Over the past few years of living in New Zealand, we’ve been lucky enough to visit some pretty amazing campgrounds. One of the very best camping trips we took this summer was to Maraehako Campground. Located in the Eastern Bay…
The Best Camping Getaway in the Coromandel
We’ve officially found our favourite campground for a getaway in the Coromandel Region: Opoutere Coastal Camping. Opoutere is about 20 minutes north of Whangamata, on the southern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula. It’s a special haven that provides a mix…
Hiking in an Enchanted Forest: Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park
In the heart of the North Island stands a forest unlike any other: the Whirinaki Forest. It’s one of the world’s last remaining prehistoric rainforests and it’s the most peaceful, mystical forest we’ve ever set foot in, with tons of…
A Camper’s Paradise on the Pacific: the Cabins at Steep Ravine
As you make your way north out of San Francisco, over the Golden Gate Bridge and into Mill Valley, the city traffic slowly starts to dissipate as you begin to ascend through coastal redwood forest into Mount Tamalpais State Park….
The Best of Golden Bay, New Zealand
If you’re looking for a laid-back getaway with a mix of beautiful mountain and beach scenery, great local food and drinks, and good vibes all around, look no further than magical Golden Bay. Situated on the northwest end of Abel…
These Hidden Coves Near Waihi Beach are Well Worth the Hike
Hidden just around the corner from Waihi Beach are a couple of stunning beach coves – both sheltered by looming pohutukawa trees with pristine sand, clear waters and not a house in sight. Both require a hike to get to…
Exploring Wellington’s Wine Country: New Zealand’s Best Under-the-Radar Wine Region
Just over an hour east of Wellington’s CBD is an incredibly charming wine region set amidst sheep-dotted plains and the Tararua mountain ranges. Martinborough, New Zealand is a little paradise for wine lovers – it’s what we’d imagine the…
The Best Campground in the Wellington Region: Holdsworth Campsite and the Rocky Lookout
The DOC-run Holdsworth Campground is kiwi camping at its best: this spot is no-frills but with all the essentials, set in a beautiful wilderness area but easy for all to enjoy and access. On our first visit here, we’ve…
Chasing Wildflowers on New Zealand’s South Island
Between mid-November through mid-December in New Zealand’s Mackenzie Basin, a magical sight appears: bursts of wild lupins bloom in abundance, in a rainbow of colours that are simply amazing to see. The glacial turquoise blue of Lake Tekapo…
Matapouri Beach + Motutara Farm in Northland, New Zealand
Update: Mermaid Pool has been indefinitely closed, as it was being inundated with visitors who were trashing it. It’s taking a much-needed rest from humans. We still highly recommend visiting Matapouri Beach (without going to Mermaid Pool) and Motutara Farm…
Kiwi + Kayaking in Kerikeri, New Zealand
Want to know our most favourite place in New Zealand? Okay, this is a hard one because there *may* be a few places contending for the #1 spot – but Northland’s Kerikeri is sure hard to beat, particularly…
Some Hot Spots on the Coromandel Peninsula
On the East Coast of New Zealand’s North Island lies the Coromandel Peninsula, the base of which is roughly a two-hour drive from away Auckland (traffic dependent!). This area is lush and green, with fern trees galore – and…
