Amidst the green, rolling hills of Waikato is the incredible Hobbiton movie set from Peter Jackson’s film adaptations of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Here’s what to expect in Hobbiton, New Zealand. Sign up to our free newsletter here for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel … Read more
New Zealand’s most populous city, Auckland has plenty of top watering holes to please the masses. But when you’re visiting the City of Sails, knowing the best places for a pint, a wine or a whisky is essential. Here are 7 Auckland bars you shouldn’t miss. It’s been a while since we were last in … Read more
Standing like an island in the green sea of the Waikato wilderness, Sanctuary Mountain is the ultimate nature reserve for native New Zealand flora and fauna. Hiking the trails throughout this mountain haven is like stepping back in time to an era before humans ever came here. Since 1912, Maungatautari – the Maori name for … Read more
In the heart of Hamilton, New Zealand – not far from the mighty Waikato River – is a church. It has stained glass windows, lofty ceilings and an altar of stainless steel. But its ministers are irreverent, its pious parishioners are free-spirited and its deity comes in a pint glass. Welcome to Good George Brewing … Read more
Is there anything better than a good cuppa? From the humble cup of rosie to the elegant authority of a pot of perfectly steeped oolong, there’s something about tea. But when you visit a place like Zealong Estate in Waikato, New Zealand, tea takes on a whole new flavour. Tea isn’t the first thing that … Read more
New Zealand’s Redwoods Treewalk in Rotorua – over 550m of connected bridges and platforms – takes you up to 20m into the branches of the world’s tallest trees. Being able to stroll from trunk to trunk of this magnificent forest is remarkable, but there are more surprises waiting along the way. Travel is all about … Read more
Rotorua, at the bubbling heart of New Zealand’s biggest geothermal region, is home to Polynesian Spa – one of the top 10 spas in the world. Its sumptuous treatments, relaxing hot spring baths and private onsen all look out over the dramatic waters of Lake Rotorua. In the cool afternoon of late autumn in New … Read more
As far from the Old World as you can get, the Henley Hotel in Cambridge, New Zealand mixes the charm and luxury of an English country manor with the spritely nuance of the world’s youngest nation. It’s also but a hobbit’s throw from Bag End and the Hobbiton movie set. At the end of its … Read more
Hiding deep under the rolling hills of the North Island’s Waikato region are caverns, cave systems filled with the light of a million glowworms and the roar of subterranean rivers. Thankfully there’s a way for us all to see this mysterious side to New Zealand. Christina frowns at me. I can tell I still haven’t … Read more
Travelling through the North Island of New Zealand is a much-underrated experience. Places like the beautiful Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions in the North Island offer so much. From cosmopolitan cities and geothermal spas to sweeping countryside and exciting cave adventures, there’s a wealth of things to experience in the North Island. And let’s … Read more