Ulva island, land of birds
Ulva island is one of New Zealand’s only open island sanctuaries. The moment you step off the boat (15min water taxi from Golden Bay in Oban) you’re greeted by birds. The songs carry… Continue reading
Category Archive: New Zealand
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Stewart Island and the Rakiura Great Walk
Stewart island where birds roam in large flocks and bush is everywhere. We did the Rakiura Great Walk while we were there.
Wildlife adventures in the Catlins, New Zealand
It’s been awhile since I’ve posted about my travels, but my latest trip was just too good not to share. After completing the Milford Track Great Walk (hopefully if I get into the… Continue reading
A dash of positivity
It’s been awhile since I posted and was part of the monthly blog linkup that my lovely travel blogger friends organise, yet I felt that of all months this month it was time… Continue reading
Tribute to Christchurch and New Zealand
As all Kiwi’s and many others around the world stay shocked by the recent terror attacks, I seem to just struggle to find the words. The words that express the sadness, the hurt,… Continue reading
Travel moments that sparked joy
When you close your eyes and think of your travels, those happy moments, those places that sparked joy, the smile that the memories create… where are you? Here’s where those moments take me:… Continue reading
Sights of Summer
As winter gave way at the end of 2018 in New Zealand, the sunshine tried to open up and eventually brought on lovely flowers, birds and landscapes to enjoy. Below are a few… Continue reading
12 Days of Christmas – the travel edition
Here’s my top pick for the best destinations around the world that I’ve been to that would be great at Christmas 1. New York, New York Though I went a bit early at… Continue reading
Winter and Spring Snow Adventures
Nothing quite like fresh mountain air and beautiful snowy landscapes to give you a decent break away from city life. This winter I’ve been snowboarding usually at least once a month, few bouts… Continue reading
10 Peaceful spots of New Zealand
As it gets towards the time of year that I spend time reflecting, I like to find peaceful spaces to be alone with my thoughts in. I thought I’d share some of my… Continue reading
Round up of New Zealand’s South Island
Well my posts about my roadtrip around New Zealand’s South Island have finally come to an end. It’s kinda sad to be honest! I loved the scenery and hikes so much. I’m very… Continue reading
The Road Home: Hanmer Springs and Picton
I thought I was leaving the rain behind me. I thought I was escaping. It was sunny again. Then it was not. Hanmer Springs This was when the fun and enjoying of camping… Continue reading
The road to Peel
Sounds like a book or movie right? Well it was pretty exciting and maybe one day it will get into a book… Saying goodbye to Ohau Having spent New Years at Ohau Lodge… Continue reading
Scenic delights of Aoraki Mount Cook
Ice cracks and crashes as an echo is sent through the Hooker Valley. This is a pretty special way to celebrate the start of 2018 on New Years Day, walking the Hooker Valley… Continue reading
The road to Ohau – scenic inland New Zealand
When I think of beautiful scenery in New Zealand I think coastal initially. My roadtrip through the South Island taught me otherwise. Not only are the coastal aspects beautiful, but the mountain and… Continue reading
3 Years Repatriated in New Zealand
Time flies. 3 years seems like a long time and yet it feels like I’ve just returned to my home country of New Zealand in many ways. I sometimes wonder if that feeling… Continue reading
Postcards from Moody Doubtful Sound, Fiordland
Saying farewell to the sunshine in Wanaka, I packed up the car for a few nights of camping before New Year’s Eve. The drive over the Crown Range into Queenstown always freaks me… Continue reading
Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain Summit Hike – Wanaka
Walks labelled as Moderate-Hard shouldn’t be underestimated. Especially if you’re walking on your own and don’t do big hikes often… So someone like me was totally qualified to hike up to both the… Continue reading
Sights of Wanaka – Lavender and Wine
What’s more to love right? Flowers, the smell of lavender, maybe a taste of lavender ice-cream… followed by a trip to the most scenic vineyard I’ve ever been to… topping off the day… Continue reading
Wanaka Hiking Mount Iron
Sometimes it’s difficult to comprehend such beauty and this road trip has had those moments over and over again. Wanaka didn’t disappoint. I fell in love with this small town a few years… Continue reading
3 Years on.. Places I can’t get out of my head
Back in 2015 as part of the monthly bloggers linkup I shared my passion for Africa as the place I couldn’t get out of my head. Three years on and is it still… Continue reading
Road to Wanaka
Lake Matheson > Haast > Makarora > Wanaka Leaving the beautiful Lake Matheson behind me it was onwards to Wanaka, my favourite town in the South Island (competes with Tauranga for best in… Continue reading
Reflections of Christmas: Roadtrip to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers
Hokitika > Franz Josef Glacier > Lake Matheson > Fox Glacier Spotting ice during a summer Christmas… sounds a little unusual right? Well last Christmas I did just that during my roadtrip in… Continue reading
HO HO HO Hokitika
Hoooow I wish I’d taken a photo of the roundabout that was decorated for Christmas saying ‘Ho Ho Ho Hokitika’ but alas, I was concentrating on driving and getting fish n’ chips for… Continue reading
Seals and Pancake Rocks: Driving the West Coast of New Zealand
Westport > Tauranga Bay > Punakaki Leaving the sandflies behind the West Coast of New Zealand just gets better and better. Westport is the first decent town you’ll hit South of Karamea, it’s… Continue reading
The thing about travel and perspective on life
A slight interlude in my road trip posts… figured it was time to share a big change in my life. I purchased a bed for the first time in about 10 years. I’m… Continue reading
The REAL middle of nowhere: Oparara Arches
Day 2 Route: Picton > Westport > Karmea > Oparara Arches > Kohaihai Campsite, Kahurangi National Park Where the heck are the Oparara Arches you may ask? The Oparara Arches are nestled away… Continue reading
Reigning in Christmas in the wop wops
Wop Wops you say? (Plural for Woop Woop: a humorous name for a remote outback town or district.) Yer that’s the middle of nowhere in New Zealand. I didn’t realise you can actually… Continue reading
Travel Planning Mojo
As my UK and European buddies rug up for a wintery Christmas, I’m busting out the dresses and skirts and enjoying the warm summer walks in the sun… when Auckland isn’t sharing its… Continue reading
Journeying into the unknown
This month’s travel blog linkup is all about Journeys, somewhat appropriate for me since my entire life feels like a journey! For me a journey is discovering the unknown around the world and… Continue reading
An Ode to the Snow
Oh how thee is so white. Oh how thee is so pure. Oh how thee glistens under bluebird skies above. The trails they leave behind are a minor scratch on your skin. The powder… Continue reading
That daily ‘happy place’
Sometimes travel takes you to your happy place. One that makes you smile. One that takes your breath away. One that puts you in a good place to start your day. I’m lucky… Continue reading
10 tips for expats returning home (repatriation)
So a few years back in New Zealand and I’m definitely not settled, but I’m thinking of things that have helped me bit by bit feel a little more comfortable back home, after… Continue reading
Adventures in the snow
Nine years on and I return to a winter wonderland known as Mount Ruapehu in the middle of the North Island of New Zealand. It’s cold, white (and rocky) and exhilarating. When my… Continue reading
Long Weekend Getaway: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Countryside, wine, food and friends – what more do you need for a decent break? I recently ventured down to a new part of New Zealand that I’d never properly visited. The Hawkes… Continue reading
Expat Returns: July 2017 update
Not sure if anyone really is interested in this, but I’ll try for another month and see what you guys think. So here we go, what this month has been all about as… Continue reading
Expat Returns: June 2017 update
Last month I reached my 2 years back in NZ and inspired by other bloggers, ideas of reflection and gratitude I’ve decided to try a monthly review here on kiwifootprints.com. Possibly not the… Continue reading
A place called home
Home… This month I was kindly asked to be a joint host in a monthly blog linkup. The topic is oh so appropriate given I’ve just reached my 2 years back in New… Continue reading
2 Years On… expat back in New Zealand
2 Years ago I landed back in New Zealand. Almost 3 years since I left my life in the UK to travel my way back to my home country. And what a whirlwind… Continue reading
Another day, another flower… Auckland Botanic Gardens
Another day, another flower. Auckland Botanic Gardens holds enjoyment all year round for all ages and I for one love wandering around flower gardens just like this place! After two visits, one in autumn… Continue reading
Crankworx Rotorua, 2017
From all around the world the BMX and mountain bike riders descend on the smelly (but lovely) kiwi town of Rotorua to enjoy the bush tracks on offer to riders… yes Rotorua is… Continue reading
Colour and Vibrance of Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Following on from last week’s emotional post about the art and destruction of Christchurch City I thought this week I’d share my favourite spot in Christchurch to visit: The Botanic Gardens. Strolling through… Continue reading
Christchurch – the city of art and destruction
Buildings falling to pieces. Construction site after construction site. Little pockets of pop up life. Art and colour amongst the grey. A city attempting to rebuild itself. This is Christchurch. I had the… Continue reading
Hidden Gems of Travelling
It’s those places that you never considered visiting. Those spots that you stumble upon. Those aspects that etch away at your mind, heart and soul. Those places that you can never forget. Those… Continue reading
French vibrations in New Zealand: Akaroa
Akaroa, known as the only French settlement in New Zealand and easy day-trip from Christchurch. Towards the end of last year I had the pleasure of nipping down to Christchurch in New Zealand’s… Continue reading
In memory of Kaikoura, 2016
In late 2016 before the dreaded earthquakes I visited Kaikoura in the hope to see whales. While the whales weren’t present, I am pleased I had the chance to see the pristine coastline… Continue reading
2016: The travel year that was, 2017: The travel year that will be
2016 Was a year of highs and lows, some epic lows, hence how quiet my blog has been lately. With the start of 2017 comes a time to start getting back into the… Continue reading
Review: All Stars Inn on Bealey
For the last public holiday I ventured down to Christchurch to enjoy a long weekend in a place I’d never been to before. When booking this trip I decided to treat myself to… Continue reading
Wandering through Zealandia, Wellington, NZ
Just a short 10min drive from central Wellington (or with the free Zealandia shuttle) nestled amongst the bushland, is a nature sanctuary to delight any nature lover — whether you grew up in… Continue reading
#30 Top Travel Experience before I’m 30: Rediscovering New Zealand
Number 30 in my Greatest Travel Experiences before I’m 30 had to lead me back home to my homeland, New Zealand, Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud. New Zealand was never high… Continue reading
Near-Perfect Travel Experiences: Travel Linkup
Well, nothing in life is ever perfect… right? At least my travels are never perfect. I think that’s what makes them some of the best stories I have to share! So this month… Continue reading
Art and culture in Wellington
From houses to rubbish bins, walkways to waterfront sculptures. Then there’s the galleries, museums and shows that Wellington is busting with! I recently had the pleasure of spending 3 days in Wellington, based… Continue reading
Skydiving over Lake Taupo, New Zealand – A Top Travel Experience
What do you want to do for your 21st? Well back in the day my answer was, Go skydiving! I’d never done anything quite like it before and I have never been super… Continue reading
48 Hours in Wellington, New Zealand’s Capital City
WOW literally. Art, culture, nature, scenery. Its like Wellington has everything you could want in a city… including 4 seasons in one day! I spent three days there (since I’m a bad Kiwi… Continue reading
Self-created mini retreat in Pauanui
Ever felt like a mouse is running around in a maze in your head, not sure which way to go? Need a bit of clarity? Literally just need to get away from everything?… Continue reading
Afternoon Tea: Zealong Tea Estate, Waikato, New Zealand
Nestled away in the farmlands of Gordonton in the Waikato, minutes from Hamilton is an estate of green tea called Zealong. As the sun shone down one bright Saturday I joined a few… Continue reading
Travel Linkup: Home
Home. Where for out thou home? Ummm… I thought it was London for awhile (well close to 5 years)… but really I knew it was always New Zealand… but now that I’m back,… Continue reading
Nelson and the World of Wearable Art Museum
Centre of New Zealand. Check. Queens Gardens. Check. World of Wearable Art Museum – aka the WOW Museum. Check. Besides the fantastic nature spots of Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kaiteriteri nearby, Nelson… Continue reading
Is the grass really greener on the other side: 1 year on in NZ
1 year ago today I landed in Auckland, New Zealand on a plane from San Fransisco in a snotty, sick mess to see my sister waiting for me at the airport (poor her).… Continue reading
Kaiteriteri: Beach delights near Abel Tasman National Park
Think golden sand, sunshine, clear waters and stunning scenery. What more could one want? Being Easter, this was my last chance of a decent swim in warm-ish waters before Autumn properly kicks in… Continue reading
An Easters day visiting Nelson Lakes
I could be in Bariloche staring out at Cerro Campanario or maybe one of Switzerland’s gorgeous lakes, but instead I’m at the delightful Nelson Lakes region on a sunny Easter Sunday with my… Continue reading
Kayak and Hiking in Abel Tasman National Park
The birds were deafening as we kayaked up to the little island in Abel Tasman National Park. Seals played by the rocks and the birds sang their hearts out. I don’t think I’ve… Continue reading
Side trip: Whangarei Falls
Gushing water, crunching of leaves, insects in the trees and birds singing away. I’m staring through the trees in the bush at the beautiful Whangarei Falls, just a few hours north of Auckland,… Continue reading
Day trippin’ to Russell, Bay of Islands
As the boat rolls in I feel like I’ve stepped back a few decades, the shoreline is neat and tidy, a one street town appears with dotted little quaint colonial buildings along the… Continue reading
Travelling to the Bay of Islands
Imagine waking up, strolling 50m to a coffee shop for a large flat white (Kiwi classic) and proceeding down another 50m to the beach. Sand, water, islands and just the sound of the… Continue reading
Inspiration from the legend David Bowie
For years and years I roamed, I gazed a gazeless stare – David Bowie, The Man Who Sold the World Sometimes it takes a shock of someone so fantastic to pass to realise… Continue reading
Wishlist for 2016 and the year that was in 2015…
Wow heeelllo 2016! Aren’t you shiny and new, warm and happy, tasty and a delightful year to meet? Here’s to another year and some fantastic experiences, travels and moments ahead, many of which… Continue reading
Wanaka: Sunshine, wine and fish n’ chips on a crystal clear lake
It really doesn’t get much more stunning than this I think as I gaze out over a vineyard seeing snowcapped mountains across a glistening Lake Wanaka. My trip to Queenstown was just one… Continue reading
Road trip to Paradise (literally)
What do you imagine when someone says Paradise? Blue sky, white sand beaches, maybe palm trees, clear blue ocean? I’m sure everyone’s interpretation of Paradise is different, but recently I literally visited a… Continue reading
Going back in time in Arrowtown, New Zealand
Stepping out of the hire I look around and think I’m in some sort of western town, shops and miners cottages all styled from many years ago. This is Arrowtown, New Zealand. Arrowtown… Continue reading