Travelling in New Zealand
Where to go, what it costs and what we would honestly skip. Guides from ten years of exploring both islands, top to bottom.
Aoraki / Mount Cook Travel Guide
Our real Aoraki / Mount Cook guide: Hooker Valley Track status, Tasman Glacier, Dark Sky stargazing and where to stay. Updated August 2026.
A Weekend on the Coromandel Peninsula
Our updated 2026 guide to a weekend on the Coromandel Peninsula: Cathedral Cove's current access, Hot Water Beach timing, road status and where to stay.
The New Zealand bucket list: experiences that are actually worth it
Our honest New Zealand bucket list: 11 experiences from ten years living there, with genuine opinions on what's worth it and what to skip. Updated 2026.
Planning a New Zealand road trip: routes, driving times and honest advice
Planning a New Zealand road trip? Real driving times, ferry booking advice, motorhome vs car and seasonal driving realities from ten years living there.
The Catlins: A Three-Day Itinerary
The Catlins was the best place we found on the South Island: rugged coastline, waterfalls, penguins and dolphins. Our three-day itinerary, updated 2026.
Milford Sound: is it worth it? (yes, even in the rain)
Is Milford Sound worth it, even in the rain? Our honest, first-hand guide covers cruises, driving, kayaking, flights and current access costs for 2026.
Waiheke Island: The Complete Guide
Our complete 2026 guide to Waiheke Island: ferries and fares, wineries, beaches, e-bikes versus the hills, and honest advice on crowds and where to stay.
The Ultimate Abel Tasman National Park Travel Guide
Everything you need for the Abel Tasman: how to get there, the coast track, tide times, kayaking, where to stay and the best things to do.
Great Barrier Island Travel Guide
Great Barrier Island is like nowhere else in New Zealand. Our guide covers getting there, what to do, where to stay, and the island's off-grid, dark-sky magic.
10 of the Best, Most Adventurous Things to Do in Queenstown
From bungy jumping to jet boating, here are the 10 most adventurous things to do in Queenstown, fact-checked and updated, with our own experiences of each.
How to Travel New Zealand on a Budget
How to travel New Zealand on a budget: our tried-and-tested tips on cheap flights, budget accommodation, campervans, free activities and eating for less.
Visiting the Moeraki Boulders & Moeraki Village
Planning a visit to the Moeraki Boulders and Moeraki village? Our guide covers tide times, parking, where to eat and where to stay in North Otago.
Hertz vs Apex: Which NZ Car Rental Is Right for You?
Hertz vs Apex, two of New Zealand's biggest car rental names, compared on service, vehicles and price from our own hires, plus the other options worth knowing.
Skiing in New Zealand: Methven and Mt Hutt
Our guide to skiing in New Zealand at Mt Hutt and staying in Methven, refreshed for 2026: getting there, shuttles, the summit spa pool and where to eat.
A Weekend Learning to Ski at Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa
Our weekend learning to ski at Whakapapa on Mt Ruapehu, refreshed for 2026: new ski field operators, the Sky Waka, Happy Valley and where to stay now the Chateau is closed.
How To Make The Most Of A Long Weekend In Auckland
Planning a long weekend in Auckland? Our updated 3 day guide covers the Sky Tower, Waiheke and Rangitoto ferries, beaches and current transport tips.
Marlborough and the Abel Tasman: A 10-Day Itinerary
Our 10-day Marlborough and Abel Tasman itinerary: the Sounds, Havelock, Rabbit Island, Awaroa Lodge and Marlborough's wineries, done at a proper holiday pace.
Napier & Hawke's Bay Travel Guide
Napier and Hawke's Bay: Art Deco architecture, top wineries, Te Mata Peak, the gannets at Cape Kidnappers and a sunny climate. Our travel guide.
New Zealand Accommodation Guide and Costs
From luxury lodges and city hotels to family B&Bs, motels, backpackers and cute Kiwi baches, New Zealand has it all. Here is our guide to the styles of accommodation and what they cost in 2026.
Bay of Islands NZ Travel Guide
Planning a Bay of Islands NZ trip? Our fact-checked guide to Paihia, Russell, Waitangi and the Hole in the Rock, updated with current prices and rules.
5 Great Things to Do in Wairarapa
Wine, wild coastline and fur seals: our fact-checked guide to Wairarapa, an easy weekend trip over the hill from Wellington.
Things to Do in Rotorua: 7 Activities Not to Be Missed
The best things to do in Rotorua, New Zealand's adventure and geothermal playground: a day-by-day guide to geysers, Māori culture, biking and rafting.
Our Day Trip to Abel Tasman National Park
Thinking about a day trip to Abel Tasman National Park? Our first-hand account of kayaking, walking, choosing an operator and what we'd do differently.
Guest Blog: My Experience of Whangaroa Harbour, Northland
Whangaroa Harbour in NZ's Far North is often overlooked. A guest blog on why it's worth the detour, from Sunseeker Lodge to the St Paul's Rock climb.
Things to Do in Lake Taupō
Huka Falls, Craters of the Moon, Māori rock carvings and more: our fact-checked guide to things to do in Lake Taupō, with enough for four days or more.
Rotorua's Best Free Geothermal Spots
Rotorua's best free geothermal spots: Kerosene Creek, Kuirau Park, Sulphur Point and Ohinemutu. Enjoy the hot springs and mud pools without spending a cent.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: A NZ Must-Do
Wai-O-Tapu is one of New Zealand's most surreal geothermal parks, 30 minutes from Rotorua. The Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath, Lady Knox Geyser and how to visit.
Raglan: A Surfer's Paradise
Raglan is around two hours from Auckland: black sand beaches, world-class left-hand point breaks and a proper laid-back village. Our fact-checked guide.
Tongariro National Park: More Than Just the Crossing
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not the only reason to visit. Our guide to the wider national park: quiet walks, camping, the Sky Waka and how to book the Crossing.
Try Freedom Camping in New Zealand
Freedom camping is one of the cheapest ways to see New Zealand, but the rules changed in 2023. Here is how it works in 2026, what "self-contained" really means now, and how to do it properly.
Things to do in Christchurch
Helpful tips on things to do in Christchurch. If you have just 24 hours in Christchurch then this travel guide is for you.
The Advantages of a New Zealand Self Drive Tour
There are many advantages of a New Zealand self drive tour, freedom and time to do what you want it one of them. Find out more here.
What to do in Queenstown? How to make the most of a weekend in Queenstown.
Its's on your bucket list right? Read our Queenstown Travel Guide and you will almost certainly have a better understanding of what to do in Queenstown.
A Relaxing 16 Day New Zealand Itinerary
A New Zealand trip doesn’t have to be all go go go all of the time. This 16-day self-drive New Zealand itinerary allows for lots of downtime & relaxation.
The Best Hikes in New Zealand, A 21 day Self Drive Itinerary.
Are you looking for a vacation that includes all of the best hikes in New Zealand? We give our opinion on the best hikes NZ has to offer.
New Travel Rules for New Zealand, New Zealand Tourist Visa
It’s going to take a few extra steps to get into New Zealand soon! You will now require a New Zealand tourist visa to visit NZ
How to hire a car in New Zealand
Our top tips on how to hire a car in New Zealand from how to book the best deals to hidden fees to watch out for. All of your hire car questions answered.
Labour Weekend getaway’s from Auckland for under $150
With Labour Weekend just around the corner check out our top 5 weekend getaway destinations!
Skiing in New Zealand; Mt Hutt, Treble Cone & Porter Heights
Winter in New Zealand is just around the corner - many of us maybe still hoping the summer weather continues - get the skis on and let's have it!
Our Review of flying with Air New Zealand
This is our review of flying with Air New Zealand. From the food, to the comfort and the exceptional service.
Going NZ’s Interactive Travel Map
Our travel map will help you plan your trip around NZ! Download free maps of NZ, and take our travel survey to find out what regions are suitable for you!
Day Trips Within Auckland
From the Hauraki Coast, the beaches of the west coast and the parks within Auckland find the best day trips in Auckland to suit you!
Our Incredible Day Tour to White Island
White island is New Zealand’s only marine volcano it is a incredible day trip - find out all about the tour to White Island here!
My Winery Tour of Waiheke with Explore Waiheke
If you are ever in Auckland it is must to explore Waiheke Island. We took a winery tour of this beautiful island and it was so much fun!
Our Favourite Spots of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
Fancy a weekend getaway from Auckland? Tauranga and Mount Maunganui is the place to visit, find out why here!
Try a Campervan Relocation in NZ
A great way to see New Zealand on a budget is by doing a Campervan Relocation, find out the benefits of relocating a campervan!