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…
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…
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…
There are so many things to do in Nelson! The city is a trove of treasures and the wider Nelson Tasman region is smothered with pockets of paradise. With more sunshine than any other place in New Zealand, there is no shortage of things to do in Nelson. This list is based on my own…
Driving the Great Alpine Highway is an incredible experience of contrasting landscapes from the East Coast to the Wild West. This road trip is essential on any South Island travel itinerary. Easily achieved in one day you will find no shortage of activities to enjoy along the way. This has to be one of my…
Canterbury is a tourist hotspot with so much on offer in this one region! Within two hours of its biggest city, Christchurch, you can be skiing, bungy jumping, hiking, swimming with dolphins, wine tasting, fishing, riding bike trails, surfing, playing golf, watching whales and so much more! NEWTONS FALLS (AKAROA) These falls are a short…
