I don’t know why, but as much as I love Sydney, years always seem to pass between my visits to this beautiful city. Sydney was actually the reason I wanted to move to Australia in the first place. In my early twenties, I had pictures of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge all over my bedroom walls, dreaming of the day I would finally see them for myself. As soon...
While planning our road trip back from Tongariro National Park back to Auckland, we were looking for a cozy spot to stop for a couple of nights. That’s how we stumbled upon Raglan, a tiny, laid-back town on the west coast of the North Island. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this little bohemian haven, but we absolutely fell in love with it! Known for...
Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua is a captivating small-town bursting with incredible experiences. From bubbling geothermal parks and steaming hot springs to rich Māori cultural encounters, towering ancient redwoods, and heart-pounding adrenaline adventures, there’s truly something for everyone here. Pohutu Geyser erupting How...
If you’re road-tripping around New Zealand’s North Island, the Coromandel Peninsula is an absolute must. Think wild beaches, emerald-green hills, waterfalls flowing, and jaw-dropping coastal lookouts. The kind of place that has you pulling over every five minutes just to say “WOW”. Beautiful views everywhere! Located in the Waikato Region, the Coromandel Peninsula...
Waiheke Island is Auckland’s most popular day trip, and for good reason. It offers stunning wine tastings, incredible beaches, delicious food, and adventure activities, all just a short ferry ride away. You can easily visit for a weekend if you have more time, but most visitors to Auckland only spend a day. There’s so much to do that you’ll wish for...
Nestled in the sparkling Hauraki Gulf, just a scenic 75-minute ferry ride from Auckland‘s Viaduct Harbour, Rotoroa Island is a little gem that’s equal parts history, adventure, and natural wonder. Once off-limits to the public for over a century as New Zealand’s first and longest-running Salvation Army alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre...
Auckland, New Zealand’s vibrant largest city, is home to around 1.5 million people roughly 30% of the country’s population (yes New Zealand is tiny!). Many people dash off to the countryside for nature fixes and don’t spend enough time in this city. But we really liked Auckland with its soaring skyscrapers framing the sparkling harbour, a world-class food...
Carnarvon Gorge has been on our “one-day” list for way too long. You know those places that always sound amazing, but are just far enough away to make you say, “Maybe next year”? Well, this was that place but no longer. A sunrise to remember! At about 9 hours’ drive from the Sunshine Coast/Brisbane, it’s not your average weekend getaway, but that’s also part of its...
Esk is a quaint little country town in the Somerset region, which is nestled between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Because it’s so close to both the Wivenhoe and Somerset dams, Esk is the perfect getaway for water sports enthusiasts. But even if water sports aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other amazing things to do in the area. The beautiful scenic drive...
During our stay in Ballina over Christmas, we drove an hour south to the picturesque town of Yamba, another delightful seaside town in northern New South Wales. Set right at the mouth of the Clarence River, Yamba is a little gem that is well worth visiting. Like Ballina and Byron Bay, Yamba is known for its beautiful beaches and great surf, as well as for the...