New Zealand

The other "land Down Under" is lots smaller than neighbor Australia yet packs in a boggling amount of beauty and adventure in its two main islands and various other smaller ones -- along with Maori culture and a touch of urban cosmopolitanism. And of course let's not forget Hobbiton!

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Top 7 cool things to do in Auckland

If you are planning a holiday visit to the New Zealand's biggest urban area, you can be sure of dozens of activities to make your visit a memorable one. Here we have put together seven of the most exciting things to do and places to see when you visit Auckland. read post

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Hawke's Bay, North Island cited in '7 Gorgeous Glamping Destinations'

How beautiful to imagine yourself in a camp locates in a glorious camp surrounded by beautiful environs. Singing and romancing on cold nights sitting around the fireside, staring on the stars in silent surroundings listening to the sounds of little creatures, basking on the lavish mattress, all that makes you dream to discover what camping in the glorious destinations of the world means. Morocco was the first place where I got the idea to experience the difference of international "glamping" -…

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Tauranga a popular destination on the North Island's Bay of Plenty

The most populous city (pop. 142,000) in the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island's north coast, besides being a dynamic city that's one of New Zealand's fastest growing, Tauranga is also a very popular tourism destination, thanks to a cosmopolitan yet laid back vibe and arts scene paired with its natural attractions and scenery, ranging from popular beaches to lush, forest-clad mountains and waterfalls. Here are some of Tauranga’s top things to do: read post

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4 exciting activities in Rotorua

Rotorua is known as the "little town" of New Zealand's North Island (though its population is nearly 60,000), and the country's "Sulphur City," world famous for the geothermal activity resulting the area's volcanic activity. There are no live volcanoes around here, but plenty of hot water comes out from deep under the earth, manifesting as bubbling mud pools, geysers, and warm streams. Rotorua is also home to a rich Maori culture, sublime wildlife and landscapes, and plenty of adrenaline-packed…

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Keith Bishop November 3, 2011 at 8:49pm

Pleased you are enjoying the view. Do try and make time to get out the harbour. The ferry ride over to Waiheke is a good way of seeing it.
Ed Wetschler November 3, 2011 at 8:43pm

I'm in Auckland now, where the view from 1,070-ft Sky Tower in Auckland is one of islands, more islands, and deep water. Is this the best natural harbor in the world, or am I just imagining things? #satwnz
Cara Bertoia September 9, 2011 at 9:54pm

Hi eveyone,

Please everyone take a look, tweet and follow.

This week I am happy to present Marita Hansen, and her highly praised novel set in New Zealand. In my years on cruise ships I visited New Zealand many times, a chapter in my novel is even set there. It is a beautiful country filled with the friendliest people I have ever met. Many times the casino staff doubled as tour guides, giving me the chance to visit the Maori community in Rotorua, so I was aware of the social tensions that exist in New Zealand. Like Last Exit to Brooklyn by Hubert Selby or Push by Sapphire, this novel is a graphic look at the life in Claydon a suburb of Auckland. The novel vividly describes the life led by a group of young adults. In her post Marita tell you how this novel came to life. Follow this link to my blog: http://thebesttravelnovels.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much,

Cara Bertoia

THE BEST TRAVEL NOVELS, MOVIES OR BOOKS

Hi, my name is Cara Bertoia and I am the author of Cruise Quarters - A Novel About Casinos and Cruise Ships. It is a story of the crew who work for…
Pam Wigmore September 9, 2011 at 3:00am

I totally agree with you Donna. Couples would be our biggest market, followed by 3 adults travelling together. (cheaper to use a 2 bedroom facility than 2 separate suites. Honeymooners of all ages plus groups of 'single' adults all stay with us and 'families' with small children are a very small part of our business but families need somewhere to stay and we have the facilities so why not. Not all places are suitable for children and as you say, some people 'look' for a place that doesn't host families. Our beautiful location has much to offer. There are lots of parents, travelling with an adult child who is studying/working in NZ and they have come to visit 'their child'. Our facilites are all very separate with the family cottage and Bougainvillea suite having their own private entrance and private outdoor patios / balcony.

Ferry Landing Lodge has over 90 positve reviews (80 Excellent, 5/5 stars) on tripadvisor.com with most of the comments coming from couples and only a few from families.

Donna, your comment is valid though but I would be interested to know if anyone staying in a 'child friendly' B&B have found children to 'spoil' their stay.
Donna Hamilton September 9, 2011 at 1:19am

Re children at B&B's etc. It's great that Pam Wigmore's establishment provides such a great venue for children, and that the hosts are comfortable and able to have them to stay. I do know that a lot of B&B's advertise "not suitable for small children". I suppose many travelers are away on "holiday" and want a break from the norms associated with children (not inferring that all children are the same!!). Many B&B's host honeymooners, or the older person, so that is probably the reason. Some tour itineraries (like our own) are also not [that] suited to small children, and parent's really need to understand that, especially when an operator "suggests" that the tour is not really suited to kids.
Ed Wetschler September 9, 2011 at 12:56am

Gladly, Paul. Are the videos here on Tripatini?
Paul Anthony Rogers September 8, 2011 at 11:47pm

HEY GROUP! CHECK OUT ALL MY VIDEOS FROM MY MONTH IN NZ! IT OFFERS ADVICE, THINGS TO DO AND MUCH MORE! ENJOY! LET'S BE TRIPTANI FRIENDS!
Pam Wigmore July 16, 2011 at 9:19am

My 'first time' on tripatini. I am new to all of this and somewhere, I read about children and B&B's and wanted to share our experiences. We run a small B&B on the Coromandel Peninsula in NZ. We do host children & even some extended families & its a wonderful experience. Not sure how we do it, but we seem to attract the nicest people & best behaved kids! Many 'Happy birthday's are sung around the breakfast table with Rob playing guitar & singing. Everyone joins in & a family with 2 daughters birthdays on 2 consecutive days, wanted each girl to have their 'own' special breakfast. It was a lovely exerience for all the guests. We've even looked after younger children while parents enjoyed the use of our kayak for an hour. Reading our guest books, they are full of interesting 'art work' / poetry by childen who leave their 'thank you' in a very special way. By all means, take your children to a B&B. Its a wonderful experience for them too.
David Paul Appell June 17, 2011 at 7:55pm

Now on the Tripatini blog: top 5 backpacking spots in NZ! You agree with this list?
sandra sarandon March 31, 2011 at 11:13am

http://www.palliserbaybb.co.nz

I envite you to read my newly RE EDITED www.palliserbaybb.co.nz

website and to look at the newly loaded photographs. The weather has been quite stunning this week.During the week the waves could be seen from the house. The Spray back from the waves ,especially with the early morning sun, is SPECTACULAR.During the day the weather has been CALM ,the sun patio gets lovely hot and balmy.

Comments are welcome. CHEERS From Sandra Sarandon.