Things to do in Wellington

Top 10 Things to Do in Wellington, New Zealand

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

Wellington is a beautiful city on the North Island of New Zealand. It is packed with fabulous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries. Walking the waterfront is a must-do, as is visiting Te Papa and riding the historic cable car. In this guide, we list 10 of the best things to do in Wellington plus where to eat and where …

Bay of Islands from Paihia

Paihia, New Zealand: Best Things to Do, Day Trip Ideas & Bay of Islands Tours

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

The small town of Paihia is known as the gateway to the Bay of Islands. One of the best things to do in Paihia is to take a boat tour of the Bay of Islands, but you can also visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, go wine tasting, go skydiving, spend some time in the historic town of Russell, or …

One Week South Island Itinerary

One Week on the South Island of New Zealand: 4 Ways to Plan Your Trip

Julie Itinerary, New Zealand Leave a Comment

If you have one week on the South Island of New Zealand, there are several different ways to plan your time. Whether you want to go hiking in Wanaka, visit the Milford Sound, see Aoraki/Mount Cook from the land and the sky, or spend your days engaging in all of the heart-pounding activities Queenstown has to offer, we have four …

Auckland Itinerary

Auckland Itinerary: Best Way to Spend 1, 2 & 3 Days in Auckland

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

Stroll through Viaduct Harbour, enjoy the view from the Sky Tower, day trip to Waiheke or Rangitoto Islands, go whale watching, and day trip to the Waitakere Ranges…these are just some of the things you can do in Auckland. If you are planning your Auckland itinerary, the biggest factor in planning your visit here is the length of time you …

Things to Do South Island New Zealand

40 EPIC Things to Do on the South Island of New Zealand

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

The South Island of New Zealand (Te Waipounamu) is a wonderland of glacier-capped mountains, iridescent lakes, rugged coastal scenery, vineyards, and charming towns. Wine tasting, bungy jumping, hiking, trekking, and taking eco cruises to see dolphins and penguins all top the list of the best things to do on the South Island. Whether you prefer to go on scenic drives …

New Zealand Itinerary

Queenstown Itinerary: 3 Unique Ideas for Your Perfect Vacation

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

If you are planning your Queenstown itinerary, there are a lot of things to consider. How long should you spend in Queenstown? Where should you stay? Should you rent a car? What are the best things to do in Queenstown? In this guide, we share with you the top experiences in Queenstown and then how to put them together to …

Best Wanaka Hikes

Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Track: Best Routes, Map & Trail Stats

Tyler New Zealand Leave a Comment

A visit to New Zealand would be incomplete without witnessing the beauty of Lake Wanaka. For those that want incredible views without struggling up the difficult Roy’s Peak Track, the Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Track has you covered. This 7.3 km/4.5 mile trail offers incredible vistas over both Diamond Lake and Lake Wanaka, while being structured in a way …

Wanaka New Zealand

20 Epic Things to Do in Wanaka, New Zealand

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

Wanaka is one of our favorite places in New Zealand. Lake Wanaka is a gorgeous lake, surrounded by mountain peaks, waterfalls, lavender farms, vineyards, and forests. On a visit to Wanaka, take your pick from some of New Zealand’s most famous day hikes, go wine tasting, climb a via ferrata, and eat freshly baked chocolate chip cookies while you watch …

North Island New Zealand

30 Amazing Things to Do on the North Island of New Zealand

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

Cruise the Bay of Islands, go blackwater rafting, spend a day on beautiful Waiheke Island, go sandboarding, hike the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing, see glowworms and kiwi birds, visit Hobbiton, and explore the geothermal areas around Rotorua and Taupo…these are all things to do on the North Island of New Zealand. There is something here for everyone. Sample some of …

Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands | Things to Do, Map, Photos & HELPFUL Tips

Tim New Zealand 2 Comments

The Bay of Islands is a popular stop when exploring New Zealand’s North Island. Located near Paihia, and consisting of 144 islands, the Bay of Islands is known for its beautiful blue water, dramatic shorelines, and picturesque coves. The best way to experience the Bay of Islands is via a boat or helicopter tour. There are a wide range of …

Queenstown New Zealand Photo

Queenstown Bucket List: 25 Epic Things to Do in Queenstown

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

Queenstown is one of the best places in New Zealand to engage in heart-racing, thrilling adventures. Paragliding, bungy jumping, jet boat riding, skydiving, hiking, skiing, and mountain biking all make the list of the best things to do in Queenstown. But you can also keep your feet firmly on the ground and go hiking, shopping, go for a scenic drive …

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove Boat Tour | Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

Cathedral Cove is one of the top attractions on the North Island of New Zealand. To get here, you have several options. You can get here by boat, by kayak, or on your own two feet. We took a cruise with Hahei Explorer to see Cathedral Cove. During our visit, which was in April 2023, the Cathedral Cove beach was …

Routeburn Track New Zealand

Routeburn Track: Day Hike Options, Trail Stats & Photos

Tim New Zealand 2 Comments

The Routeburn Track is considered one of the best hikes in New Zealand, and for a good reason, as there are many picturesque elements to this hike. The Routeburn Track will take you through lush mossy forests, across rivers, streams, and swing bridges, past pristine alpine lakes, past more waterfalls than you can count, and to jaw dropping vistas of …

Akaroa Banks Peninsula New Zealand Photo

Best Things to Do in Akaroa & Banks Peninsula, New Zealand

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

Go for a scenic drive, take a hike, feed an alpaca, take a wildlife cruise to see the smallest dolphins in the world, and dine on fresh seafood…these are all things to do in Akaroa and Banks Peninsula. Banks Peninsula is a small, volcanic peninsula located on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Sitting in the …

Marlborough Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting in Marlborough, New Zealand: Best Vineyards & Tours

Julie New Zealand 2 Comments

The Marlborough wine region is the largest wine region in New Zealand. This region produces some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world, along with Riesling, Gewürtztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. For wine aficionados, spending a day or two wine tasting in Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s best experiences. We have visited the Marlborough wine region twice, touring …

Auckland New Zealand

Auckland Bucket List: 20 Best Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and one of the largest cities in Oceania. With its beautiful setting on the Hauraki Gulf, its parks and walking trails, vibrant food and wine scene, and endless day trip options, the list of things to do in Auckland is relatively long. In this guide, we list the best things to do …

Waiheke Island New Zealand

Waiheke Island Day Trip: Things to Do & One Day Itinerary

Julie New Zealand 4 Comments

Taking a day trip to Waiheke Island is one of the best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand. This small island is home to long stretches of beautiful beaches and coastlines, olive oil and gin distilleries, hiking trails, and restaurants. But for many people, the biggest draw are the wineries. Waiheke Island is covered in vineyards, so wine tastings …

Lake Taupo

20 Amazing Things to Do in Taupō (+ Map, Photos & Tips)

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

Sitting on the shores of the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand is the small town of Taupō. Cruising the lake, mountain biking, hiking, skydiving, and jet boat riding top the list of things to do in Taupō. There are also geothermal areas to explore, thermal pools and spas to visit, and waterfalls to photograph. So far, we have visited …

Blackwater Rafting New Zealand

Waitomo Caves: Glowworms, Blackwater Rafting & the Best Tours

Julie New Zealand 2 Comments

The Waitomo caves are an underground fantasyland on the North Island of New Zealand. Ooh and aah at the stalactites and stalagmites that have been slowly growing over millennia. Go on an adventure and raft through these dark caves. And of course, the main reason for visiting the Waitomo caves, gaze up at the glowworms, which light up the ceilings …

Southern Scenic Route

The Southern Scenic Route of New Zealand: Things to Do, Map, Itinerary

Julie New Zealand Leave a Comment

The Southern Scenic Route is a 600+ kilometer driving route that connects Dunedin, Invercargill, Te Anau, and Queenstown, New Zealand. It is a gorgeous drive, and along the way you are treated to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. On this drive, you will visit quaint coastal towns, deserted beaches, waterfalls, fiords, and a long list of …