A helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers is a thrilling experience. To see this land of glacier-capped mountains, rainforests, and rugged coastlines is one of the best experiences to have in Glacier Country, if not all of New Zealand. On a helicopter tour from Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, you will fly […]
In this guide, we cover what to expect on a Doubtful Sound day trip, including photos, a map, tour options, tips to have the best experience, and whether or not it is worth it. Doubtful Sound is a fiord in southwest New Zealand. It’s a neighbor of the more popular Milford Sound. A visit to […]
This 3-week New Zealand itinerary starts in Auckland, spends one week on the North Island, then two weeks on the South Island, ending in Queenstown. It’s the best way to see the highlights of New Zealand in one road trip. It’s no secret that New Zealand is one of our favorite destinations in the world. New Zealand is the perfect blend […]
Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest park. Located on the northern coastline of the South Island, Abel Tasman is home to one of New Zealand’s multi-day walking tracks, aptly named the Abel Tasman Coast Track. This is also a great place for kayaking, exploring the wide, empty beaches, and walking on trails amidst […]
The second half of our New Zealand adventure took us through the North Island. Although the North Island lacks the stunning scenery that we were wowed by on the South Island, there are still heaps of fun activities for families. The North Island has it all…beaches, volcanoes, fabulous cities, famous movie sets, more adrenaline generating […]
What is the most charming spot in New Zealand? The answer is Hobbiton, the meticulously maintained movie set for The Shire in both The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Take a tour through this whimsical property, stroll past the Hobbit holes, enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon, and see why this […]
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a 19.4 km (12 mile) hike in New Zealand’s North Island with emerald lakes, views of semi-dormant volcanoes, and ever-changing terrain. Our complete guide covers everything you need to know to plan your day. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often labeled as the world’s greatest single day hike. Located on […]
The Hooker Valley Track is a 10.6 km (6.6 mile) easy to moderate hike. It’s the most popular in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and great for all ages. We hiked it twice, and in this guide we will provide tips, hiking stats, photos, and an elevation profile, so you know what to expect. […]
The Roys Peak Track is a 16 km (10 mile) strenuous, out-and-back hike to a stunning viewpoint over Wanaka and Lake Wanaka. Here’s how to do it. Roys Peak Track is one of the best hikes to do on the South Island of New Zealand. Located in Wanaka, this trail takes you high into the […]
Prior to our trip around the world, we would never have gone bungy jumping. That’s just for crazy people, right?! But as we passed bungy jump locations around the world, the idea grew on us. Once in Queenstown, the birthplace of bungy jumping, the idea didn’t sound so crazy anymore. How could we circle this […]
This guide explains how to plan your Milford Sound day trip, including sights and activities along the drive, how to book your cruise, and tips we’ve learned from our visits. It’s best to visit Milford Sound from Te Anau, but you can also go from Queenstown—just expect a much longer day. The Milford Sound (also […]