We weren’t quite sure what to expect heading out to Tāwharanui, but it was only about 11km from where we were staying, so we thought we’d head out and do one of the walks to the Takatu Point lookout. Not having been there before, we parked up and wondered what the gates ahead were for.
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We had always wanted to visit the Matakana Markets. Everyone raved about how good they were, so when we found ourselves staying nearby over the weekend, the timing couldn’t have been better. We arrived around 8.30am and ended up parking along Matakana Valley Road, about a 600 metre walk into the village. But honestly, that
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We don’t usually go chasing challenging hikes. We stick to what we enjoy and know our limits. The Kauaeranga Valley Pinnacles Track sat right on that edge for us, doable but definitely a push. After hearing mixed things, we decided to give it a go. You head through Thames and turn right at the BP
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We’ve come through Thames more times than we can count, and it’s always been our go-to place to reset before heading further into the Coromandel. If you’re travelling this way, this is where you get sorted. Thames sits at the start of the Coromandel Peninsula if you’re heading clockwise. It’s one of those towns that
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Lord of the Rings South Island Journey From Picton through Middle-earth and south to Queenstown This New Zealand itinerary is designed for travellers who want to explore the dramatic alpine landscapes that helped shape Middle-earth on screen. Beginning in Waitohi – Picton, the journey travels south through coastal highways, braided river valleys and alpine basins
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Lord of the Rings North Island Journey This New Zealand itinerary is designed for travellers who want to experience the landscapes that helped bring Middle-earth to life. Beginning in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland, the journey travels south through the green farmland of Waikato before reaching the limestone valleys of Piopio and the volcanic plateau of
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The Full South Island Scenic Journey The journey can begin in Ōtautahi – Christchurch or Tāhuna – Queenstown, depending on where travellers arrive. From Christchurch the route heads north along the dramatic coastline to Kaikōura, where mountains rise sharply from the Pacific Ocean and marine wildlife thrives offshore. Continuing north, the journey moves through the
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The Complete Southern Journey Beginning in Ōtautahi – Christchurch, the journey travels south along the island’s eastern coastline through historic towns and wildlife-rich regions including Timaru, Oamaru and Ōtepoti – Dunedin, before reaching the southernmost communities of Murihiku – Southland. From Bluff, the adventure extends further south with a crossing to Rakiura – Stewart Island,
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Coastlines, Lakes and Fiordland Journey The journey can begin in Ōtautahi – Christchurch or Tāhuna – Queenstown, depending on where travellers arrive. From Christchurch the route heads north toward Hanmer Springs before crossing the Southern Alps through Lewis Pass, where mountain valleys and native forest lead to the rugged coastline of Te Tai Poutini –
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The journey can begin in Ōtautahi – Christchurch or Waitohi – Picton, depending on where travellers arrive. From Christchurch the route heads north toward the alpine village of Hanmer Springs, before reaching the dramatic coastline of Kaikōura, where mountains rise sharply from the Pacific Ocean. Travellers beginning in Picton can easily join the route through
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