Windy Wellington

Everyone we had met on our travels so far had told us about the wonder that is Wellington, but it's not until you go there for yourself do you realise just how much this quirky city has got going on.

Napier

Nestled on the East Coast of the North Island, sits a dainty little town fit for 1930's enthusiasts that goes by the name of Napier.

Taupo

The Lake may take centre stage when talking about Taupo, but this small town in the centre of the North Island has a lot more to offer than just a lake ( even if it is huge.)

Rotorua

Just an hours drive South West of Tauranga, you will know you have hit Rotorua - not just because of the road signs - but because of the smell of Sulphur lingering under your nose. Rotten egg smell aside ( it's not really that bad), Rotorua is unofficially deemed the adventure capital of the North Island. If the geothermal activity doesn't excite you, then I'm sure the activities on offer including white water rafting,   sledge rafting, OGO-ing and bungee jumping etc will.

White Water Rafting with Kaitiaki Adventures

Rotorua is full of outdoor activities, so there's no denying that you have plenty to choose from. But after deciding to try out white water rafting and absolutely loving it - we definitely think its the activity you need to do.

Cape Reinga & The 90 Miles Beach

Cape Reinga, also known as Te Rerenge Wairua, is the most northern destination you can travel to in New Zealand, hanging off the edge of Aupouri Peninsula it's a brilliant day trip to do for any sort of explorer/explorers. If you're into trekking, tramping, wildlife, star gazing, sand surfing, streams, historic land and sea then Cape Reinga is one to put in the travel diary.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The views on this trek are probably the pictures that have made, or will make you want to come to New Zealand.  The Alpine Crossing is a 20km trek through Tongariro National Park, through which you will pass Mt Ngauruhoe aka Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings, the amazing emerald lakes, a steaming red crater and even an active volcano.

Mitai Maori Village, Rotorua

It's not often that you get a glimpse into the history of an amazing culture such as Maori, but at Mitai Maori Village in Rotorua, you get to do just that. Think carved wooden canoes, tattooed faces, wooden huts and lots of singing and dancing.

Season of the Kiwi

If you've secured yourself a working holiday visa for New Zealand, the chances are that come April ( this is when the season starts) most of the work will be in the Bay of Plenty region.

There are two work options : Kiwi packing or Kiwi picking (or some people even managed both.)

Bay of Islands

If you're heading to New Zealand, the Bay of Islands is definitely not a place to skip. Whilst the names of some places may be deceiving, Goat Island for example - has no goats on it, Bay of Islands is exactly what it says it is and exactly what you imagine it to look like; full of luscious green islands, each with their own golden sandy beaches and turquoise warm waters...a travellers idea of heaven.

Goat Island; A Hidden Gem Of The North Island

 Literally just off the coast of Leigh, sits and untouched Island named "Goats Island" or Te Hawere-a-Maki ( Maori term.) Goat Island is a beautiful destination to stop off for a couple of days and change your flip-flops for your flippers. The Island is full of greenery, birdlife and strictly off limits to human hands but that doesn't matter because the true magic is underneath. It's one of New Zealand's many marine reserves and so every direction you turn, land or sea, life will surround you. It's only an hour north of Auckland so its a perfect gem to stop off at on the way to the Bay of Islands. Plus if you're lucky enough you might get to swim with dolphins for FREE but if not the rest of the Sea life is just as exciting to see.

Coromandel Peninsular

Cathedral Cove

One of the first things that grabs your attention in New Zealand is the paradoxical element of the country's landscape. You can be driving through thick, green, luscious forests that conjure images of what one imagines the Amazon to look like, but then on the next corner you take you will looking out into clear blue water making waves on white sandy beaches. It's like being in two completely different countries at once.

Getting some wheels

 Being smug amount buying a car

...Five  (not so smug) days later                          

First things first. It doesn't matter where you are in the world, when you're buying something big and expensive you want to put time and effort into it...something we failed to do.