Planning a trip to New Zealand? If so, you might need a New Zealand eTA and IVL. If you are a citizen of Europe, the UK, USA or one of the many other New Zealand visa waiver countries, when you enter New Zealand, you will need a New Zealand eTA and IVL. Sound daunting? Don’t worry, we are here to help you through the process with a handy step-by-step guide for applications both via the government website and app.   Love what you read? Pin it to pinterest!   Guide to New Zealand ETA and IVL: What you need to know when visiting New Zealand. What is NZeTA? NZeTA is short for New Zealan ..read more

It’s a clear winter morning. I’m feeling chilly. After a magical, misty sunrise soaring over Kaituna River on Rotorua’s latest zipline adventure, I look forward to warming up in the sulphury steam over at Hell’s Gate Rotorua. Mud pools and a geothermal walkway sound absolutely perfect right now. The lovely lady at the reception tells us we just missed the complimentary guided tour but that we should easily catch up on them. We grab our park map and off we go through the gates of hell. In this article you'll find: Hell's Gate Walkway Hell's Gate Spa (mud & sulphur pools) Review Hells' Gate ..read more

Activities, action, relaxation and natural wonders: That’s Rotorua! The natural (and touristic) hotspot on New Zealand’s North Island really has it all. In and around Rotorua, you’ll find countless lakes, rivers, hiking and biking trails as well as crazy off-road adventures and amazing thrills for a good adrenaline rush. And not to forget the high geothermal activity which produces outer-worldly landscapes and relaxing hot springs.  The only reason you might ever wonder what to do in Rotorua is that there’s so much to choose from. Not to worry, though, that’s what I’m here for. Having bee ..read more

As New Zealand’s tourist hub and most popular destination, Queenstown is packed to the rafters with hotels. You can rest your weary head in hostels and all the up to the most luxurious lodges.  But what’s the best accommodation in Queenstown for your personal needs and wants? Are you looking for a couples retreat? A place for a ladies’ getaway? Or the most family-friendly hotels? Queenstown Where to stay? Find the best accommdation in queenstown for you (pic by queenstownnz) Having worked as a travel agent most of my life, I know there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ hotel and what might be per ..read more

After over two years of border closure, New Zealand is finally ready to welcome the world again! Auckland central is especially excited to finally see the hustle and bustle of international travellers in its streets. While you were gone, Auckland revamped some of the city’s streets, worked on its CBD transport system, added new amazing restaurants and (rooftop) bars to the mix, a fancy new shopping mall and…they built and opened a bunch of new hotels!  With this many new kids on the block, you probably wonder where to stay in Auckland for the best experience. Not to worry, I’ve got your ..read more

When will NZ borders open for international travel? That’s a question we’ve been pondering over here in New Zealand (and many people worldwide) for a long time.  While it’s admittedly been an interesting experience to explore our own backyard without international visitors, we cannot wait to finally welcome the world again to Aotearoa New Zealand!  For a long time, I’ve decided against writing a post on international border openings due to the fact that there was just not enough certainty when it really is going to happen. A while ago, we opened a travel bubble with Australia, only t ..read more

4 nights/5 days relaxed or 3 nights / 4 days Get the best of both worlds on this short road trip itinerary in the Waikato: From one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions to one of the countries most hidden gems. From glow worm caves to a hot water beach you didn’t know existed. From Waitomo to Kawhia.  Not in the Coromandel but in the Waikato: Kawhia Hot Water Beach Where and what is Kawhia? - I hear you ask? It’s a teeny tiny town on the west coast of the Waikato, kind of one harbour south of surfer’s heaven Raglan. What makes it charming is the fact that it’s the same sleep ..read more

Relax in hot pools in the mountains, head to the ocean for some whale watching. Add some wine tastings and you’ve got yourself a very kiwi road trip.  On this 7 nights, 8 days road trip, you’ll drive from Christchurch to Hanmer Springs, to Kaikōura, to Waipara and back to Christchurch. The distances are short and sweet. You’re going at a very relaxed pace to make sure you have enough time to explore the regions but not too long so you’d get bored. A perfect holiday itinerary if you ask me.  You can do this short road trip from Christchurch as a 1-week holiday or make it part of a lon ..read more

Did you know that there’s a ton to do and see within the radius of a one-hour drive from Christchurch city? You could easily spend a week in Christchurch, explore something different every day and come back to the same hotel for the night (meaning you wouldn’t have to pack your bags over and over again, quite the luxury). Some of these places to visit near Christchurch can easily be reached by public transport but for the full experience, I strongly suggest renting a car. Now sit back, relax and see just how many awesome things to do around Christchurch there are that you might want to add to ..read more

I like Christchurch a lot!  I love the positive vibe that radiates from the city, the street art, the cafes. And oh my, all the gardens! It really doesn’t surprise me that Christchurch is also called the Garden City, it’s green literally everywhere in the city centre! From the meandering walking paths along river Avon to the botanical garden and Hagley Park as well as the beaches a short tram ride from the city. It’s clear that a lot of the Christchurch things to do include nature and walking. Nature in the middle of Christchurch: Hagley Park and the botanic garden Despite all the positi ..read more