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...]