New Zealand

New Zealand is my favourite place in the world, and I only came to appreciate how outstanding it is when I started travelling. I have since realised how many people have it at the top of their bucket list, and I've made it my goal to see more of my own country and share its beauty.

Blog Posts

Blog

North Island Road Trip

Taking friends from overseas on a classic kiwi road trip around the North Island was so much fun. I’ve travelled a lot in my time but this was my first time seeing New Zealand from a tourist’s point of view. We went to Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua and the Coromandel on our road trip, amongst others.

10 ethical NZ AU swimwear companies

Sharing some of my favourite swimwear companies from New Zealand and Australia that put focus on being more ethical and sustainable. Shopping small and locally is always a goal of mine and I hope this guide will help other women use their spending money with a bit more consideration and leave a smaller impact on the planet.

Hiking to the Duke's Nose Lookout

The best views are always worth the hard work. The hike to the Duke’s Nose lookout is one of those walks that you must do. The journey is almost as good as the destination.

Snowboarding at Mt Ruapehu

After running away from the New Zealand winter these last few years I brushed the dust off my snowboarding gear and headed to Mt Ruapehu. I’ve written about my recent 2 trips and added in some advice for anyone wanting to give it a go.

8 reasons to support local businesses

It’s time to support local! 2020 hasn’t been anyone’s year it seems, but some good can come from it and I think already we’ve seen a huge movement towards supporting local businesses. Here’s why we should all be heading in that direction…

Long weekend on Great Barrier Island

Great Barrier Island is easily one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand! Whether you get there by ferry or by plane, it’s far away enough to keep away the waves of tourists that are now hitting our beaches, but still close enough for a spectacular long weekend away.

Queenstown Highlights Video

I managed to have an action packed four days in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots; Queenstown!

4 days in Queenstown

Queenstown is one of the most stunning places on earth and it’s easy to see why tourists flock to marvel at its wonders!

The Tongariro Crossing

You really can’t call yourself a New Zealander if you haven’t done this walk, and you really can’t leave the country without doing so!

The 10 best day trips from Auckland

THE ULTIMATE NEW ZEALAND BUCKET LIST

Here's my list of the top 100+ things to do in New Zealand, an ultimate bucket list if you wish. A few of them I have already done, and the rest I'm looking forward to completing.

North Island

Visit Cape Reinga
Walk along 90 mile beach
Take the ferry between Russell and Paihia ✓
Russell Museum ✓
Learn about the Treaty of Waitangi at the Treaty grounds ✓
See the Hole in the Rock (it's more impressive than it sounds!)

Whangarei Falls ✓
Kai Iwi Lakes
Mangawhai Heads ✓
Waipu Cove ✓
Go surfing at Te Arai/Forrestry ✓
Snorkelling at Goat Island ✓
Visit Omaha ✓
Tauwharanui Nature Reserve ✓
Kawau Island
Grab some cheese in Puhoi
Relax at the Waiwera hot pools ✓
Explore Shakespeare Regional Park ✓

Walk up to the summit of Rangitoto Island ✓

Auckland is built on over 40 volcanoes, the youngest of which, Rangitoto Island, is only 600 years and considered dormant. It is an iconic sight in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf and is a great place to go for a view of the city and surrounding areas.
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Bonus points if you kayak there and back!

Ultimate New Zealand Bucket list Kitekite

Wine tour on Waiheke Island like an A-lister
Visit Great Barrier Island ✓
Auckland Sky Tower ✓
Walk up Mt Eden for the sunset ✓
Peruse the works at Auckland Art Gallery ✓
Visit the Auckland Museum ✓
Walk through Cornwall Park ✓
West Auckland beaches for a surf - Piha, Muriwai, Bethells, Anawhata... ✓
Slide down the sand dunes at Bethells Beach ✓
West Auckland waterfalls - Kitekite, Mokoroa, Fairy falls...✓
The Hillary Trail (any, or all of it!) ✓
Hunua Falls ✓
Pokeno for ice cream ✓
Pretend you're in Narnia at Cathedral Cove ✓
Dig your own hot tub at Hot Water beach ✓
Hike up Mt Maunganui ✓ (don't forget your selfie at the top ✓)
Be amazed by the clear water of the Blue Springs ✓
Pretend you're in The Hobbit at Hobbiton ✓
Get to the top of the Pinnacles
Visit the Waitomo Caves and see some glow worms ✓
Take in the view of Mt Taranaki ✓
Chill out & catch some waves in Raglan ✓

Ultimate New Zealand Bucket list Tongariro Crossing

Hike the Tongariro Crossing ✓

This is one of the best day walks in New Zealand, and arguable the world! Cross active volcanic regions, pass sulphurous lakes that are striking emerald colours and climb Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings.
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