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.  

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

Carving Up the White Stuff - Skiing New Zealand

Carving Up the White Stuff - Skiing New Zealand
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date
2 May 2021
Experience an unforgettable New Zealand winter ski holiday with picture-postcard views, epic fresh powder fields, great resorts that offer sizzling après ski festivities. Check out our New Zealand Ski and Snowboarding guide complete with suggested tour itineraries with the latest pricing information.
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Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date

2 May 2021

When Is The Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

Maz
By
Marianne Davies
Post date
17 February 2021
New Zealand’s location and unique geography will ensure you have a wonderful experience whenever you arrive. We do have distinct seasons though, so it’s worth taking the time to match your hopes and desires to the best season and location. This guide will let you know what to expect and help you decide which time of year to book your holiday.
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Maz
By
Marianne Davies
Post date

17 February 2021

Rotorua – a Family Paradise!

rotorua family holiday
Steve Taylor
By
Steve Taylor
Post date
10 August 2020

Looking for a place to base yourself for a few days, with enough things to see and do for families of all ages? Well, Rotorua sounds like the perfect spot for you and your family! Rotorua is about three hours south of Auckland is famous for its geothermal activity, its wide range of activities, and Maori cultural experiences.

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Steve Taylor
By
Steve Taylor
Post date

10 August 2020

NZ Lord of the Rings Blog

LoTR Hobbit Tours
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date
11 July 2020

Are you and your traveling companion are looking to plan your New Zealand trip?  Only problem is that they are an avid fan of ‘Lord of the Rings’ (LOTR) and want to include as many movie locations and tours as possible, while although you enjoy it, you want to see so much more of what New Zealand offers. 

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Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date

11 July 2020

Our Flexibility Promise

Mt Cook Narional Park
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date
14 May 2020
We understand that you want something to look forward to without adding any extra uncertainty into the mix so we have extended our service with a Flexibility Promise which means that you can book with confidence.
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Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date

14 May 2020

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