Nothing screams destination race like Taupō, New Zealand. A beautiful lake swim through crystal clear water, cycling through the idyllic and lush New Zealand farmland, and a waterfront run with mountain views. And it’s not just Taupō that makes this such a great destination race. In addition to racing, New Zealand is an outdoor enthusiast’s […]
Discover the best things to do in New Zealand, from its main attractions to its hidden gems. We are frequent visitors to New Zealand, and this list contains our favorite experiences. We’ll also cover when to visit and how to plan your perfect New Zealand itinerary. New Zealand is the perfect mix of awe-inspiring landscapes, […]
If you’re planning a New Zealand North Island itinerary, this guide offers flexible routes for 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, and 2 weeks. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, these itineraries balance iconic highlights with lesser-known local gems. We have road tripped through the North Island three times, exploring from the […]
This guide features the best things to do in Northland, from journeying to the far north at Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) and sandboarding the Te Paki Sand Dunes, to exploring the stunning Bay of Islands and witnessing the giant ancient Kauri trees in Waipoua Forest. We’ll also provide a map, our itinerary, and whether […]
Discover the best things to do in Rotorua, from its geothermal wonders such as Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, to unique experiences like the Redwoods Treewalk and zorbing, as well as its cultural tours of Māori villages. One day is sufficient to see the main sights, but more time lets you visit several thermal […]
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 […]
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 […]
This guide provides Auckland itineraries ranging from one to three days, tailored to different travel styles. We also include where to stay and useful tips to help you enjoy the best experience in Auckland. Stroll through Viaduct Harbour, enjoy the view from the Sky Tower, day trip to Waiheke or Rangitoto Islands, go whale watching, […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 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 […]