On our way to Lake Taupo, we stop by at the Huka Falls. We were amazed at the speed on which the water move from the Waikato River to the drop!
It was raining during our two nights in Taupo. Then again, the poor weather didn't spoil our fun in Taupo either.
It is so relaxing soaking in the tub in the moonlight ... yep! And you don't even have to bother about swim gear. It is so private. I'm sure you can star gaze on a clear night.
Lake Taupo is the biggest lake in New Zealand. Take a nice stroll and enjoy sunset by the calm lake. This town seems less busy than Rotorua. There are some nice shops to browse around so start shopping for a New Zealand gift. Don't miss out on the many cafes if you like a lazy afternoon.
Taupo in the North Island is serene and quiet during our time of travel but this lakeside town can get very busy during summer months.
For food in Taupo, you ought to check out Replete Cafe. For some reason, the queue is endless during lunch. The food is quite tasty with a touch of Asian but the menu selection may be a little limited. I like the quirky store next to the cafe. You can find lots of nice- looking kitchenware and selected gourmet condiments on the shelves.
Few restaurants have opened up on the lakefront but unfortunately, we didn't have the opportunity to try any of them due to wet weathers on both the nights. So if you have the time during your New Zealand travel, don't forget to stop by one of these cafes or restaurants.
Hold your noses! We are in Rotorua! When in New Zealand, North Island, it is almost a crime not to make Rotorua a part of your New Zealand trip. This is one of the most visited places in the North Island.
You can smell Rotorua before entering the town. Every one on the street seems to be a tourist. You can tell by the many New Zealand gift shops in the city and popular attractions.
If you don't have a car hire in Rotorua, don't worry. That is because most of the activities offer a pick up and drop off service to/from the Rotorua I-Site.
This is like 'the landmark' in Rotorua for visitors!
This is the most well-designed and impressive tourist information center we have seen in New Zealand. A great place to gather information for every New Zealand tourist. I recommend that you visit the i-Site first if you are uncertain about what to do here.
It pays to chat with one of the consultants to find out more about the activities and adventures. You can also find lots of accommodation brochures here on the North Island.
Make sure you also check out the geothermal attractions here. To name a few:.
It's probably good enough to visit at least one, or if you have time, two of these geothermal sites. Among these, we pick WaiOtapu. The highlight of this colourful thermal attraction is Lady Knox Geyser which performs at 10.15 am daily.
You will also see the spectacular Champagne Pool and the country's largest mud pool.
It is a nice place to visit and we definitely had a better understanding of geothermal activities in this region after the walk through. If you have no time to travel to any of these attractions, go for the free geothermal action at Kuirau Park. It is in town itself, off Pukuatua and Ranolf Street.
There are heaps of outdoor activities to keep every New Zealand tourist busy in Rotorua, New Zealand. Alex booked an adventure with SledgeAbout (He's a water junkie!). He was all 'drained' after sledging in the rapids!
You are spoilt with choices when it comes to dining in Rotorua in the North Island-- from Turkish to Korean, Indonesian to Italian, and a good selection of local fare too. This is a local favorite which serves a good range of beers and hearty New Zealand pub-style meals.
You will probably notice Fat Dog Cafe which is known for its lively ambience, you can't miss it by the attractive signage. This busy place is very popular with almost anyone of all ages-- food is reasonably cheap, tasty, good selection of counter food and sumptuous meals. Alex raved about the yummy milkshakes! For me, the big portion of salad I ordered was delicious and very filling! The Fat Dog Cafe is good value for money!
What better indulgence than to soak in the spa after a long day! We booked ourselves for a family spa at the Polynesian Spa. This is real fun.
It is Clayton's first 'warm pool' experience in New Zealand and he absolutely enjoys it! Look at that smile! I enjoyed having my stroll in and around Rotorua town. The Rotorua museum is one place you won't miss. I simple adore the architecture.
Amidst all the adventures, activities and energy in this town, lake Rotorua is great for those seeking some calmness and peace. We head for Lake Taupo after our spa experience. Yes, it's another wonderful experience in our family trip to New Zealand.
Friends told us that Christchurch, South Island, is very English. We soon found out it when we experienced the elegant gothic architecture in the metropolitan area. We had 3 nights in Christchurch during our New Zealand trip. An overnight remain to board the famous TranzAlpine train and two final ones end our tour in the South Island.
Christchurch is also known as 'New Zealand's Garden City', the trees and gardens, along with the Avon River create a relaxing and laid back atmosphere.
We started at Cathedral Square which is also the hub of the city. You can't be in Christchurch without being here! There is a little something about this place. It's great just sitting within here on a lazy afternoon. Do pop by the I-Site at The Square if you have few days here. This particular way, you can plan your excursions and time intelligently and wisely.
Our first stop is Christchurch Cathedral, a very significant landmark of Christchurch-- that's probably the very first thing you will notice too. This incredible towering church is truly the heart of this city. Take a tour and admire the beautiful stained glass window sections and fine artistic design so delicately maintained.
There are a lot to see and do in Christchurch. If you are into a shopping spree, you won't be disappointed here. We a nice boat ride and enjoyed a leisurely punt on the Avon River through the
Botanic Gardens. This is our first punting experience. Something different.
Whether you are a garden lover or not, you must not miss the Botanic Gardens. This is one of New Zealand's finest. With the fine selection of exotic and indigenous plants, the gardens are a restorative place to visit. I always love flowers so I started going 'oo-oo' and 'aahh' as I walked along the flower gardens, especially the rhododendrons and rose gardens. I have never seen such gorgeous blooms.
Well, even Alex enjoyed himself. He admires the outstanding collection of herbs and maple trees.
Next comes the cultural precinct of Christchurch-- The Arts Centre. This is a must-must-must in your New Zealand trip! And if you can, plan your stay in Christchurch on a weekend for this reason! The Arts Centre comes alive on the weekends with artists, craftspeople, musicians, street performers and food vendors.
There is something for everyone. It's perhaps even a great place to interest kids! It is also a fantastic place to pick out up a New Zealand gift.
If you can't make your way here on the weekends, don't be disheartened. There are still more than 40 art galleries, craft studios, specialty shops, cafes, restaurants and bars occupying these historic buildings. The quality of the products is overall quite high.
Do you have a sweet tooth? Whether yes or no, there's one shop you should visit which is often crowded with visitors and locals visiting Christchurch. That is none other than the Fudge Cottage Colonial Sweet Shop.
The delicious gourmet fudges are made fresh in Christchurch Arts Centre. Enjoy a free tasting on site! The nicely packed fudges make great New Zealand gifts for you friends and families too.
It is usually packed with locals and visitors relaxing in the morning sun with a yummy sandwich or a nice cuppa. There is no shortage of eateries when it comes to eating out in Christchurch. Check out the bunch of options at Oxford Terrace, known as 'The Strip'.
We had an evening meal at an award winning French restaurant, Le Bon Bolli, located near to Hagley Park. Try their special garlic bread but be prepared to sleep alone!
Our final destination in our travel to New Zealand in the North Island is Wellington.
We enroute to Napier, the Art Deco city in the North Island, for a look-see and also as a stopover as it a long drive to Wellington. If you do not have an auto hire in New Zealand, you can schedule an air travel with Air New Zealand.
It is a pity that we can not remain on for a night as this seems to be a lovely little town in the North Island. We had breakfast in a wonderful neighborhood cafe Ujazi.
There's something regarding this area; it's cozy, pleasant as well as cosy. We took pleasure in the food and also it was value for money. If you are in for a caffeine solution, Ujazi serves great coffee! We proceeded our North Island journey to Wellington.
We have actually been outlined exactly how gusty Wellington is. The honest truth is, it is windier compared to we absolutely anticipate! At some point, I practically take this city out of our itinerary yet sure delighted I did not. Some pals inform us that it is merely one more New Zealand city yet it is not!
Wellington is advanced as well as creative. In my viewpoint, it has one of the nicest as well as impressive style in New Zealand. Several of the old historical buildings are recovered as well as used for industrial objectives. You can find coffee shops, restaurants and also retail shops housed in a few of these particular structures throughout your New Zealand trip.
I discover the buying right here trendier and also much more interesting compared to Auckland. If you have the time, you can start from Lambton Wharf to Willis Street and into Cuba Mall. You won't lack areas to get an excellent New Zealand gift.
One of my favored stores is 'Living Nature' which has a flagship store in Lambton Quay. This is an in your area had skin/body hygiene business from Kerikeri. It is natural, organic and cost effectively valued. In spite of the cool winds and also rainfall, we invested a day at the waterfront and the renowned Te Papa museum. We arrived after a couple of pit stops from the solid winds-- common of Wellington weather condition.
Wellington is a compact place and you can get around the city rather easily by foot. Most tourist attractions can be viewed by means of the superb public transport If you could park your rental auto in your accommodation, do so. Driving can be an inconvenience in the city.
The restaurant, bar and cafe scenes below is amongst the liveliest in New Zealand. This city is so cosmopolitan. I particularly really liked the sophistication in the architecture. Old with personality.
We had lunch time at Smith the Grocer, housed in the Old Banking Arcade. This seems a well-liked place for working corporates during lunch, and also it is typically reserved for corporate functions at night. You could know a variety of ready-to-eat and specialized items. The food is laid-back as well as the setting, quite energetic as well as unwinded.
As a mother to a one years of age, I typically locate it a convenience to see a well-stocked supermarket when I take a trip. This is crucial when I should pick up a few products to cook for the youngster. If you are in my shoes or if you intend to do some cooking in your motel or home in Wellington, you will certainly like New Globe Metro, a city grocery store on Willis Street.
It is better stocked (not cheaper) compared to 7-Eleven or some of those 24-hour corner store.
Given that it was raining that evening, we pampered ourselves with some fine New Zealand food at Bisque, the fine eating restaurant in our hotel (The Bolton). This dining establishment flaunts a track record for great cuisine by award-winning chefs. It appears a little inappropriate to have Clayton because kind of great dining establishment-- dim headlights, fine flatware, exquisite service. We were house visitors so no one is whining ...
Bisque also serves additionally cooked scrumptious. This was where I had the most effective New Zealand pancakes as well! Remember to make a travel to the Botanic Gardens. It is so practical arriving.
Hop up the Kelburn Cable Car along Lambton Wharf (beside McDonald's) and you will arrive. The sight is great on a cloudless day. Merely be gotten ready for quite sturdy New Zealand winds and also the chilly if you are here on a less than excellent day.
See Wellington in a various light here ...
Well, if you could pay for the time, step into the cafe alongside the Botanic Gardens. Having actually a cuppa surrounded with lushing greens is a fantastic way to invest a convenience afternoon.
Our journey in the North Island finishes as we changeover to the south using the Interislander-- The Lynx. If you have a vehicle hire in New Zealand, this is where you return your rental automobile as well as pick a new one at Picton.
Ok ... they state 'photos speak a many thousand words'. So I'll allow our North Island photos do the speaking ...
Shots of Wellington city from The Lynx.
The viewing deck in The Lynx is a good location to enjoy the sea perspective.
Our travel to Wellington New Zealand is a remarkable on with the ferry encounter. Make plans for this travel if you can afford the time. It's absolutely a wonderful encounter for every New Zealand traveler.
For us, our North Island trip in New Zealand started in Auckland. This would be a great base if you are planning to tour just the North Island. Aside from being referred to as a big city, Auckland New Zealand does have a great deal to offer for your travel encounters-- from very first class holiday accommodations, a hectic evening scene as well as a host of prominent tourist attractions and also recreation.
It is simple to move within in Auckland New Zealand even if you prepare not to head for automobile hire. Though I choose the buying scene in Wellington city to Auckland, the boutique on Ponsonby are my personal fave.
The major buying area (the starting point for site visitors) in Auckland is Queen Street which is lined with all types of stores. I like Ponsonby. There are a couple of wonderful shops and great deals of amazing restaurants. This is one suburban area you have to not miss out on when visiting the North Island!
The store that enticed me most is this huge, colourful shop called 'The Garden Celebration'. The shop has a large mural exterior as well as it's tough to miss it when you are strolling along Ponsonby Road. It stocks bunches of adorable, peculiar and unusual finds. This will certainly be a fantastic place to find a New Zealand present to bring home.
We had lunch time in Prego along Ponsonby roadway. This is a preferred Italian dining establishment and also the food is just delicious. Do not forget to end your meal with their famous tiramisu.
If you are a hamburger fan, don't miss out on the delicious patties at Burger Fuel, a burger-chain found simply in New Zealand.
Ponsonby is understood for its host of eateries yet do not lose out on the specialty layout stores and shops. If you are full blast to invest your money buying in Auckland New Zealand travel, visit High Street, Newmarket and even Parnell.
Newmarket, a preferred style district for locals, supplies mainstream buying and also here, you will also find Two Double 7 Shopping Centre, a 5-storey building.
Parnell, a short drive from Auckland city is a wonderful place to spend your afternoon. You will be easy to notice a nouveau riche group and also and a great deal of great dining establishments and coffee shops also. For lunch, we tried 'Mink', a cosy and casual coffee shop with fantastic New Zealand food and also nice coffee. Parnell town is popular with visitors.
The Chocolate Shop Coffee shop is my favorite. Do not miss the Hoglund Art Glass Gallery if you like great glass art. An item from right here makes a wonderful New Zealand gift. You could acquire below on or The Traveler. Alternatively, you can take an easy drive if you have a car hire in New Zealand.
Buying at High Street-Vulcan Street could be a pricey one. I detected a couple of shops equipping Korean/Japanese street style. You can likewise find some international tags in the style very hot quits along High Road.
If you want some New Zealand fashion tags, have a look at Mooch and also The Untouched Globe. WORLD in Higher street and Ponsonby is a wonderful (however pricey) shop to scan. This developer store carries a couple of global tags and some great collectibles.
When it concerns eating in Auckland, you are ruined with options. Merely take a walk along the Viaduct Port as well as the options awaits you. The restaurants and bars in the location come alive at nights.
Fed up with buying? How about taking a drive to Mount Eden? For me, your visit to Auckland for your New Zealand travel should include this gorgeous area. It is popular with families at nights as well as weekends.
We saw one of one of the most beautiful sundowns right here in the North Island. Mount Eden makes a remarkable place for a mid-day picnic. It's also a suitable place for picture moments in the North Island.
Here, you acquire the most effective views of the city and the harbor also.
Auckland is a good city to hang around for a couple of days. It is relaxeded however if hanging out in a city is not just what you desire for your New Zealand trip, then Auckland may not please. You still can take a drive to the coastlines in Paihia and appreciate the space and also picturesque waters.
This is our first family trip to New Zealand in a car hire since our one year old Clayton came along. It's a very long wait for a travel bug like me.
Months before the trip, I spent countless hours researching and preparing for our itinerary. I checked many websites, travel guides and books. Spoke to lots of friends, locals and relatives.
This website tells you about our experiences as a first-timer throughout this beautiful country traveling in a rental car.
It covers opinions on:.
Our New Zealand Accommodation (20 different beds in 28 days!).
Our Favourite New Zealand Restaurants and Cafes.
Our New Zealand Itinerary.
Our New Zealand Holidays and Adventures.
We will tell you our first encounters and observations in all the places and with different people as we travel in our car hire in New Zealand.
And if you have small children like us, we will share on where are the baby-friendly places and which ones aren't!
Parents, I'm sure you will agree that this is a great concern when you travel with little kiddos.
So are you preparing for your New Zealand holidays? If your answer is yes, you have searched in the right place. If not, the information presented in our website will get you to start thinking! So what is the first thing that comes to your mind when New Zealand is mentioned?
Look at these words. Do they sound familiar?
You will also find out more on ...
Our reviews on New Zealand accommodations.
Great yummy restaurants/cafes.
Fun things to do in New Zealand (especially if you have small children).
Baby-friendly places.
Shopping, shopping, shopping.
Popular attractions.
Useful tips (when you travel with a small one).
Off the beaten path experiences in New Zealand.
Sheep, Kiwi fruit, mountains, oceans, alps, picturesque landscape, sunshine, idyllic beaches, blue skies, the All Blacks, silver fern, wine country, ski fields ...
New Zealand is a big country that is made up of the North and South Island. And yes, you definitely, definitely need a street map when you hire a car in New Zealand! It has lots to offer to any man or woman, of any budget, from any country, for any age and for whatever length of travel. This is a perfect place to sit back and indulge. It is also a great place to satisfy your adrenaline rush and get active.
Take a New Zealand cruise, hire a car and business for New Zealand gifts. It's one place you won't get bored. There is some thing for everyone. Anytime. Anyplace. You will find your answers here. We can guide you to some point but the best answer is still to:.
BE THERE, DO IT!
So, here we go! Use your time to read about our New Zealand Trip Adventures. And if you have something to add or comment a question or query, please drop us a comment. We love to hear from you. Enjoy.
