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Editor's Pick
Northcote | Smiths Bush Reserve - Nature Trail
Old trees, canopies of native bush, boardwalks, birdlife to discover - just a stones throw from
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Spotlight on New Zealand

If you're a 'local' and plan to head off on a road trip to explore someone else's backyard, or a visitor to New Zealand for the first time, this section will come in handy.  General information, regional tips and local's helpful hints are found within these pages.

The Big Picture


Auckland > {

Auckland | Getting to Know Auckland
Auckand is a pretty big city.  Home to more than 1.3 million, it sprawls over quite some distance. If you planning a road trip to Auckland, you'll need a plan.

The FREE things to do, the special occassion activities, and the brilliant not-to-miss scenery, are all here.  This will help plan your travelling route, and your playtime agenda based on budget, interests, and how much time you've allowed to go exploring.
  • To make it easy for you, we've split Auckland into sub-regions: Rodney, Waitakere, North Shore, Auckland Central, Hauraki Gulf, South Auckland.  You will find this helpful when using the filter function on the home page.
  • Using our Things to do in Auckland Google Map, you can skip from icon to icon to see at a glance what may be of interest to you, which will of course dictate how much time you'll need to spend.  There are two pages of maps, so be sure to flick between the two (so you don't miss out on any options).


  • View Things to do in Auckland in a larger map

  • Once you've got an idea of what activities you want to do, or places to see - "Save to Favourites" as this function  then becomes your own hot picking list and guide you as to which driving route you'll likely to take.

  • You can create your own Route Planner (created by Driving New Zealand) which will calculate the driving time and even fuel consumption.  You can save your map for reference, or refresh and plan another route.

  • Helpful Hint:  Avoid Auckland's motorways if possibe during rush-hour (4-6pm).  It is very chaotic and if you not used to assertive driving, best have a coffee and avoid the mayhem.

  • And for serious stuff, facts and figures and details - here's Immigration New Zealand's Auckland snippet of useful trivia.
Photo: Auckland City, from Birkenhead (North Shore)
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New Zealand > {

New Zealand | Things you need to know - Travellers Helpful Hints
If you haven't been to New Zealand before, here's are a few friendly words of advice and helpful hints from the locals.
  • Daylight Savings:  Basically, we try and bluff Mother Nature by playing around with the hands of time.  On the last Sunday in September, we go into 'Daylight Savings' mode when the clocks go forward one hour (eg: 2am becomes 3am) to celebrate more hours of daylight.  Then on the first Sunday in April the clocks go back to normal (eg: 3am becomes 2am).  As a reminder: Spring forward, Fall back.
  • Land of the Long White Cloud: Yes, this is the translation of Aotearoa, the Maori name for New Zealand.  It doesn't take much to work out why this would be the case -- look skywards, and you'll get the general idea.  But regardless of the long white cloud, we have very strong UV rays and the sun will burn.  Slip (on a hat), Slop (on some sunscreen), Slap (on a hat).  Any primary school kid will be happy to advise you.
  • The Language:  While Maori is the native tongue, everyone speaks English pretty much.  NZ is so multicultural however, that there will be dense pockets of almost every culture you can think of  -- so there's always the exception to the rule.  If in doubt, we highly recommend you smile, nod and try some form of sign language.
  • Left Hand Drivers:  Driving on the left, is right.
  • Crime: Just like any other country in the world, there will always be a complete plonker who ruins everything for everyone else.  They may not be dressed in hooded black cape with a name badge, so we suggest you lock up your valuables (keep the ipod off the front seat of your rental car), and use good common sense without putting yourself at risk at 4am in a dimly lit alley. If you don't want to take our advice, feel free to read up on what our Police say.
  • New Zealand's Beaches:  They are diverse, beautiful, rugged, isolated, sandy, bouldered, shelled, serene, wild - you name it, they differ throughout the country.  One thing that remains constant however are the powerful rips in the water.  On popular beaches you will find a Surf Life Saving team with flags patrolling the beach.  Listen to them, as they are your friends and may just save your life.  If there is no patrol, be sensible, and look after your mates.
  • Hunting and Game:  You will need a NZ hunting licence. Check with Fish and Game NZ and Department of Conservation (DOC) for details.  You can't go around shooting at anything, anywhere - we have protected native birds and animals. If in doubt, don't.
  • Mountain Safety:  We're pretty casual around here, but don't put be a wally and attempt a trek without full preparation. We have amazing forests and mountains, and your brilliant adventure can turn to custard if you don't plan ahead.  Check with Mountain Safety Council for safety tips and guidelines.
New Zealand is an awesome place to visit.  Do yell out if we can help with any travel advice.  If we can't personally help, we'll be able to suggest someone else who can.
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Reference Reading

Greater Auckland > {

Auckland | Awhitu Peninsula - Franklin
In the ongoing pursuit of great locations and fun family adventures, we'd like to introduce you to the Awhitu Peninsula.

This forgotten beautiful peninsula is on the south western shores of the Manukau Harbour.  While it takes around 45 minutes to drive from Auckland City, it's best to allow lots of time to explore and enjoy.  Make it a day trip, at the very least.

If you are wondering where to start your day of exploration, take a scenic drive through steep gullies and farmland out to the Awhitu Lighthouse and bring your camera, as there's terrific views across to Whatipu and further inland to Huia and Cornwallis.  You can't access the beach from here, so hug the coast around to West Coast Road and access to the ocean beach for west coast perspective. 

For quieter bays, there are several beautiful beaches like Big Bay to choose from within the Manuaku Harbour itself, perfect for swimming, surf casting or boating.  If you feel like stretching your legs, then the Awhitu Regional Park has to be on the list.
There's even a superb DOC campsite within the Regional Park itself that looks idealic - well worth a booking in the summer months. [Ed]

If you are staying a while at one of the camp grounds, you may want to mix things up a bit. Perhaps a horse trek or paintball game, or if the weather turns you could head indoors and try your hand at greenstone carving

There's no pubs out this way, but the Social Club offers a licensed "brunch" from midday-4pm on Sundays, or you can mingle with the locals at the Awhitu Markets.  If you want to go "green" you could always take an eco-tour around Awhitu.

There are two bird parks out on the Awhitu Peninsula at Orua and Waipipi, to call in for a coffee and talk to the parrots.  

For driving time, allow around 45 minutes to drive from Auckland City, and you'll drive through Waiuku to the coast.

Bear in mind that the Awhitu Peninsula is tidal, so remember when you're swimming or heading out on the water, the tides can change quickly. 

What to pack?  Definitely bring your camera, fishing gear, a windproof jacket (as it's prone to a strong coastal breeze), and a picnic lunch (as there's not too many shops and cafes out this way).

Certainly the Awhitu Peninsula got the "thumbs up" from us.  A beautiful spot indeed.





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New Zealand > {

Auckland | Photo Gallery
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Auckland > {

Auckland | What Others Say about Auckland
"It's awesome to be able to have it all: the white beaches at Shakespear Regional Park and amazing bush in the Waitakere Ranges all within our doorstep."  Cindy, Auckland

"There's no place like home." 
Paul, Auckland

"Black sand, rugged rips, crazy life savers, awesome scenery - def go check it out and don't bypass Auckland like it's a drive through. Chill out, stay a while.  NZ is a lovely wee place: Queenstown, Waiheke Island, Hahei...but Piha Beach, it's something special."
Doug, Scotland
__________________________

If you've got something to say, spill.  Just drop us an email.

Photo: Duder Regional Park, Maraetai, South Auckland
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Greater Auckland > {

Auckland | Wild Whatipu - Auckland's West Coast Wonder
At the mouth of the Manukau Harbour and west coast facing, wild Whatipu is well worth discovering.  Known for its shipwreck stories and spiritual connections, the Whatipu coastline has a history all of its own.

Ultimate Destination |
Whatipu Caves. Walk to these awesome west coast caves, sing a verse of your favourite song and just listen to the acoustics - they are tremendous. Back in the Settler Days, this cave was used to hold dances as, being so sheltered with a huge floor and natural acoustics, it was a hard to bet venue. 

While exposed to the West Coast elements, the Whatipu Caves track is inland (coastal yet some distance from the ocean itself). It certainly is recommended as an outdoors adventure for the whole family, regardless of the weather.   Bring a torch if you want to explore the caves further.
If you want to go somewhere special with visitors, can't rave enough about the Whatipu Caves.
Ticks all the boxes for me. [Ed]

The Journey | To get to Whatipu, you'll drive through French Bay, Cornwallis and Huia - a scenic drive in itself, nudging the Waitakere Ranges.  Signposted from Titirangi, once you get onto Whaipu Road however, take note that it's a bit windy and narrow as you get closer to the West Coast - making the arrival even more dramatic. 

Around Huia area you'll find some of Auckland's greatest walks, and plenty of stop off points for along the way.  We recommend you check out the Lower Huia Dam (spectacular after heavy rain) and home to a great network of bush walking tracks.  Cornwallis Beach is also fun for kid friendly fishing off the wharf, or a picnic beneath the knarled trees.



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New Zealand > {

Bay of Plenty | Photo Gallery
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New Zealand > {

Canterbury | Photo Gallery
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New Zealand > {

Coromandel Peninsula | Photo Gallery
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any region in New Zealand > {

In walks the Virtual Ambassador
We list thousands of things to see and do, covering virtually every pocket of NZ.  Some are FREE activities and others charge an admission fee of varing degrees.  But unlike your typical tourist website, we don't just list businesses that cough up advertising coin. 

We figured, if we didn't list everything, it's the visitor that suffers.  Besides, a whimpy list of things to do is hardly showing off NZ's best side.  The least we could do was list everyone.  We then had a dilemna.  Which listings would get priority over others?

In walks the Virtual Ambassador


We decided that those who passionately stand behind some of NZ's best things to do, would speak loudest.  By becoming a Virtual Ambassador, the listing they sponsor would receive lots of love, spend time featured on the Home Page and given seniority ranking in the regional search results. 

Whether they be a local business, a visitor or a friendly local - a Virtual Ambassador can make a huge difference to help promote the listing.  There is a cost for a 12-month sponsorship/ambassadorship.  It's "cheap as chips".  Just ask.

What's in it for them?

L
ocal businesses: it's great advertising for the local cafe, bed & breakfast, supermarket, or car hire company (ambassadors get lots of attention too).

Visitors & Friendly Locals: this is your chance to own a slice of virtual New Zealand, to share with the rest of the world, boast to your friends and get your 15KB of fame (LOL) where you can add links to Flickr, Facebook too if you wish
As you know: the more visitors, the more Google takes notice, and we can all rest happily in the knowledge that even when we sleep, you and the activity will be "up there in lights" 24/7 (metaphorically speaking). 

If you are keen to stamp your mark on New Zealand for others to see, email us. Terms and conditions apply.
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New Zealand > {

Northland | Photo Gallery
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Northland > {

Northland | Planning a Road Trip to Northland
Let's face it, the beauty of planning a road trip is being able to explore all the options before making a firm decision on what, where, how.

The FREE things to do, the special occassion activities, and the brilliant not-to-miss scenery, are all here.  This will help plan your travelling route, and your playtime agenda based on budget, interests, and how much time you've allowed to go exploring.
  • To make it easy for you, we've split Northland into three smaller regions: Far North, Kaipara District and Whangarei.  You will find this helpful when using the filter function on the home page.
  • Using our Things to do in Northland Google Map, you can skip from icon to icon to see at a glance what may be of interest to you, which will of course dictate how much time you'll need to spend.
  • Once you've got an idea of what activities you want to do, or places to see - "Save to Favourites" as this function  then becomes your own hot picking list and guide you as to which driving route you'll likely to take.

  • You can create your own Route Planner (created by Driving New Zealand) which will calculate the driving time and even fuel consumption.  You can save your map for reference, or refresh and plan another route.

  • Helpful Hint:  Kia Ora ("hello" in Maori) is pronounced Key-Or-Rah

  • And for serious stuff, facts and figures and details - here's Immigration New Zealand's Northland snippet of useful trivia.

  • Or check here to read up on What Others Say about Northland
Photo: Pouto Lighthouse (Kaipara District) 
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Northland > {

Northland | What Others Say About Northland
I drove from Pouto Point to Baylys Beach (past Glinks Gully) a while back.  It was very awesome driving for hours on this sandy highway.  Would definiately do it again. |  Glen, Auckland |  Pouto Point | Baylys Beach

It's a nice, sleepy part of the country.   Matauri Bay has a great camp site, and with not much to do but relax and chill, makes for a great weekend.  Good times. | Sue, Auckland  | Matauri Bay

I was dragged up Mt Tokatoka with a promise of a beer at the end (the pub was virtually at the base).  Being a fine trooper I completed my task, though the track was rough as. The views were awesome and well worth it. |
Jude, Auckland | Tokatoka Peak

_______________________________
If you've got something to say, spill.  Just drop us an email.

Photo: Tapeka Point, Bay of Islands
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New Zealand > {

Otago | Photo Gallery
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New Zealand > {

Taranaki | Photo Gallery
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New Zealand > {

Waikato | Photo Gallery
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Wellington > {

Wellington: Exploring Wellington City by Foot

Ok, so you've taken advantage of some ridiculously low airfares you picked up off the net, and found yourself in Wellington? 

We think you've made a great choice.  Whether you fly there for the day or a weekend, there's plenty of exploring to be had without having to hire a rental car.

Well, that's what we discovered.  In fact, once you've made your way to the central city (around $20 taxi from the airport) exploring the city centre is FREE and there's plenty of walking, or public transport options.

Our picks for 1-2 hours of walking your way around Wellington include:

Oriental Parade | Starting from Te Papa as a base, head around the bays, past the boatsheds, Freyberg Pools and water fountain, and keep going!  It's a beautiful walk on a stunning morning, with a couple of cafes at the start of the walk to provide some caffine top-up.

You can access the Mt Victoria lookout from Oriental Parade for an extension to your walking route, or for a great photo opportunity.  You may get carried away with the joggers and keep walking, but don't worry, you'll end up on Evans Bay Parade and you'll find yourself in Kilbirnie. 

A bus ride back to town is a cheap and tireless option,
allowing plenty of time for shopping. [Ed]

Wellington Waterfront |  There's plenty of bars and restaurants, interesting walkways, waterfeatures and statues to keep you entertained.  Just beyond the Wellington Railway Station you'll find the Westpac Stadium (aka The Cake Tin) which is often heaving with sporting activity. The waterfront itself can be very exposed to Wellington's infamous wind, so make sure you pack a jacket in the winter months.

Botanic Gardens |
This inner city walks comes highly recommended.  We took the Cable Car up the hillside to begin our easy descent through the gardens.  There's the Cable Car Museum and Carter Observatory within minutes of the last stop, then an easy walk down to a children's playground, toilets dotted along the way to end on the flat of the Rose Gardens at Tinakori Road, complete with cafe!

All you do is follow the "pink hibiscus flower" painted on the pathway, as it guides you the whole way down.  To finish off this circuit, take a trail through the Bolton Street cemetery, exiting very close to the Parliament Buildings.

Top Photo: courtesy © Phillip Capper

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New Zealand > {

West Coast | Photo Gallery
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