DRIVING around New Zealand in a hire car, campervan or motorhome is the best way to explore our next-door neighbour. Not only can you plan to visit specific places but you can stumble across some hidden gems. Take a look at the photos and you will understand what I mean.
Enjoy!
New Zealand’s Bay of Islands is a tranquil and peaceful place to relax and unwind. This is the Haruru Falls in Paihia where you can canoe or kayak – day or night – around the base of the waterfall.
There are a number of cute bars and restaurants in Paihia that operate once the sun goes down. My favourite was 35 Degrees South on a cold stormy night.
The most affordable way to explore the Bay of Islands is through a full-day cruise. The tour takes you to the famous hole in the rock, stops off at Russell for lunch (it also has the cutest shops and galleries) and passes extraordinary scenery with Dolphins riding the bows of the boat. Worth every cent. Multiple companies provide the service but make sure you compare and work out the best one for you and your travelling companions.
The most affordable way to explore the Bay of Islands is through a full-day cruise. The tour takes you to the famous hole in the rock, stops off at Russell for lunch (it also has the cutest shops and galleries) and passes extraordinary scenery with Dolphins riding the bows of the boat. Worth every cent. Multiple companies provide the service but make sure you compare and work out the best one for you and your travelling companions.
The most affordable way to explore the Bay of Islands is through a full-day cruise. The tour takes you to the famous hole in the rock, stops off at Russell for lunch (it also has the cutest shops and galleries) and passes extraordinary scenery with Dolphins riding the bows of the boat. Worth every cent. Multiple companies provide the service but make sure you compare and work out the best one for you and your travelling companions.
The most affordable way to explore the Bay of Islands is through a full-day cruise. The tour takes you to the famous hole in the rock, stops off at Russell for lunch (it also has the cutest shops and galleries) and passes extraordinary scenery with Dolphins riding the bows of the boat. Worth every cent. Multiple companies provide the service but make sure you compare and work out the best one for you and your travelling companions.
The most affordable way to explore the Bay of Islands is through a full-day cruise. The tour takes you to the famous hole in the rock, stops off at Russell for lunch (it also has the cutest shops and galleries) and passes extraordinary scenery with Dolphins riding the bows of the boat. Worth every cent. Multiple companies provide the service but make sure you compare and work out the best one for you and your travelling companions.
The most affordable way to explore the Bay of Islands is through a full-day cruise. The tour takes you to the famous hole in the rock, stops off at Russell for lunch (it also has the cutest shops and galleries) and passes extraordinary scenery with Dolphins riding the bows of the boat. Worth every cent. Multiple companies provide the service but make sure you compare and work out the best one for you and your travelling companions.
A walk through the park after eating lunch from Mangōnui fish and chip shop I stumbled across this hidden gem!
I had an extra guest wanting to share my lunch from Mangōnui fish and chip shop.
Driving from the north to the south can be tiring but nothing could be more enjoyable than blasting some tunes, stumbling across quaint villages and beautiful landscapes.
I can finally see civilisation – it’s Auckland!
The perfect way to get a taste of Maori culture is stopping by Te Puia in Rotorua. Not just mud pools and hot springs make up the 70 ha historical site. The national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving also call the site home. On my visit I booked into the Indigenous Evening Experience, which included a mouthwatering banquet of authentic Maori cuisine, welcome ceremony, cultural performance and tours of the geothermal valley and arts centre.
The perfect way to get a taste of Maori culture is stopping by Te Puia in Rotorua. Not just mud pools and hot springs make up the 70 ha historical site. The national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving also call the site home. On my visit I booked into the Indigenous Evening Experience, which included a mouthwatering banquet of authentic Maori cuisine, welcome ceremony, cultural performance and tours of the geothermal valley and arts centre.
The perfect way to get a taste of Maori culture is stopping by Te Puia in Rotorua. Not just mud pools and hot springs make up the 70 ha historical site. The national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving also call the site home. On my visit I booked into the Indigenous Evening Experience, which included a mouthwatering banquet of authentic Maori cuisine, welcome ceremony, cultural performance and tours of the geothermal valley and arts centre.
The perfect way to get a taste of Maori culture is stopping by Te Puia in Rotorua. Not just mud pools and hot springs make up the 70 ha historical site. The national schools of wood carving, weaving, stone and bone carving also call the site home. On my visit I booked into the Indigenous Evening Experience, which included a mouthwatering banquet of authentic Maori cuisine, welcome ceremony, cultural performance and tours of the geothermal valley and arts centre.
Driving from the north to the south can be tiring but nothing could be more enjoyable than blasting some tunes, stumbling across quaint villages and beautiful landscapes.
Driving from the north to the south can be tiring but nothing could be more enjoyable than blasting some tunes, stumbling across quaint villages and beautiful landscapes.
Driving from the north to the south can be tiring but nothing could be more enjoyable than blasting some tunes, stumbling across quaint villages and beautiful landscapes such as Lake Tekapo (pictured).
Driving from the north to the south can be tiring but nothing could be more enjoyable than blasting some tunes, stumbling across quaint villages and beautiful landscapes.
I’m petrified of heights but I decided to push my boundaries in Wanaka with a canyoning experience. My half-day experience included abseiling, sliding, big jumps and zip-lines. One slide included a 10m drop. It was a great way to satisfy the thrill-seeking urge and I definitely recommend it!
I’m petrified of heights but I decided to push my boundaries in Wanaka with a canyoning experience. My half-day experience included abseiling, sliding, big jumps and zip-lines. One slide included a 10m drop. It was a great way to satisfy the thrill-seeking urge and I definitely recommend it!
I’m petrified of heights but I decided to push my boundaries in Wanaka with a canyoning experience. My half-day experience included abseiling, sliding, big jumps and zip-lines. One slide included a 10m drop. It was a great way to satisfy the thrill-seeking urge and I definitely recommend it!
Brittany Shanahan travelled at her own expense. Photos taken by Brittany Shanahan unless otherwise stated.
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