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.  

Morning Paddle Boarding Auckland
Del
By
Del Gorton
Auckland is a harbour city. It’s called the City of Sails for a reason. To truly know the place means getting out on the water. There are lots of different ways for you to explore Auckland from the water. It could be by ferry, yacht, jet boat, cruise, or kayak. But my favourite is on a stand-up paddleboard or SUP.
Del
By
Del Gorton

New Zealand North Island Adventure
The Danielczyk's
By
The Danielczyk's
Edward & Deborah Danielczyk (USA) recently spent 25 days on a New Zealand self-drive adventure First Light Travel created for them. On their return they painstakingly crafted a journey pictorial, publishing it on Shutterfly. This unedited account of their trip is a must-read for anyone planning a New Zealand self-drive tour and wondering which locations & activities are worthwhile – Here is the North Island Instalment.
The Danielczyk's
By
The Danielczyk's

The Danielczyk's South Island Holiday - Pictorial
The Danielczyk's
By
The Danielczyk's
Edward & Deborah Danielczyk (USA) recently spent 25 days on a New Zealand self-drive adventure First Light Travel created for them. On their return they painstakingly crafted a pictorial journal, publishing it on Shutterfly. This unedited account of their trip is a must-read for anyone planning a New Zealand self-drive tour and wondering which locations & activities are worthwhile – Here is the South Island Instalment.
The Danielczyk's
By
The Danielczyk's

Bay of Islands
Michelle Srzich
By
Michelle

I love to travel independently and New Zealand is certainly a wonderful place to explore by yourself, but I also like to socialize with like-minded people and have someone else do the driving once in a while. After a week on the road with Grand Pacific Tours, I can certainly see the appeal of the coach touring lifestyle.

Michelle Srzich
By
Michelle

Five Day Milford Track (Amazing) – Options if dont have the time but still want the Experience?
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Behold the Milford Track!

This is the view that confronts you walking down to Sandfly point toward Milford Sound. All the superlatives in the world have been used to describe the majesty that is Milford. If you cant sacrifice the five days required to walk the world famous track, then we have combined a guided walk and cruise on the sound that will give you great insight into this very special place. Last month I walked a section of the track to gain a better understanding of the experience on offer - I was pleasantly surprised.

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

The Routeburn Track - The Must Do Day Walk
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Routeburn Track: The Flats and up to the Routeburn Falls

Last month, accompanied by Andrew Wells, aka 'The Hiking Guy", and I took the opportunity to hike the eastern end (the Glenorchy side) of the Routeburn Track. Hiking along the Flats and up to the spectacular Routeburn Falls. Considering the day had started out with torrential rain with no real chance of it getting any better,  the day turned out to be memorable, regardless - but that's Mount Aspiring National Park for you, awe-inspiring in all conditions.

Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey

Lake Kaniere
Del
By
Del Gorton

I’d been told the West Coast Wilderness Trail was something really special by a few people who had biked it. But being a mountain biker, it had sounded a bit too tame. Recently I rode it as part of a ride along many of the cycle trails around New Zealand. Turned out the West Coast Wilderness Trail was my favourite of all the trails. It had it all: stunning scenery, a relaxing fun ride, and importantly, well-spaced distances between cafes. 

Del
By
Del Gorton

Jim and Pam Butchart
Jim Butchart
By
Jim Butchart
Follow Jim and Pam's self-drive adventures on their New Zealand dream vacation, organised by our superstar travel specialist Jo. From Waiheke Island wineries to an unforgettable flight over Milford Sound, discover what they loved about road-tripping around the North & South Island. There's even a guest appearance from Huey Lewis!
Jim Butchart
By
Jim Butchart

New Zealand Fly Fishing
Steve Taylor
By
Steve Taylor

I get a good all-round buzz from fishing. Being a Cantabrian, I am spoilt for choice in our South Island waterways. I’d take a few hours of any fishing method, including spinning, trolling, jigging or surf casting, but my favorite is fly fishing with a light line.  I don’t hunt trophy fish, figuring that the big ones can do without the shock. I catch and release unless I need a feed.

Steve Taylor
By
Steve Taylor

Zara Family Holiday
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp

We had booked the trip with our children, 8 & 10 years old and were travelling with another family of five, with children aged 7, 10 & 12. Once on board, with cabins found; there are 2 double cabins and 2 rooms which are shared with 3 bunks in each with 1 main shared bathroom – (if its ensuite travel you are used to – leave those comfort expectations back on dry land – as the scenery and experience more than makes up for the close quarters).

Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp

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