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.  

Queenstown things to do.
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Otago is the second most southerly region in New Zealand, and arguably the most diverse with a well defined mountainous region, open plains, deserted sandy beaches pounded by the Southern Oceans big surf and glacier-fed rivers. Major cities include Dunedin, the regions capital, and the popular tourist centers of Queenstown and Wanaka. This all makes for some diverse Otago Festivals.
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Manawatu Country and Western Festival
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

The Manawatu-Wanganui is a region covering a large part of the central to lower North Island, stretching from Mt Ruapehu all the way down to down to Horowhenua. It is home to a wide variety of landscapes from coastal floodplains, mountain ranges and a couple of major rivers.

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

What to do in Taranaki
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Enjoying a mild climate Taranaki has one of the highest number of sunshine hours in the country. With a laid-back vibe and friendly locals Taranaki Festivals attract visitors with the promise of  a good time, invigorating activities within a unique landscape.

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

What to do in Napier
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Hawkes Bay, known in New Zealand as both ‘Wine Country’ and the ‘Fruit Bowl of New Zealand’ these clues should make it no surprise that it is the leading producer of New Zealand red wines.  What is a surprise is  the high concentration of beautiful Art Deco buildings making twin towns of Napier and Hastings beautiful places to visit let alone great places to enjoy one of the many Hawkes Bay Festivals.

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Auckland festivals
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

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

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Jonathan New Zealand caving adventure
Jonathan Pedrotti
By
Jonathan Pedrotti
It is one of the perks of being an intern at First Light Travel; we encourage these youngsters to get out and explore this fine country of ours. The Lost World is without a doubt a favourite and we never hesitate to recommend the experience – it is the best caving in Waitomo and we know the adventure that awaits. But don’t take my word for it; have a read of what our Italian intern Jonathan has to say... 
Jonathan Pedrotti
By
Jonathan Pedrotti

The 13-Day World Heritage New Zealand Hiking Trail – Am I up for the Challenge?
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

With such iconic names as the Milford, Routeburn and Hollyford tracks walk including Arthurs Pass and Mount Cook, National Parks and Fox Glacier.  The New Zealand Trails - World Heritage New Zealand Hiking Tour ticked all the right boxes - but was I up for the challenge?

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Sina & Rieke’s Niuean Adventure
Rieke & Sina
By
Rieke & Sina
Commonly referred to as ‘the Rock’ Niuē is an island nation located 2,400 kilometres (1,500 miles) northeast from New Zealand. With a local population of just 1400 people we decided to send our German interns Sina & Rieke to find out just how much fun could be had. Here’s their report…
Rieke & Sina
By
Rieke & Sina

The 4 Day Hillary Trail - A Great Auckland Walk
Remy
By
Remy de Jong

After only a few weeks in New Zealand our intrepid Dutch intern, Remy de Jong,  decided to hike the West Auckland 4 Day Hillary Trail – Mid Winter. The Hillary Trail Named after the New Zealand mountaineer, Sir Edmond Hillary (The first to the top of Everest) The Hillary Trail is a tough but worthwhile 4 day 3 night wilderness hike. The 70km (43 Mile) trail is is known for its lush native forests, giant stands of mature kauri and huge dunes that backdrop the volcanic black sands that stretch along endless roaring beaches.

Remy
By
Remy de Jong

Wild Hot Springs when you Self drive New Zealand
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Picture yourself relaxing in one of our naturally formed hot springs, surrounded by lush native bush or towered over by magnificent snow capped mountains - maybe you found yourself soaking in a spring that formed in the middle of a wild beach. If you Self drive New Zealand, not only is this possible, but better still – IT'S ABSOLUTELY FREE!
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

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