Waimangu Volcanic Valley (New Zealand) draws visitors from all corners of the earth. Photographers come for the colours, tourists for the uniqueness, hikers for nature, and scientists to study the world’s youngest geothermal system. It’s a virtually untouched, ever-changing landscape that was created in just four hours in 1886. The eruption of Mt Tarawera created […]
Hamilton Gardens and Rocky Horror: A Contrast in Hamilton NZ
The reality is as much of a contrast as the title. On one end of town, a serene, internationally acclaimed, well-manicured series of themed gardens each telling a story of a different civilization. To be honest, the Hamilton Gardens caught me by surprise, far exceeding my expectations. In sharp contrast stands the Riff-Raff statue where […]
Wai-O-Tapu: A Photo Review of Geothermal Rotorua New Zealand
Wai-O-Tapu translates to sacred waters, and even without knowing any legends or understanding the science, I was captivated. It’s a surreal, mystical place enhanced by rising steam and nature’s dreamlike palette of colours. Check out the photos below and you will know that Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a must see if you are visiting geothermal […]
Stonehenge Aotearoa: New Zealand’s Powerful Stone Circle
About 11 kilometres off the main road stands Stonehenge Aotearoa, a stone circle so powerful it calls to nearly everyone. Stone circles date back to the Mesopotamians, nearly 2000 years before Jericho. Stonehenge Aotearoa is New Zealand’s stone circle. A henge is a stone circle with lintels (blocks that are supported by something). Aotearoa is […]
Enjoy Napier Art Deco Buildings with a Walking Tour
It doesn’t take long to appreciate why Napier New Zealand is the Art Deco Capital of the World. Simply taking a walk down the main road, we found ourselves surrounded by fun and funky examples of Art Deco. There are 140 Art Deco buildings, doors, sculptures, and more in this town. Napier is one of a […]
24 Unique and Fun Things to Do in Napier New Zealand
Napier is best known as the Art Deco Capital of the world, but this offbeat New Zealand town has a lot more to offer. From Māori and European history to wine tasting or adventure, there are plenty of novel and fun things to do in Napier and the surrounding Hawke’s Bay region. To understand Napier, you need […]
Karangahake Gorge Walks: Windows out of Old Gold Mines
Karangahake Gorge is an odd mix of remnant goldfields and nature’s majesty. Once the site of New Zealand’s most lucrative gold strike, it is now a recreation and impressive hiking destination. Swing bridges, gold mine shafts, a historic cyanide treatment plant, and lush green forest led us to the gorge, a jaw-droppingly beautiful site. The Karangahake Gorge Historic […]
Quinn’s Post Joins Two Powerful War Exhibits in Wellington NZ
Te Papa Tongarewa, the National Museum of New Zealand is home to the country’s history and that includes our involvement in the wars. Its newest exhibit Gallipoli, The Scale of our War is one of three must-see war exhibits in Wellington, the nations capital city. It was created by created by Weta Workshop (The Lord of the Rings) […]
One Tree Hill an Auckland Icon, but Where’s the Tree?
As you reach the top of Maungakiekie, more commonly known as One Tree Hill, the first and most obvious question is, “Where is the tree?” That won’t be your question for long, as newly planted trees are continuing to grow. Interesting History of One Tree Hill (and the missing tree) Located adjacent to beautiful Cornwall […]
Things to Do in Oamaru: New Zealand’s Steampunk Capital
As if stepping out of a time machine, we entered the Oamaru Victorian Precinct, and it was 1870. Not literally, but there is an overriding feeling that this is a town Father Time forgot. From the Victorian architecture to the steampunk ambience, there are plenty of things to do in Oamaru. We had arrived late […]
Polynesian Outrigger Canoes Close Up: Auckland Maritime Museum
It was only 1,000 years ago that New Zealand was discovered by Kupe, according to Maori legend. Kupe sailed to Aotearoa (New Zealand) from Hawaiki, the traditional homeland of the Maori people. While no one today knows the exact location of Hawaiki, it is believed to be somewhere in Polynesia. What we do know is […]
KeriKeri Mission Station: Home of New Zealand’s Oldest Buildings
Established in 1819, the Kerikeri Mission Station is home to two of New Zealand’s oldest buildings and offers an interesting bit of the country’s history. It was built 22 years before the Treaty of Waitangi established the relationship between Britain and the indigenous Māori people. Europeans were arriving in increasing numbers, and there was tribal fighting […]
Waka Taua (War Canoes) at Waitangi Treaty Grounds in New Zealand
Walking towards the waka house, we listened as our guide brilliantly narrated New Zealand’s history. While many say it was discovered by Dutchman Abel Tasman in 1642, the reality is that the Maori people had arrived 650 years earlier. With only 1000 years of history, New Zealand is one of the world’s youngest nations. Our guide told a version of the story I […]
New Zealand History Comes Alive at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Waitangi Treaty Grounds is probably the most historic and significant site in New Zealand. Only three hours north of Auckland, it should be a required visit for anyone who wants to understand this great nation. Once you arrive, take the tour and experience the cultural show. This was my third visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds since we […]
North Head: Exploring Old Military Tunnels in Auckland
North Head historic reserve lies across the bay from Auckland city, at the end of Devonport. It’s one of the first places we tend to take visitors to enjoy the expansive panoramic views of the city and the surrounding waters. We also bring a torch (flashlight) and explore the abandoned military tunnel complex. The Maori people […]
Gumdiggers Park: A New Zealand Wonder Worth Visiting
Gumdiggers Park is an authentic piece of New Zealand history. It takes about an hour to explore and is a worthwhile stop if you’re driving up the Aupouri Peninsula to the top of the North Island. It is home to the oldest non-fossilized wood found on earth. I’ll be honest, when we first saw Gumdiggers Park on the […]
Photos of Lake Tekapo: Is This New Zealand Most Beautiful Spot?
Lake Tekapo caught me by surprise, and without being too cliche, it took my breath away. The first time I saw it we were tired. We were in a hurry, making the 24-hour drive from Auckland to Wanaka without plans for sightseeing. We were way too focused on our destination, and suddenly hungry. Lake Tekapo in […]
War Memorial: 100th ANZAC Day in Auckland
The Auckland War Memorial Museum came alive this weekend as Saturday was ANZAC Day. This year’s dawn parade was a solemn and moving ceremony. It marks the 100th anniversary of the WWI landing in Gallipoli and the ensuing battle, which ended badly for the ANZACs. ANZAC is an acronym for Australia New Zealand Army Corps. […]
Discover New Zealand’s Nautical History at Auckland’s Maritime Museum
Being an island, New Zealand has a long nautical history. From the arrival of the first Polynesian people through today, much of New Zealand life revolves around the sea, especially here in Auckland where it is said that one in four people have a boat. It is no surprise that Auckland’s nickname is the City […]
Auckland Museum’s Māori Collection
The Auckland Museum is home to an impressive Māori collection, as well as the extensive history of the flora, fauna and people of New Zealand. In fact, many say it has the world’s largest collection of Māori artifacts. Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and comprise about 15% of the current population. Much of […]
Walk Wellington – Best Way to See New Zealand’s Capital City
Walk Wellington is the perfect name for the city tour we took to kick-start our mini adventure in New Zealand’s capital. We went open minded, expecting to learn a bit about the history and architecture. Our expectations were far exceeded as we discovered a city filled with mystery and surprise around every corner. It’s in […]
Steinlager 2 – Onboard Sir Peter Blake’s Winning New Zealand Yacht
We all have our heroes. Sir Peter Blake is one of mine. Maybe that’s why I was so excited to step aboard his yacht. Sir Peter Blake skippered Steinlager 2 to an unprecedented victory, winning all six legs of the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World race, both on handicap and line-honours. The race, now called the Volvo Ocean […]
