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Category: New Zealand

  • Hiking the Sealy Tarns Track (2025)

    No trip to New Zealand’s South Island is complete without seeing the Southern Alps. This mountain range stretches from Nelson to Milford Sound and is home to some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes. Roughly halfway between those two places is Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park – one of the most beautiful outdoor destinations in the…

  • The Ultimate Milford Sound Trip: A 3 Day Itinerary and Must-Visit Spots

    Milford Sound in New Zealand is a stunning natural attraction, surrounded by rugged landscapes, mountain peaks, fiords, and waterfalls. This guide provides tips for a 3-day itinerary, including road trip stops, accommodation and the best hiking tracks.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in the Coromandel

    New Zealand offers diverse hiking experiences, from coastal walks to waterfall trails. The Coromandel Peninsula, with its scenic beauty and varied terrain, is a haven for hikers. Notable hikes include the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, The Pinnacles, New Chums Beach, Wentworth Valley Falls, Owharoa Falls, Cathedral Cove Walk, Karangahake Gorge, and Waiau Kauri Grove. These hikes…

  • Hiking Rainbow Mountain: One of the Best Views in Rotorua

    Nestled amidst rolling hills and geothermal wonders lies Rotorua, a place steeped in Maori culture and natural beauty. From bubbling mud pools to towering redwood forests, Rotorua offers something for everyone and is a must-visit.  Having visited Rotorua many times, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing much of what the city has to offer. However,…

  • 3 Days in Mount Maunganui: My Perfect Long Weekend

    Located on the east coast of the North Island, Tauranga is home to my favourite coastal town, Mount Maunganui.  It is one of my most cherished regions in New Zealand. However, many travellers never make it to this little slice of heaven on whirlwind road trips through Aotearoa.  Well-known to New Zealanders, Mount Maunganui offers…

  • How to Spend 4 Nights in the Bay of Islands

    The Bay of Islands is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in New Zealand. Located at the top of the North Island, The Bay of Islands is home to 144 islands and offers everything from a beautiful coastline and adrenaline-pumping adventures to New Zealand’s first European settlement and Māori history.  I’ve got a soft…

  • Visiting Ōmanawa Falls: One of New Zealand’s Best Waterfalls

    Ōmanawa Falls (Te Rere o Ōmanawa) is, in my opinion, one of the best waterfalls in New Zealand.  Located near Tauranga on the North Island, Ōmanawa Falls was closed for many years due to safety concerns. But it reopened in December 2023 after significant reinforcement works and is now one of the best day trips…

  • Hiking the Omanawanui Track: One of the best walks in Auckland

    There’s no doubt about it; the Omanawanui Track is one of the best walks in Auckland. Auckland City Council recently invested three years in renovating this track with stairs and boards to prevent the spread of Kauri Dieback Disease. Now, it’s open to the public for the first time since the rahui was placed in…

  • Hiking to Pouakai Tarns: Everything you need to know

    Nestled in Taranaki lies Pouakai Tarn. Perhaps one of the most photographed locations in the country, Pouakai Tarn offers hikers a perfect reflection of Mount Taranaki in the water.  If you love hiking, photography and great views, this is the spot for you! The key to getting the perfect photo is hiking on a clear…

  • The Best Walking Tracks in Auckland

    It’s no secret that if I could move to the mountains tomorrow and live out my days hiking, I would. This year, I’ve pledged to spend more time outside. For my physical health (I genuinely believe there is no better exercise than walking). But mostly for my mental health. I crave being in wide, open…