New Zealand travel guides
I’ve explored every corner of Aotearoa New Zealand, from the colliding oceans at Cape Reinga to spotting wild Kiwi on Rakiura (Stewart Island) and pretty much everywhere in between.
Whether you’re after a tried-and-tested road trip route, an off-grid glamping spot, or just some suggestions for what to see, do and eat around the country, I’ve got loads of NZ blog posts packed with first-hand advice, local insight and honest reviews.
Though I spend most of my year living out of a suitcase, this will always be home ❤️
P.S. Want to read about a specific route or region I haven’t covered below? I’m about to do a mega update of all my NZ content, request a blog post here and I’ll put it on my to-write list.
The Ultimate New Zealand Bucket List
You asked for it, so I wrote it! This New Zealand Bucket List has over 60 epic things to do, see and experience in Aotearoa.
New Zealand itineraries
Whether you’re looping the entire country, want to focus on one island in depth, or just have time for a short and sweet trip around one region, these itineraries cover the best bits without overloading your schedule.
New Zealand destination guides
From black sand beaches and epic adventure capitals to culinary gems and geothermal hotspots (literally), these guides share the best things to do, places to stay, restaurants to visit and experiences to splurge on all around Aotearoa.
Bucket list stays in New Zealand
I’ve stayed in some seriously cool places around the country, from stargazing domes to off-grid cabins to luxe glamping tents. Here are my reviews of a few all-time faves.
High Country Cabin, Twizel
Rustic farmhouse meets alpine luxury in the middle of Twizel’s high country, this cosy spot is one of my faaavourite stays in the winter months.
Nest Treehouses, Waitaki
These dreamy treetop cabins in the Hakataramea Valley offer total seclusion without compromising on comfort. There’s a gas fireplace, a sunken bathtub, a hidden TV that pops out of the ceiling and even a cedar sauna connected by a swing bridge.
Cross Hill Domes, Lake Hawea
Part of a much-loved classic Kiwi campground on the shores of Lake Hawea, these luxurious domes have top quality furnishings, private decks for relaxing, a hot tub you can book and a shared lodge with a Whiskey Room and family-style dinners.
Kamana Lakehouse, Queenstown
My go-to hotel in Queenstown! Epic lake views, on-site hot pools guests can reserve, a brilliant restaurant and surprisingly good value rooms considering the quality, comfort and service.
Hokitika Fire Station Boutique Accommodation
An old fire station that’s been renovated into spacious, designer apartments in central Hokitika on the wild West Coast. I love a stay with character!
Bucket list experiences in New Zealand
From scenic journeys to adrenaline rushes to ethical wildlife encounters, here are my write ups about some of the most epic things to do in Aotearoa.
The ultimate New Zealand bucket list
The full round up of all the best things to do in New Zealand, from can’t miss beaches to cultural experiences to heart-racing thrills that you’ll never forget.
Milford Sound Flyover, the best scenic flight in NZ
The scale of Fiordland’s untouched native forest, unforgiving mountains and deep fjords is impossible to grasp until you see it from the sky. This flight will have your jaw on the floor from start to finish.
Winery-hopping in Central Otago with Altitude Tours
Stunning mountain views, world-class wine and banter with other travellers without worrying about who’s driving, what could be better? These guys won top wine tour in the world, for good reason.
Swimming with wild dolphins in Kaikoura
This isn’t a splash-around-in-a-resort-pool experience, this is an ethical wildlife opportunity where you jump into the open ocean amongst a pod of playful dolphins who will show off with spins and jumps galore, making you forget that it’s actually freezing cold!
Paragliding off Coronet Peak in Queenstown
Run off a mountain, soar above the Wakatipu Basin and feel like a total legend. One of the most epic ways to see Queenstown from above, and my personal top choice for a thrill activity because you get the views of skydiving without the heart attack from the freefall.
My absolute favourites in New Zealand
Places
- The Coromandel Peninula
- The Mackenzie Region (Tekapo, Aoraki Mount Cook etc.)
- All of Fiordland
Restaurants & bars
- Baduzzi, Auckland
- Caretaker, Auckland
- Fife Lane, Mount Maunganui
- Malo, Havelock North
- The Library, Wellington
- Riverstone Kitchen, Oamaru
- Nest Kitchen + Bar, Queenstown
Stays
- PurePods (all over NZ)
- Orchard Valley Glamping, Waitomo
- Valley Views, Waitaki Valley
- Nest Treehouse, Hakataramea Valley
- Milford Sound Lodge ($$$)
- Kamana Lakehouse, Queenstown
- Cross Hill Domes, Wanaka
- Radfords on the Lake, Te Anau
Things to do
- Wai Ariki hot pools in Rotorua
- Swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura
- Hooker Valley Track, Aoraki Mount Cook
- Heli-hike in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier
- Doubtful Sound overnight cruise
- Kayaking in Milford Sound