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.  

7 Reasons to Honeymoon in New Zealand

Honeymoon photo shoots are becoming popular in Queenstown from Asian bride and grooms.
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
Post date
20 November 2023

7 Reasons to Honeymoon in New Zealand

Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape or an unforgettable adventure to celebrate the start of your married life together, there are many reasons to choose New Zealand as your perfect honeymoon destination. 

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David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
Post date

20 November 2023

How to Plan Your New Zealand Honeymoon

Feeling on top of the world on a New Zealand honeymoon
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
Post date
20 November 2023

How to Plan Your (Perfect) New Zealand Honeymoon

 

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David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
Post date

20 November 2023

Great Lakes of the South Island

Yours truly John Dunne standing at Hooker Lake on the Hooker Valley track with Mt Cook behind us.
John Dunne - broadcaster, writer, skibum, sailor
By
John Dunne
Post date
16 November 2023
These are the best ‘must see’ lake areas on New Zealand’s stunning South Island. The recommendations are based on my widespread wanderlust and intimate local knowledge. This exclusive and sought after guide is unique, informative and very easy to follow. As my poet friend Claver Esmond says, “Contentment by quiet waters is one of this country’s great riches”.
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John Dunne - broadcaster, writer, skibum, sailor
By
John Dunne
Post date

16 November 2023

Offsetting your travel footprint is surprisingly affordable.

Director First Light Travel Planting Tree's
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date
10 November 2023
With offices in Queenstown and Arrowtown, it was an obvious fit for us to support the Arrowtown Choppers, a community-driven environmental volunteer group. This dedicated group focuses on removing wilding pines above Arrowtown, the 'Choppers' also reintroduce native Beech, Ribbonwood, and Totara trees to enhance local biodiversity. We proudly sponsor the Arrowtown Community TREE Nursery, providing funding and native tree seedlings to support their vital mission.
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Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date

10 November 2023

The Top 9 Destinations for Your New Zealand Honeymoon

honeymoon on the west coast at the Hokitika Gorge
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
Post date
8 November 2023

A New Zealand honeymoon is bound to deliver on breathtaking locations and unforgettable experiences no matter where you go. Still, to be sure that you make the very most of your very special trip, here are some suggestions for the best destinations to visit on a New Zealand honeymoon.

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David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
Post date

8 November 2023

South Island Honeymoon Itinerary

Lauren & Phil on honeymoon West Coast South Island
David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
Post date
8 November 2023

Whether it’s an unforgettable, adrenaline-fuelled experience to share together, or simply a quiet, cozy romantic hideaway beneath the stars or in the wilderness you’re looking for, the South Island of New Zealand is littered with incredible honeymoon possibilities.

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David Mckenzie
By
David Mckenzie
Post date

8 November 2023

Robert "Mutt" Lange and the Mahu Whenua Story

QEII National Trust protective covenants
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date
27 October 2023
In 2015, Robert Lange, in an extraordinary act of generosity, placed four QEII National Trust protective covenants, over 90% of his land, which comprises four former high-country sheep stations between Wanaka and Arrowtown this is now collectively known as Mahu Whenua.
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Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date

27 October 2023

South Island Travel Map

South Island Travel Map with points of interest
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
26 October 2023

Our travel designers are experts in making the most of your time in the beautiful South Island. With over 20 years of experience creating trips of a lifetime, contact us - our experienced team will take the stress out of the planning so you can focus on enjoying every minute of your time in New Zealand.

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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

26 October 2023

Tree Planting October 2023

First Light Travel October Tree Plant
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date
24 October 2023
This was a fantastic day out with great weather and plenty of happy faces! The event saw an impressive turnout of volunteers, all eager to make a difference. In just over two hours, 2,500 trees were planted, transforming the landscape and contributing significantly to the local ecosystem. The spirit of camaraderie was palpable as people of all ages worked together.
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Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date

24 October 2023

Our Carbon Offset Programme aims to keep New Zealand Beautiful

Tree Planting
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date
23 October 2023
We're dedicated to preserving New Zealand's environment for future generations by reducing our impact today. Recognizing global concerns like climate change and biodiversity loss, we work to minimize our footprint and that of our guests. Discover how we're offsetting carbon emissions and contributing to New Zealand's natural beauty!
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Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date

23 October 2023

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