Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the largest city in Aotearoa New Zealand and home to over 1.7 million people. The Auckland region reaches as far north as Wellsford and as far south as Pukekohe. It includes Aotea Great Barrier Island and all the other islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Within the region there are 27 Auckland…
Kiwi birds are an icon and taonga (treasure) of Aotearoa New Zealand. The word ‘Kiwi’ is also fondly used as a name to identify a New Zealander. To see kiwi birds in real life is a treat and there is nothing more special than seeing one in the wild, in their natural habitat. However, it…
Free hot pools are a treat that should not be missed if you are visiting the Rotorua area. The region is a geothermal wonderland so it comes as no surprise that there are a number of free hot pools to be discovered and enjoyed. Thermal waters are believed to have many health benefits including improving…
The Rakiura Track on Rakiura Stewart Island is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Great Walks. This happened to be the third Great Walk I completed on my mission to tick off all the Great Walks of Aotearoa New Zealand. However, it wasn’t just the Rakiura Track that I was looking forward to but also the…
Tiritiri Matangi is an island paradise home to a plethora of native flora and fauna. Located in the Hauraki Gulf, just off the Whangaparaoa Peninsular, the island is easily accessible by boat. Thousands of visitors frequent the island each year to discover and enjoy the incredible birdlife. Many hope that they might be lucky to…
The legend of Maui identifies the South Island as Te Waka a Maui (Maui’s Canoe). It is from this canoe that Maui fished up Te Ika a Maui (Maui’s Fish), the North Island. Te Waipounamu translates to ‘the greenstone waters’ and is the name given to the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand by early…
Otuihau Whangarei Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Whangarei and for good reason, they are spectacular! As a regular visitor to Northland, these waterfalls are a place I frequent often and I take great pleasure in sharing it with family and friends. But did you know that Whangarei has five more spectacular…
The Pinnacles Walk, also known as the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail, is one of my all-time favourite overnight hikes and one of the most popular walks in the North Island of New Zealand. The Pinnacles Hut is a fabulous serviced 80-bed lodging making it the largest Department of Conservation (DOC) hut in New Zealand. The first…
Aotea, or Great Barrier Island as it is more commonly known, is a bucket list destination for many. This ‘off the grid’ island is something special with a population of fewer than 1000 residents. It is a popular holiday destination in the summer where many enjoy the beaches and the ocean for snorkelling, fishing, and…
TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK Before getting into the details of the Tongariro Northern Circuit it is important to first acknowledge the Tongariro National Park as the oldest national park in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is also a dual World Heritage area. This recognises the important values of Māori cultural and spiritual connections as well as the…
