New Zealand Travel Blog

Downside Up New Zealand Blog
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Welcome to our New Zealand Travel Blog DownsideUP

This blog is dedicated to inform and inspire you on all things to do with New Zealand..

Actually we write posts on anything that’s of interest in the South Pacific (our home) DownsideUP was started in 2008, to help people just like you, with planning the perfect NZ Self Driving experience.  

The Highly Palatable Guide to New Zealand Cuisine.

The Highly Palatable Guide to New Zealand Cuisine.
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
10 March 2022
There is no better way to understand a culture than to pick up a fork or tilt one's glass. Calling all foodie adventurers -  look no further - how to find and enjoy New Zealand's passionate producers devoted to pleasing your palate. Especially for those want to experience New Zealand Cuisine at its best.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

10 March 2022

Joelle and Dylan Tie the Knot in New Zealand

Marries in New Zealand !
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date
1 March 2022

When we were deciding on our wedding, we opted for small and intimate with a few family and friends and decided we wanted to have that wedding in New Zealand. 

Read More: The Best New Zealand Honeymoon Packages.

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Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date

1 March 2022

It's time to book your 2024/25 trip to New Zealand (and here's why)

book your New Zealand Holiday now
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date
15 February 2022
It’s time to look forward to the future… yes, really! Find out why you should book your 2024/2025 New Zealand vacation sooner rather than later...
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Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date

15 February 2022

Enhance your New Zealand Holiday with a Pacific Island Getaway

Fiji Islands Holiday
Maz
By
Marianne Davies
Post date
14 February 2022
Why not end your New Zealand adventure with a few lazy days in a remote Pacific Island paradise? Whether your New Zealand Dream Holiday is family road trip, a honeymoon hiking adventure, a golf tour or a ski trip, it can feel like you need another holiday after all the excitement. The Pacific Islands are famous for their welcoming hospitality, warm climate and heavenly natural beauty. From luxury beach huts to renting your own private island, there are accommodation options for every taste and budget.
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Maz
By
Marianne Davies
Post date

14 February 2022

The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Self Drive Tour
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date
13 February 2022
Many years ago, I bought a car in Christchurch, came up with an itinerary and embarked on a homegrown New Zealand road trip. This epic journey lasted four full months and was easily the best trip of my life. And I’ve been to a lot of places in this world. What made this adventure so good? Well, first of all, New Zealand is an easy place to travel by car thanks to the first-world infrastructure and modern roads.
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Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date

13 February 2022

How to Prepare for Ultimate Hikes Guided Milford Track Hike

Swing bridge on the Milford Track
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
11 January 2022
The Milford Track is a bucket list hike for New Zealanders and Internationals alike. By taking the fully guided lodged and catered 5 day 4 night hiking option this is surprisingly do-able. Caveats to this are preparedness – and i don't mean buying the latest kit from an outrageously gorgeous purveyor of hiking gear – yes you can take your warmest lightest microns of organic merino mountain goat – but I am talking about what do you really need to succeed.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

11 January 2022

The Must-Do's and Hidden Gems of the Nelson Tasman Region

Top of Trafalgar Street - Eat Street - Credit Oliver Weber
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
14 December 2021
There are hundreds of ways to enjoy your time in the Nelson Tasman Region. Bathed in sunlight with stunning natural landscapes, incredible beaches and national parks – this place has long attracted folk looking for a relaxed, active and creative community - Nelson Tasman is a region that is easy to love.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

14 December 2021

Understand New Zealand Coach Touring

New Zealand Coach Tours
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date
15 August 2021

Long gone are the days when whirlwind touring in cramped uncomfortable coaches were the only option, herding you like sheep from one tourist trap to another. There has been a much needed shift in the way tours are now designed and operated - ‘Flexibility and Customer Service’ is the new mantra and today more than ever, a New Zealand Coach Touring holiday makes an attractive proposition. But not all tours are created equally, understanding the differences is key to choosing the tour that best suits you.  For an insight into New Zealand Coach Touring - please read on... 

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Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date

15 August 2021

North Island Luxury Accommodation

Luxury Accommodation New Zealand
Jenny Power
By
Jenny Power
Post date
2 June 2021
Seeking the perfect place to relax and unwind in style? Look no further than New Zealand’s North Island to discover luxurious accommodation gems. Boasting comfort, culture, and scenery galore, the North Island of New Zealand certainly delivers some of the best boutique lodge stays in the country.
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Jenny Power
By
Jenny Power
Post date

2 June 2021

South Island Luxury Accommodation

Azur Queenstown
Alexandra Diethelm
By
Alexandra Diethelm
Post date
25 May 2021
It comes as no surprise that some of the most stunning luxury hotels in New Zealand are found on the South Island. While some are easy to reach, others are so far off the beaten path they can’t be accessed by car. What all these South Island luxury accommodation have in common are stunning properties, local gourmet cuisine and a top-of-the-line, unobtrusive service. 
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Alexandra Diethelm
By
Alexandra Diethelm
Post date

25 May 2021

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