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Pure Summer Fun in Northland

Summer’s here, giving us a perfect chance to explore the picturesque natural scenery of Northland. From the Bay of Islands on the eastern shores, to the Ninety Mile Beach to the west and the lush vineyards and world-renowned wineries to the north, New Zealand’s Northland will have kiwis pouring in from all around the country to experience the summer adventure of a lifetime.

And you want to be in the thick of it. Before we dive in, you’ll need three ingredients to make this adventure a success: passion, some cash, and a car. We’re sure you can figure out the first two yourself, and as for transportation, we suggest getting a free transfer car to take you from A to B with ease.

Explore Urupukapuka Island

First stop, Russell and then the island of Urupukapuka where Otehei Bay resides among other natural beauties. Mind you, you can spend days exploring Russel and the neighbouring Paihia, getting lost in their historic heritage and breathtaking sceneries. So don’t miss that, but don’t wander to far from your destination either.

Urupukapuka Island is home to numerous natural beauties, and it’s also a place to enjoy some peace and quiet on its golden sandy beaches. On the other hand, this is also a great place to partake in water sports, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, trekking, and more.

Pure Hedonism at Carrington Estate Winery

Ready to travel even further north? After several days of exploring the natural scenery, now’s the time to unwind (yet again) and enjoy some of life’s more refined pleasures. That means sipping fine wines and playing golf at the famous Carrington Estate.

The Carrington Estate is not only the perfect place to get hitched if the romantic ambiance should inspire you to do so, but it is also the place to spend your days exploring the lush, rolling vineyards and landscapes, or even marvel in their beauty from your bedroom window. If you have a significant other, this is the perfect romantic getaway.

Enjoy Nature at Gumdiggers Park

Travelling west now, you next destination is Gumdiggers Park, home to all sorts of natural sights you don’t get to see every day. The park is actually a one hundred-year-old digging site now abandoned and turned into a true nature reserve, home to numerous native plants and wildlife.

The eco trail that takes you through the area is lush with unique greenery and you’ll even get the chance to meet and greet the friendly Northland Green Gecko.

Whole-day cruise to Poor Knights Islands

Now we’re heading down to Whananaki and the famous Sandy Bay to catch a ferry to the Poor Nights Islands and the neighbouring archipelago. This is the place for all of you adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies looking to cash in on the excitement of coastal cruises, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, beach parties, and plenty more. If adventure is what you crave, this is definitely the place to be.

Chill out at the Ninety Mile Beach

On the western stretch of Northland, the famous Ninety Mile Beach awaits with its golden sands, mesmerising sunsets, and life-changing surfing opportunities – a true paradise for all adventurers. Not only is this iconic place perfect for making lifelong memories, but it’s also the place to take your significant other and capture the photos you’ll cherish forever, so don’t forget your camera.

Cruise around the Bay of Islands

Finally, it’s time to end this summer adventure with an exploration journey around the Bay of Islands. This time, you’ll be stopping by to adventure in the Moturua, Moturoa, Motuarohia, Okahu, and Waewaetorea islands, and every other small spot of land in between. You can begin your excursion from Paihia, where you can rent a boat or join one of many daily cruises.

Northland is the perfect place to spend your summer exploring the wildlife and natural wonders, dinning in world-renowned gourmet establishments, lodging in quaint villages overlooking the ocean, and partaking in adrenaline-filled water sports. Well, what are you waiting for?

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The Most Exciting Events to Enjoy in New Zealand This Spring

The winter is over, and so with the warmer weather come all of the exciting festivities that will grace every part of New Zealand this spring. Every spring, NZ is host to hundreds of festivals, local gatherings, art installations, foodie events and many, more that will offer you loads of fun and enjoyment. Here’s our pick of the most exciting attractions during this festive season.

Nelson Arts Festival, 11 – 27 October, 2017

Starting at the northern part of the South Island, the Nelson Arts Festival in Nelson hosts numerous performers and art programmes, from theatre plays to concerts and dance spectacles all the way to visual installations and plenty more. Be sure to book your tickets in advance because many of the programmes can be sold out for weeks prior to the opening.

Aoraki Mackenzie Starlight Festival, 13 – 15 October, 2017

While recovering from the spectacles at Nelson, be sure to venture a bit south to visit the Starlight Festival at The Hermitage where you will get the chance to witness everything from scientific lectures to concerts and photographic exhibitions. You can find your tickets at the festival’s official website. If you’re anything resembling a space nut, this is the event for you!

Auckland Diwali Festival, 14 – 15 October, 2017

Travelling to the North Island, the city of Auckland will welcome you to its Diwali Festival at the Aotea Square. This festival is all about Indian culture, imbuing your mind, body and soul with the colours, aromas, sights and sounds of this rich and ancient civilisation. The festival lasts only two days though, so be sure not to miss it.

Queenstown Jazz Festival, 20 – 23 October, 2017

Time to hurry back south again to Queenstown for the Jazz spectacle of the year. Fortunately, you’ve got plenty of time to get here from Auckland. Entering its 40th year, the festival hosts more than 150 musicians from across the globe. And you want to find yourself in the middle of it all, surrounding by timeless tunes and wild times.

The New Zealand Cider Festival, 4 November 2017

Okay, you’ve had your break, time to get back on the road to Nelson, where you’ll get the chance get responsibly plastered at the NZ Cider Festival located at Nelson’s Founders Heritage Park. Not only will you be trying the latest cider crafting accomplishments from national and international artisans, but you will also be enjoying fine dining and entertainment in a more casual setting.

FAWC! Food and Wine Classic, 3 – 12 November, 2017

As if the sheer beauty of Hawke’s Bay isn’t enough to visit the region this spring, they had to put a foodie festival there to make sure you absolutely wouldn’t skip making this trip. Situated amidst the stunning natural scenery of Hawke’s Bay, the festival hosts culinary masters from around the country, as well as numerous connoisseurs and winemakers from around the world.

Sculpture on the Peninsula, 10 – 12 November, 2017

You weren’t planning to spend nine days eating fine food and drinking wine, did you? Better cut the trip at least one day short, because back in the South Island, the Sculpture on the Peninsula exhibition taking place in Christchurch and is an absolute must-see. This is the largest sculpture exhibition in NZ, and you will get the chance to support various charities by purchasing some of the artwork.

Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50K, 11 November, 2017

Feeling like going for a run? The North Island Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50K kicks off this season in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and finishes at Mt Tarawera. The reward? Soaking in the natural, heated geothermal waters of the area – there’s nothing quite like it and it’s an excellent way to end your spring adventure.

As you can see, there are plenty of amazing events to be witnessed in New Zealand this spring. We suggest leaving your car back home and grabbing a reliable free transfer car in order to navigate between destinations with ease.

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The Best Spots NZ has to offer to Fishing Aficionados

Fishing – an ancient skill that has long since become one of the most popular pastimes around the world. There is nothing quite like opening a cold one and imbuing yourself with the natural wonders while you patiently wait for the catch of the day, and in my case, taking photos of the magnificent scenery.

New Zealand is a vast country, with numerous popular as well as secluded fishing spots to appeal to your senses, and today I’m going to share with you the fishing regions I found to be the worthiest of exploration. Mind you, they are not necessarily close to each other, so you will need personal transportation, as a free transfer car. Let’s dive right in.

West Coast

If you are looking to start your fishing expedition, spring is the perfect time to set sail, as the entire west coast of the South Island becomes whitebait country. Be sure to bring a net because whitebait is plentiful from September to the end of November.

There are numerous lodging options here, and you can find affordable accommodation wherever you end up casting your net. I stayed at the amazing Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki from where I roamed the coastline.

Otago

Now, Otago is quite a big region, and it would be a shame if you were to skip the sightseeing or exploration opportunities. Be sure to devote plenty of time for this fishing excursion, as there are numerous lakes and rivers rich with brown trout just waiting for you to cast bait.

I decided to lodge at the affordable Clutha Gold Cottages as this location gave me the opportunity to go fishing up and down the rich Clutha River. Be sure to take your car up to Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, as well!

Canterbury

From Otago, naturally, I took the road to the breathtaking scenery that awaited me at Canterbury, a region riddled with fly-fishing opportunities on the banks of its beautiful braided rivers. If it’s sea-run trout or salmon you’re looking for, then head to the south of Christchurch to the Rakaia River.
Myself, I stayed at the Ashley Gorge Holyday Park because it is close to the Waimakariri River, a place of sheer beauty where you can enjoy professional fishing trips complete with jet boats and guides.

Bay of Plenty

Time to head north to the famous Bay of Plenty, home to the White Island and numerous coastal fishing opportunities, of which I found – plenty. There is no shortage of excitement here, and you can expect to meet other fishing aficionados on your journey, from catching hapuka, terakihi, trevally and bluenose at the White Island to lodging in and around Whakatane.

Coromandel Peninsula

Up the coast from the Bay of Plenty lies Coromandel Peninsula with its breathtaking, idyllic countryside and, you guessed it, numerous fishing opportunities. Some of the best fishing areas here are around Whitianga and Cooks Bay, where you can give it your best to catch a snapper or a kingfish. I was left emptyhanded, but with a bounty of beautiful photographs. Don’t forget to go snorkelling at the magnificent Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve while you’re there.

Marlborough

Fancy a trip back south? Across the coast of Wellington lies a natural wonder, or should I say, a natural maze of islands and peninsulas too vast to discover and experience in a single lifetime. And yet I gave it a shot.

I stayed at the somewhat affordable Lochmara Lodge, located at the Lochmara Bay, from where I had access to all kinds of fishing opportunities. From charter fishing trips to open ocean experiences, there’s something for everyone, so be sure to devote plenty of time to this particular adventure.

If there has ever been an angler’s heaven, it’s somewhere in New Zealand, that’s for sure. I hope you find these locations interesting enough to pay them a visit this year. I suggest taking a transfer car from location to location in order to navigate your journey quickly and stress-free.

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What Makes a NZ Road Trip Truly Epic

New Zealand is world-renowned for the vast, raw, and untouched nature of its landscapes, but it is home to beautiful urban areas, as well, such as Wellington and Auckland, all the way down to Christchurch and Invercargill. There is something for everyone, even the most demanding travellers out there. With this in mind, here are some handy tips to help you have a memorable NZ road trip adventure.

Pick the Right Set of Wheels

Firstly, you want to make sure your transportation is in mint condition and that it’s optimized for the season. That means you do not want to find yourself driving a car with winter tyres on increasingly hot tarmac, rather you want your vehicle to be optimized for the oncoming spring.

That’s why I found it’s best to rely on a free transfer car or campervan to get the perfect set of wheels for an outdoor adventure rather than taking my old car out on the road and having to sleep indoors. After all, with the weather clearing up, you will want to spend as much time outside, imbuing your mind, body and soul with the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand.

Camp at all the Right Spots

While you could freedom camp in most of NZ, it’s best to stick to designated areas where proper facilities are provided for campers. This means that if you don’t have a proper toilet, and you are caught camping outside a designated camping zone, you will be looking at a substantial fine.

No need to risk getting caught by the poo police, so it’s best to avoid tying to freedom camp at Queenstown or Wanaka, and head out to one of the numerous holiday camping grounds scattered all over the northern and southern islands.

These holiday campsites are also equipped with shower facilities, kitchens and warm rooms should you need them during a cold night or after a long trip. Other than cooking a meal in a kitchen rather than the back of a van, you want to spend as much time as possible inhaling the peaceful aromas and sounds of nature, which leads us to the next step.

Don’t follow the Yellow Brick Road

New Zealand does have an excellently organized public transportation system, but no great adventure story started with anyone getting on a bus. All the more reasons to get a car or a van, and getting off the beaten track, following the dirt roads and finding your own piece of heaven amidst all the wonders that NZ has to offer.

If you dare to venture off the paved roads, you are bound to end up on a secluded beach somewhere completely devoid of human existence. Don’t worry though, there’s bound to be a camping site further down the road, lest you fall into the mercy of the beautiful outdoors for too long.

Bring the Necessary Accessories

Because a true NZ road trip cannot be completed with a single battery life, or withstood on a single chicken sandwich, you want to pack all the necessary gadgets and portable appliances you might need on your adventure.

You are probably going to spend a considerable amount of time away from an electrical outlet, and while that is a wonderful experience, make sure you have solar-powered chargers with you to keep you gadgets at full capacity in case of an emergency.

Give People a Lift

Finally, there is no need to be afraid of hitchhikers. While the rest of the world is dreading the mere thought of picking up someone in the middle of the road, New Zealander’s have nothing to worry about, as it’s pretty much the safest country on the planet. So be a good lad (or lass) and help someone out – the universe will return the favour.

Going on a NZ road trip truly can easily be one the greatest journeys you’ll have in a lifetime. Knowing the dos and don’ts on and off the road can mean the difference between a life-changing adventure and just another weekend away from home. Make sure you follow these guidelines and find yourself a unique spot in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

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Winter Escapade in and around Hawke’s Bay

If you’ve heard tales of the magical scenery that awaits you in and around Hawke’s Bay during the summer, wait until you’ve experienced its beauty during the winter months. Now is the perfect time to steal a peace of heaven just for you and experience the magnificent winter escapade in and around Hawke’s Bay, from wine tastings and tours in Napier to staring down into the edge of the world from Portland Island.

A wine connoisseur’s safe haven

Firstly, I would recommend situating yourself in the most vibrant town in Hawke’s Bay, Napier. A coastal city that has kept its intimate charm and old-town appeal transforms from a tourist’s favourite summer vacation destination into a winter wonderland during the colder part of the year. The Town is situated between the world-renowned wine regions of Hawke’s Bay and it is a central stop for all wine lovers and thirsty travellers.

Wintertime in Napier is perfect for enjoying a long wine tasting tour. A six-hour event entailing tours of four Napier wineries, professional guidance through the vast assortment of white and red vintages, and a chef’s platter lunch create a unique and rewarding experience of taste, aroma, warmth and intimacy. If you decide on this mouth-watering feast, make sure to get some proper rest before continuing your journey.

A Countryside Museum Experience

Open year-round to visitors from all over the world is a modern museum called Birdwoods, built on the grounds of the original church hall from St Peter’s in Waipawa built in 1894. In the wintertime, the breathtaking scenery of the open sculpture garden is complemented with the warmth and hospitality of the Birdwoods café, where you will be able soak in the beautiful surrounding nature after a tour of the museum’s gallery.

A Bike Tour to Remember

Winter in Hawke’s Bay is the perfect opportunity to experience the open scenery of the region’s seaside by renting a bike at Napier City Bike Hires and going on self-guided scenic rides to and from the Coastal Wineries outside Napier. The path will take you down a beautiful off-road trail, following the magnificent Hawke’s Bay coastline. You will be given a map and a set of directions, and you can take the 26km long adventure from there on your own. Upon your arrival to your destination, you can enjoy wine tastings and have a shuttle take you back to Napier.

Climb Te Mata Peak

The Te Mata peak lies at the south of Hastings, easily reachable by a sealed road that will take you straight up to the popular 399m summit, overlooking the breathtaking countryside bellow. The peak is home to the Te Mata Park as well, where you will be able to set down for a mid-day picnic and go on walking trails around the park as well. For those looking for a kick of adrenaline, you will be able to on mountain biking tours and road cycling tours as well, while hang gliding and paragliding is reserved for true adventurers.

Head on to the Lake

Whether you decide to camp for the weekend or simply enjoy a picnic for a day, Lake Waikaremoana, is the perfect place to be. The popular trekking routes will take your through the lake’s lush forests, following lakeside view trails that will steal your heart and make you fall in love with this secluded peace of heaven. The entire Lake Waikaremoana region portrays a perfect setting for photographers looking to capture a piece of raw natural beauty, so don’t forget to bring your cameras!

Hawke’s Bay truly is a winter wonderland, with something beautiful to offer to everyone, from wine aficionados to adrenaline junkies. Knowing that now you can even get a free car transfer to make your journey as convenient and cost-effective as possible, you are bound to have an adventure of a lifetime in one of New Zealand’s most prominent travel destinations.

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Capturing the Beauty of NZ’s Landscapes: A Photographer’s Guide

A photographer never stops searching for inspiration in every corner of the world – this is something I’ve been telling myself ever since I’ve picked up my first camera more than a decade ago. I was a city kid, too used to the concrete jungle, and I’ve never had that much of a deep connection with nature.

Until one day my friends and I decided to do our damned best to make some different and exciting memories. I’ve never stopped exploring the beauties of our landscapes since then. I fell in love, determined to capture every piece of breathtaking scenery that New Zealand had to offer. Armed with my trusted and all-to-powerful hand-held Nikon D800 DSLR, with Nikkor 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 VR and 16-35 f/4 VR lenses, I set off on this spectacular eye feast. Here’s what I saw.

Cathedral Cove (Te Whanganui-A-Hei)

One of the first and dearest destinations to my heart that I’ve discovered early on, and the one I’m still coming back to, is the Cathedral cove. I’ve actually asked the love of my life to marry me on the beach right next to the cove itself. So I might be a bit biased here, but the fact is that this place stands as a true testament to the power of nature. The view is breathtaking and you can even go inside the cove.

Glenorchy

Wanting to explore the southern region of the country, I decided on Queenstown as the starting point. Nothing could have prepared me for the charm and beauty of the small town of Glenorchy, where I stayed at the Glenorchy Lake House. The valleys and mountain peaks surrounding a town that seems to be stuck in some other time and place in this world will make you want to stay in its fairytale forever.

Lake Tekapo

You’ve probably heard of the famous Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo that has become popular among tourists in the past few years, and although it’s constantly surrounded by curious travelers, you shouldn’t miss your chance to experience the beauty of the church and its surrounding nature. Pro tip: make sure you get there at sunrise, when people are few and unforgettable moments are many.

Nugget Point

Want to feel like you’re standing on the edge of the Earth itself? No problem, just go to the Nugget Point at the Catlins. The truly breathtaking scenery will leave you standing there for hours, watching the waves hit the shore and listening to the cry of local seals and the song of the birds coming from every direction. You will be able to enjoy a beautiful sunrise in relative isolation, as crowds aren’t common here.

Milford Sound

If enchanting forests, various wildlife, waterfalls and mountains that rise from the sea are your cup of tea, then this must be the place that will steals your heart. It’s best to go there by car, as the drive itself is breathtaking and also make sure to catch the magnificent view at sunset.

Purakaunui and Mclean Falls

Back to the Catlins again, the lush and remote forests seem to be secluded from the rest of the world, as if they were created by some powerful and generous force, just for your, in that very moment. I stayed two days at the Kaka Point Camping Ground from where I was able to explore the beautiful Purakaunui and Mclean waterfalls.

New Zealand has so many wonders to offer that I don’t think I’ll be able to experience them all in this lifetime, but I am going to try. If you are ready to capture the mesmerising beauty of this spectacular country, you’d be best advised to rent a free car to get around quickly and safely.

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