Discover the best things to do in Wanaka, from top hikes like Roy’s Peak and Diamond Lake to unique activities such as lavender farms, via ferratas, and enjoying freshly baked cookies at Cinema Paradiso. See the highlights in one busy day, but stay longer to experience all that Wanaka has to offer. Wanaka is one […]
Cruise the Bay of Islands, go black water 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. We have visited […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Discover the best things to do in Auckland, New Zealand, including the panoramic views from the Sky Tower, walking through the Viaduct Harbour, exploring cultural sites, and taking day trips to Rangitoto Island and Waiheke Island. Plan for at least two to three days to experience the main highlights. Auckland is the largest city in […]
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know to plan your Waiheke Island day trip from Auckland: best things to do, how to get to the island, how to get around the island, where to eat, plus a one day itinerary so you can make the most of your time. Taking a day […]
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. […]
This guide covers the best things to do in the Waitomo Caves, including how to see the glowworms and how to go black water rafting. It also covers the best tours, where to stay, and how to combine Waitomo Caves with another famous attraction on the North Island, Hobbiton. The Waitomo Caves are an underground […]
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, […]
Hike to viewpoints of glaciers, see the rarest Kiwi, soar over Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier in a helicopter, capture Mount Tasman’s reflection in Lake Matheson, go heli-hiking or ice climbing, and relax in a hot tub…these are all things you can do in and around Franz Josef, New Zealand. Glacier Country is an […]
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 […]
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 […]