North Island Articles

What Do Travellers Do All Day?: #22 – My Non-Adrenalised Version of the North Island – Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland, New Zea

Pigeon poo, sulfur water, Maori war paint and Macbeth await – yet there’s still so much Meg doesn’t get to see.

What Do Travellers Do All Day?: #20 – Looking Doubtful – Manapouri to Wellington, New Zealand

Avalanche warnings can’t stop this bungee jumper and novice boarder from getting her all out of the land of extreme sports.

What Do Travellers Do All Day?: #21 – Adrenalin Days Not Over Just Yet! – Wellington to Lake Taupo, New Zealand

Hopping on the Stray Bus in Auckland is soon just another excuse to get airborne, soaking wet, and a skinned bum.

Deja Moo – New Zealand

Lisa Tossey was sure she wasn’t driving around in circles in a rental car that hated her. But why did those cows look so familiar?

Venture into Auckland – Auckland, North Island, New Zealand

With a hard hat and gas mask, Allan Taylor explores an active volcano off the coast of New Zealand.

Fly Through Middle-Earth – North Island, New Zealand

Fly by Through Middle-Earth
North Island, New Zealand
My mission was this: devise a plan to somehow, in ten days, dazzle my visiting British friend, Kim, with the scenery of my beautiful homeland and immerse her in as much Kiwiana as possible. Ten days may sound like a long time to those unfamiliar with New Zealand. [...]

Pursuit of the Endless Summer #5

The Abel Tasman Trail

What began as a beautiful trek transformed into a gruelling endeavour. Our plan was to take a two-hour jet boat tour to the end of the Abel Tasman trail and leisurely walk back to our car. The guidebook said the 22 mile trek included only 500 feet elevation change and [...]

I Wanna Be a Travel Writer – Jan. 25, Auckland (3 of 3)

Jan. 25 – Auckland, cont.
I awoke to a coughing fit. Then stayed awake, due to the sunlight streaming in through the window. I wondered what time it was, but didn’t dare move so as not to wake anyone. Besides, I had my germs against the wall. I didn’t want to breathe out onto the peaceful [...]

I Wanna Be a Travel Writer – Jan. 25, Auckland (2 of 3)

Jan. 25 – Auckland, cont.
I dragged the packs in and looked for a spot to chain them up. "Take nothing for granted, be totally aware, and keep your money belt on you at all times," is what I was told. But as I started to reach for my retractable safety cable with combination lock – [...]

I Wanna Be a Travel Writer – Jan. 25, Auckland (1 of 3)

Jan. 25 – Auckland
I wanted a backpack with wheels so badly I could taste it. After all, my weekender travel case had wheels and shoulder straps, and did I ever use the straps? No. I wheeled it everywhere. Up and down the halls of airports, through the casinos, and up to my hotel rooms, down [...]