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Stray Bus New Zealand Roadtrip Review
When Tim and I traveled through New Zealand for 2 months, we went with a unique bus tour called Stray. We had originally planned to rent a campervan and self-drive over the North and South Islands. After some research, I found a cheaper, easier option – buying a bus pass with Stray. What is Stray New Zealand? Stray New Zealand road trips are hop-on/hop-off bus journeys that cover the entirety of the country. They include stops at all the major points of interest and many lesser-known spots as well. There are a couple of companies that offer hop-on/hop-off bus passes that cover popular tourist routes (Kiwi Experience and Stray are…
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Tongariro Crossing Hike – Guide to NZ’s Best Day Trek
If you are traveling through New Zealand’s North Island, and you enjoy the outdoors and hiking (and honestly what are you doing in NZ if you don’t?), then the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike should absolutely be a priority in your plans! This was easily one of the best things Tim and I did during our 6 weeks road tripping through both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Of course, the trail can be challenging and you might be wondering what to expect on the Tongariro Crossing hike. Never fear, this guide is here! I’ve got you covered, detailing how you should prepare for the trek, what each section…
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Cape Reinga Day Trip New Zealand
The very first big tourism activity we did in New Zealand was a day trip up to Cape Reinga from Paihia, on the North Island. Full of Maori history, epic coastal views, and adventures in the sand dunes, a Cape Reinga day trip is a great way to experience the northernmost tip of New Zealand! Admittedly, this wasn’t even a day trip that was on my radar. But, it was included in the Stray hop-on/hop-off bus pass we had booked for touring around the north and south islands. I am so glad it was! This day was easily one of our favorites on the north island. Cape Reinga Day Trip…
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Stewart Island Itinerary – New Zealand’s Other Island
New Zealand’s Stewart Island is like the forgotten stepchild of the country. Everyone always talks about the North and South Islands, but what about Stewart? This island deserves some major love too, and this Stewart Island itinerary has everything you need to know. Here is what you will find in this Stewart Island itinerary: Getting to Stewart Island To make the most of your time on Stewart Island, I recommend taking the earliest ferry ($79 NZD each way) you can from Bluff, New Zealand. Plan to take the afternoon ferry back to Bluff the next day in order to do all the activities on this Stewart Island itinerary. There are…
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Franz Josef Glacier Helihike – Is It Worth It?
Is the Franz Josef Glacier helihike worth the steep cost? This was the very question Tim and I wrangled with in advance of arriving in Franz Josef. We had budgeted for the painful price tag ($459 NZD per person) but still weren’t sure if we really wanted to spend it or save it. I know we’re not the only ones, so this guide will help you determine if the Franz Josef Glacier helihike is worth it for you! Here’s what you’ll find in this guide. Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems Neither of us grew up with a ton of money or international travel opportunities, so we both still have a very…
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Two Week New Zealand South Island Itinerary
With two weeks on the South Island of New Zealand, a well-organized itinerary can take you to scenic fjords, epic glaciers, dramatic mountains, and all the bungee jumping you can stomach. Since it’s a relatively small island, you can easily travel throughout and visit all the major points of interest in about two weeks. Part of the magic of New Zealand is that you can be on a beach one day and on a glacier the next! Here’s what you’ll find in this thorough guide to planning a two-week itinerary in the South Island of New Zealand. About My Two Week New Zealand South Island Itinerary This two-week itinerary through…
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Two Week New Zealand North Island Itinerary
With two weeks on New Zealand’s North Island, you can trek one of the most beautiful day hikes in the world at the Tongariro Crossing, witness the mesmerizing shimmer of glow worms at the Waitomo Caves, and explore the country’s surprisingly tropical side at Hahei. This two-week road trip itinerary covering the North Island of New Zealand top to bottom has everything you need to know! New Zealand’s North Island totally surprised me. Most of the top attractions I’d heard of in my research were based on the South Island. Thus, I traveled through the north without any expectations. The north has more to offer than I knew. Think tropical…
Planning Adventures Big and Small
