New Zealand Travel Blog

 

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.  

Binder Family
Colby Binder
By
Colby Binder
Are you seeking inspiration for the ultimate New Zealand family holiday? Wouldn't it be great to read a genuine kid's-eye view of what New Zealand is REALLY like, in their own words? 12 year old Colby Binder and his family recently spent 27 days on a New Zealand self-drive adventure we created for them, and he documented the highs (and occasional lows) on his outstanding travel blog. Follow Colby as he hikes, zip-lines, cruises and mountain-bikes around the country with mom, dad and sister Sierra in tow.
Colby Binder
By
Colby Binder

How Long to spend in NZ
Maz
By
Marianne Davies
Are you struggling to decide how long your New Zealand dream trip should be? Or how much time your budget will allow? First Light Travel are here to help! Filled to the brim with travel planning tips & tricks and sample itineraries from our Travel Specialists, this definitive guide shows you how to have the very best adventures in the time you have available, whether it's 5 days or 5 weeks. However long you're here for, you're going to love it.
Maz
By
Marianne Davies

Earnslaw Burn
Ruth Peaden
By
Ruth Peaden

A planned visit to Queenstown turned into a spontaneous trip to Earnslaw Burn. The glacier has created several waterfalls that cascade over the ridges of the mountains which were featured in the Hobbit movies. The breath-taking views of the Earnslaw glacier and waterfalls make the hike on the Earnslaw track so worth it. 

Ruth Peaden
By
Ruth Peaden

murchison antique shop
Steve Taylor
By
Steve Taylor
After your unforgettable adventures in the Land of the Long White Cloud, you'll definitely want to bring a small piece of New Zealand home with you. While shopping is unlikely to be the main focus of your trip, it's worth taking time out to browse our stores for treasures you just won't find anywhere else. Our cosy Merino woollens, healing Manuka honey, and world-class wines are worthy and popular choices, all of which can be grabbed last-minute at the airport. But consider making time during your stay to wander our local markets, visit artisanal studios, and chat to friendly local makers. When you immerse yourselves in local life, anything you buy will always remind you of your Kiwi experiences and adventures. You won't regret it.
Steve Taylor
By
Steve Taylor

New Zealand Family Holidays
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
New Zealand is the perfect destination for a family holiday. Here are some handy tips from travelling Super Mom Suzie who has holidayed with her kids all over NZ. Suzie points out the best cultural and adventure activities, the best child friendly hot pools and a lot more. Complete with a selection of family holiday itineraries to help with your planning process.
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp

Mitch
Inke and Mitch
By
Inke and Mitch
We are Michelle and Inke, we both are originally from Germany and came to New Zealand to do a five-month internship at First Light Travel for our Tourism management studies at home. After finishing this internship, we wanted to see more of the beautiful country and decided to travel to the South Island of New Zealand together. - The Dalai Lama once said, "Once a year go someplace you´ve never been before". This is our Mantra for this road trip, a trip we will never forget.
Inke and Mitch
By
Inke and Mitch

Lizs Trip
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Hi my name is Elizabeth and I am the customer services manager here at First Light Travel. Every year I get to travel around New Zealand and try out new experiences. If they are up to scratch we will add them into our self-drive or small group tour itineraries. In this blog I have highlighted this years favourites and hope they will inspire you in planning your New Zealand vacation.
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall

Mud Bath Rotorua
Maz
By
Marianne Davies
Nestled by the shore of its namesake lake, Rotorua is a gem of a city in the central North Island, packed with things to see and do. It’s one of our top recommendations to add to your New Zealand North Island itinerary. Rotorua is home to volcanic landscapes, soothing thermal pools and ancient redwood forests. Find out why Rotorua is a Bucket List Destination
Maz
By
Marianne Davies

Soak in a hot tub during winter
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
We know that for many of you, the Northern Hemisphere summer is the perfect time for your annual getaway: the school year has finished, and many businesses are quieter. Luckily, it's also the perfect time for a magical winter wonderland tour of New Zealand!
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

New Zealand Honeymoon Destination
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Your honeymoon is one of the most wonderful times in your life; a time of intimacy and creating epic life-long memories together. New Zealand’s secluded, exotic landscapes are romantic at the best of times, but in winter, the romance here really comes alive. A sunset seems more vivid as you cozy beneath a blanket on the secluded beach; the stars seem brighter when you’re star-gazing from a steaming mineral pool; the view from atop a mountain pass seems more intense when the snow-capped peaks contrast with an emerald rainforest. Here are five reasons to choose New Zealand during winter for your honeymoon.
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall

Download Our Free NZ Travel Guide

Get our free guide which is full of actionable tips and information about how to make the most of your time in New Zealand.

Blog archives


Pricing terms

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price