Kia ora! This is where I share some of our adventures exploring the beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand.
From coastal walks and peaceful gardens to beaches, parks, and the odd mountain or two — there’s so much to enjoy right here at home.
We’ve visited places like Mount Maunganui, Stewart Island, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and of course, my hometown Auckland. Each spot has something special.
Whether it’s a family day out, a quiet stroll, or a road trip with a view, I hope these posts give you a few ideas or simply something nice to scroll through. Come along and explore New Zealand with me!
Click on an image below to view the post:
Aotearoa New Zealand Posts
Easter Week in the Bay of Islands – Wild Weather, Warm Company
Over the days leading up to Easter this year, we made a trip to the beautiful Bay of Islands—yes, right through Cyclone Tam! Despite the wild weather, we had a…
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Our Matariki Meander Through the City
Mānawatia a Matariki! We had a lovely sunny winter’s day on the Thursday before Matariki, so we decided to head into the city for a walk. It was too nice…
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Relaxing at Muriwai Beach: Gannets, Walking, Swimming & Picnic
Muriwai Beach, located just 40 minutes from Auckland, offers a serene environment with its black sand, rolling surf, and scenic coastline. Visitors can enjoy swimming, body surfing, and viewing the…
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Bacon and Onion Quiche Recipe: The Perfect Picnic Treat
Last night, the three of us—Basker, John, and myself—headed off to Pt Chevalier Beach for a lovely evening picnic. With the tide coming in, I knew it would look pretty…
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Kauri Glen Reserve Walk and Lunch at Chelsea Sugar Works in Auckland
Looking for a peaceful escape but still in the city? We spent a lovely day out in Auckland, enjoying nature and delicious food at two fantastic spots: Kauri Glen Reserve…
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Coastal Parks and Local Delights: A Weekend Retreat on the Mahurangi Peninsula
During a holiday weekend, we visited Snells Beach for a baby shower. We explored regional parks, enjoyed local food, and experienced the lively Matakana Farmers Market. Highlights included walking scenic…
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Exploring Auckland Zoo During the School Holidays: Big Cats
Auckland Zoo is a captivating destination for families and animal enthusiasts looking to embark on an exciting adventure during school holidays. Location: Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland Auckland Zoo Link:…
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Muriwai Beach: A Rugged West Coast Beach
We are regular visitors to Muriwai Beach. It has sparkling black sand, wild surf, a rugged coastline and it just seems to go on and on for ever. We love…
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Hamilton Gardens: Secret and Enchanting
We visited the Hamilton Gardens in the full bloom of summer and it turned out to be the perfect time of year. The flowers were in full display and the…
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3 Nights in Queenstown & Aoraki/Mount Cook: Mountains, Lakes, Glacier, and wait for it…Icebergs!
We came to Queenstown for a break during the King’s Birthday holiday weekend. It was also my birthday and we wanted to spend it in a fun place. It was…
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Mount Maunganui: Our Summer Holiday Jan 2023
We have been coming to Mount Maunganui for many years. My sister, Lesley, lives here so we have been regular visitors. We have stayed with her at various times and…
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Waimangu Volcanic Valley: A Natural Geothermal Valley
This year we came to Mount Maunganui for our summer holidays and took the opportunity to spend an afternoon visiting the Waimangu Valley tourist attraction. I have visited this geothermal…
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Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki – A Natural Marvel
Gosh, this visit to see the boulders was interesting and quite lovely. I was slightly skeptical at first.. do I really want to look at round rocks on the beach?…
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A Weekend in New Plymouth: City, Taranaki Maunga and Beaches
We came to New Plymouth to celebrate my birthday at the beginning of June this year. We wanted a nice dinner out, walks along the beach, coffee in town and…
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Hundertwasser Art Centre, Whangārei: Inspiring Art and Architecture
Visiting the Hundertwasser Art Centre has been on our wish list for sometime. The completed art centre opened fully on 20 Feb 2022 with the installation of the gold dome.…
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Tinopai: Small and Peaceful Coastal Settlement on the Kaipara Harbour
We came to Tinopai for a couple of days to escape the city and it was the perfect rural, seaside retreat. It’s a small settlement with just a few permanent…
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Lake Tarawera, Bay of Plenty: Crystal Clear Water and Stunning Landscape
We recently spent a few days with Bev and Dennis at their lake house in Tarawera and we were thoroughly spoilt and so very well looked after. From beautiful meals…
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Omaha Beach: White Sand and Clear Blue Water, Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau
Omaha is one of the most beautiful white sandy beaches in the Auckland region and it’s closer that you might think…just 1 hour from the centre of Auckland. We love…
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Karangahake Gorge: An Easy Day Trip from Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau
We have made it a tradition to picnic on New Years Day and this year was no exception. Just where to go is always the topic of great discussion for…
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A Weekend in Nelson: the Perfect Short Break… but You Might Need Longer!
Table of Contents Last month we had a few days away in Nelson. We wanted a short weekend get-away for our wedding anniversary (number 39 and counting…) but came home…
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Our Motorhome Tour of the South Island, Nov 2020
The first part of our trip around the South Island was a luxury tour… Mmmm, I hear you say, how lovely! Well, yes it certainly was! See my blog about…
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Our Tour of the West Coast, South Island, Nov 2020
We joined a tour of New Zealand’s beautiful West Coast Region in November 2020. We were a bunch a friends who had decided to get together and look at options…
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Our Trip To Stewart Island, March 2021
We have just got home from a trip to Stewart Island, New Zealand. Gosh, what a fabulous place and I am so excited to share my experiences with you! I…
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