly so different, but I've updated an article which covers 7 simple ways to stay on top of your health and focus on having the time of your life! ♥️
.
Link in bio!
.
.
.
#stayhealthy #stayhealthywhiletravelling #howtostayhealthywhiletraveling #travelhealth #stayhealthyonholiday #stayhealthyonvacation #hydrateyourself #traveladvice #travelexpert #travelblogger
Climbing Mount Taranaki in New Zealand's North Isl Climbing Mount Taranaki in New Zealand's North Island was one of the toughest experiences I've had on a day hike!
.
Not having hiked for a while, I wasn't at my fittest and it took 12 hours to get up and down this incredibly steep mountain.
.
There were times when I thought I might have to quit, but I persevered and when I reached the top, I was so glad that my determination had pushed me through.
.
I was on top of the world! 
.
Of course, I was only halfway through by that point and the descent was almost as tough as the climb, but it was totally worth it for that sense of accomplishment 💪🏔️
.
I like to remember that feeling when I'm feeling a bit low, to remind myself of what I can achieve if I really put my mind to it!
.
What helps to push you forward when you're feeling a little stuck?
.
Check out my hiking guide for Mount Taranaki through the link in my bio 👆🏻 just look for the New Zealand Hiking section!
.
.
.
#mounttaranaki #mounttaranakisummit #taranaki #egmontnationalpark #travelnewzealand #nztravel #northislandlove #nzmustdo #dayhike #mountainclimber #determinationpaysoff #accomplishyourgoals #nzfinds #keepgoing #theonlywayisup #mttaranakisummittrack
I don’t know about you, but I’m REALLY missing I don’t know about you, but I’m REALLY missing travelling at the moment and it has been getting me down a little 💔
.
It hasn’t helped that the weather has been pretty horrendous recently either ☔️
.
So today, as the rain clouds parted briefly today and the sun came out, I jumped at the chance to get out into nature and remind myself of how pretty my home area is 🍂
.
It really helped clear my mind and made me feel so much better! 🧡
.
What do you do to cheer yourself up when the blues hit?
.
.
.
#dreamnowtravellater #beautifulengland #dorsetlife #autumncolours #exploreyourbackyard #appreciatewhatyouhave #travelblues #uktravel #travelblogger #homeiswhereyourheartis
Are you interested in #solotravel but not sure if Are you interested in #solotravel but not sure if it’s the right decision for you?
.
Head over to @travelmexicosolo and her podcast #dreamtodestination to hear me chatting with Shelley about my solo travel experiences and why I think everyone should try it.
.
Honestly, solo travel transformed my life for the better! Give it a listen and let me know what you think! ✈️
.
.
.
#solotravelisgoodforthesoul #lovetravel #femaletravelinspo #youshouldtravel #travelblogger
I recently had the absolute pleasure of speaking t I recently had the absolute pleasure of speaking to the lovely Shelley at @travelmexicosolo on her awesome podcast #dreamtodestination about solo travel, why I love it and why I think everyone should try it at least once ♥️
.
Head on over to her account to check it out or search Dream to Destination on Spotify, Anchor.fm or Apple Podcasts!
.
.
.
#solotravel #solotraveller #solotraveler #daretotravel #traveltheworld #podcast #lovetravel #travelblogger
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