Today I’m back on track, after a brief sojourn around some rather scenic toilets. By back on track, I am referring to the tale of my trip around Northland – the most northerly part of New Zealand’s north island. Unimaginative name aside, this is a spectacular place. Stretching out above Auckland far into the Pacific and Tasman seas, this tip of land is home … [Read more...]
The Catlins
After the majesty and grandeur of the south island’s west coast, the east coast runs the risk of being, well, slightly less mind bogglingly spectacular. Luckily there is plenty to see and do on the road up the coast, starting with the Catlins. The Catlins are situated between Invercargill and Dunedin, the two main towns at the south end of the south island. Invercargill … [Read more...]
Arches and whitebait on the west coast
For regular readers, don’t panic, despite the title, there is a lighthouse featured later on in the post. However, today’s lighthouse tale is more of a side jaunt and less the main attraction – the cress as it were on the meat of today's post sandwich. Because in this post I really want to talk about the weirdly laid back town of Karamea and its rather epic … [Read more...]
The sand and lighthouses of Golden Bay
Right at the tip of New Zealand’s South island sits the Golden Bay region: a remote and laid back area which is home to the quite remarkable Farewell Spit, a 26km long spit of sand that once stretched all the way across to the North Island. These days higher sea levels mean that such a land bridge no longer exists, and instead this narrow strip of immense sand dune is … [Read more...]
The Abel Tasman National Park
Situated near the top end of New Zealand’s south island, the Abel Tasman national park is home to stunning golden sand beaches, rugged cliffs, native bush and a whole bunch of seals who could do with a breath mint or three. It’s a hugely popular summer time destination for Kiwis and tourists alike, with many choosing to tramp the 51km length of the classic Abel … [Read more...]
Dimholt: Walking the roads of the dead
The ongoing quest to see as many parts of the Lord of the Rings scenery as possible has continued, with a trip to the Cape Palliser pinnacles, where Aragorn, Gimli and Leglolas spent some time wandering in order to awaken the army of the dead in Return of the King. Cape Palliser is near the bottom of the North island, a few stones throws away from Wellington. There is a … [Read more...]
Highlights of the Wairarapa
You know those friends of yours who come back from some “life changing” trip, and bore you to tears for ages on end with the joy of travel and how incredibly awesome the whole thing was, slide show and all? (Yes, I appreciate a travel blog is a very similar thing. Bear with me.) Well, there was a chap in New Zealand who went somewhat further than a mere slideshow … [Read more...]
New Zealand’s Spectacular East Cape
The East Cape of New Zealand’s North island has a lot going for it. Driftwood fringed beaches jut up against towering cliffs and deserted roads. Spectacular vistas lie around every corner. And it is perhaps the most Maori influenced part of all New Zealand – the closest one may come to seeing how New Zealand may have ended up had the Brits not landed a couple of centuries … [Read more...]