New Zealand Travel Blog

Downside Up New Zealand 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.  

The Best Biking in New Zealand
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Over the last decade Biking in New Zealand has experienced a surge in popularity with increasing numbers of international visitors making the pilgrimage to experience our great outdoors on two wheels.
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

New Zealand Festivals – There’s one with your name on it.
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Its true, New Zealander's love to celebrate - any excuse for a party and the more that turn up the merrier. Nearly every day, somewhere, someone will be staging a festival or public event celebrating what-ever it is that we Kiwis Love.  If you are thinking of a New Zealand holiday, it may well be worth planning your trip around a specific event, as there is no better way to gain an insight into the New Zealand way of life, our humour, creativity and quirky nature.

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Things to do in Southland
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

New Zealand’s southernmost region is the Southland Region and with only 2.3 % of the countries population what it lacks in numbers is made up in attitude, they know how to have a good time  and Southland Festivals are well attended by both locals and others visiting. Southland is a land of farms, rugged coast and rolling plains, and home to the world-famous Bluff oyster and the launching place for the ferry to Stewart Island. Settled by large numbers of Scottish settlers in the 1800’s, the remnants of which can be heard in the regional accent – they roll their ‘R’s

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Things to do in Christchurch
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Each year the Canterbury communities host a variety of Festivals & Lifestyle Events celebrating the regions cultural diversity and traditions. Here is a comprehensive list of the Canterbury Festivals…

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

West Coast Things to do
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

No more than 50 kilometres (31 Miles) wide and bordered by the majestic Southern Alps the whole stretch down the South Islands West Coast is home to only 31,000 people. ‘The Coast’ as locals know it, is wild – big rivers, rainforests, glaciers with a small population. But they do have some big local character’s. Coasters are tough like their environment but friendly, coasters are famous for their hospitality and are more than willing to show visitors a good time.

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Things to do in Marlborough
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

The Marlborough region located near the very top of New Zealand’s South Island and has long been known for breathtaking scenery, the glorious Marlborough Sounds and, of course, the world class Sauvignon Blanc produced locally that makes a very good reason indeed to attend one of the Marlborough Festivals.

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Festivals Nelson Tasman
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Situated in the north-western corner of the South Island, the Nelson region is surrounded by sheltering mountain ranges, giving it a Mediterranean type climate with year-round sunshine, beaches, national parks, wineries and a creative community of artists, these are just some of the reasons other New Zealander’s make the Nelson Festivals top of their agenda.

Each year the greater Nelson community hosts a variety of Festivals & Lifestyle Events celebrating the regions cultural diversity and traditions. Here is a comprehensive list of the Nelson Festivals…

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Bay of Plenty Festivals
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Each year the Bay of Plenty community hosts a variety of Festivals & Lifestyle Events celebrating the regions cultural diversity and traditions. Here is a comprehensive list of Bay of Plenty Festivals…

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Waikato Music Festival
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

The green rolling landscapes of the Waikato that lies to the south of Auckland forms some of the most fertile land in New Zealand. This is farming country and therefore not surprising, many of the Waikato Festivals have and outdoorsy rural flavor. Each year the Waikato communities host a variety of Festivals & Lifestyle Events celebrating the regions cultural diversity and traditions. Here is a comprehensive list of Waikato Festivals…

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Birdman Competition Russell
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

They call it the ‘Winterless North’ so regardless of the time of year, attending any of Northlands Festivals should be a pleasant experience. Northland is a place of vibrant Māori culture, massive Kauri trees, and beautiful beaches within a subtropical climate. You’re never more than 40km (25 miles) from the coast – take your swimming togs.

Each year Northlands community’s hosts a variety of Festivals & Lifestyle Events celebrating the regions cultural diversity and traditions. Here is a comprehensive list of Northlands Festivals…

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

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