New Zealand’s name inspires pictures of mountains, glaciers, forests, pristine lands, and lots and lots of sheep. And the country is the adventure capital of the world. Hiking, skydiving, caving, bungy jumping, skiing — everything here is geared towards getting you outside and doing something incredible. Backpacking through New Zealand is one of the most […]
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The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
Last Updated: 3/15/24 | March 15th, 2024 With its snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, rolling verdant hills, incredibly friendly locals, and abundant world-class wine, New Zealand is as wonderful as you’ve heard. In fact, take what you’ve heard and times it by ten. Because New Zealand will simply blow your mind when you visit. People think […]
The Cost of Traveling New Zealand
Even with a favorable exchange rate, New Zealand is an expensive country. If you’re going to backpack here, be prepared to spend your money. That said, I offer some tips in this post on how you can cut expenses in order to make it work on a budget.
13 Great Reasons to Visit New Zealand
New Zealand is one of my favorite countries in the world. Everyone will find something to enjoy in this country filled with adventure and wildlife. Here is a list of thirteen places to visit and things to see and do when you travel here next, including practical tips and links to other resources too!
How to Get Around New Zealand on a Budget
It’s easy to get around New Zealand. Buses go everywhere, cars constantly pick up hitchhikers, campervans are easy to rent (and there are lots of rest stops), and backpacker bus tours zigzag around the country. Plus, there are trains and planes. In short, there’s no shortage of transportation options.
New Zealand’s Maori Culture: A Guide for Travelers
Last Updated: 10/7/2022 | October 7th, 2022 I’ve been interested in Maori culture ever since I saw the movie Whale Rider (it’s one of my favorite travel movies). I am just fascinated by their history, cool tattoos, dancing, beliefs, and generally relaxed demeanor. As the indigenous people of New Zealand, they were greatly (negatively) impacted […]
The 7 Best Hostels in New Zealand
Last Updated: 8/6/23 | August 6th, 2023 Traveling around New Zealand, you’ll find a wide range of hostels in this small country: decrepit, run-down chains; modern conglomerates; quirky, little family-owned places; hip, modern flashpacker hostels, and everything in between. During my time there, I tried to stay at as many as I could, often changing […]
Using Points and Miles in Australia and New Zealand
Keith Mason is the founder of Points Hack, an Australian travel hacking website. He works to make the art of using frequent flyer and spending rewards programs more accessible to Australians. In this interview, he shares how he got started and how other Australians (and New Zealanders) can get started as well.
Flying High in New Zealand’s Fiordland
Fiordland is one of the most unbelievably beautiful places to immerse yourself in New Zealand’s incredible nature. Seeing it all by seaplane is a special experience…even if you’re afraid of heights, like me.
Learning to Fish in Taupo, New Zealand
Last Updated: 5/21/22 | May 21st, 2022 I’d only been fishing once in my life. It was during an extended stay on the island of Ko Lipe in Thailand. A few of us had rented a boat to explore the nearby national park and islands. For lunch, our Thai captain went out to catch fish. […]
Taupo Travel Guide
Taupo is on the North Island of New Zealand and sits on the shores of Lake Taupo (hence the name). It’s part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, an area that has had high volcanic activity for the past 2 million years. Lake Taupo itself is the flooded caldera of the Taupo Volcano (and the volcanic […]
The 10 Best Places to Go for New Year’s Eve
Countries around the world ring in the new year with fireworks, festivals, friends, parties, and, of course, kisses. It’s a holiday that knows no nationality! Start your new year right by celebrating in one of the top ten places to go in the world on New Year’s Eve!