On August 6, 1945, during World War II (1939-45), an American B-29 bomber dropped the world’s first deployed atomic bomb over the Japanese city of Hiroshima.
Hike To Pulpit rock – Norway, one of the most spectacular sights in the world
Pulpit rock, a stunning 604-meter cliff in Rogaland, Norway, offers breathtaking views and a challenging hike. Known as Preikestolen, this iconic landmark is a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Our 2-Month Tasmania & Aotearoa New Zealand Road Trip: The Ultimate Itinerary
A 2-month travel adventure through Tasmania and New Zealand, featuring road trips, hiking, and unforgettable landscapes across both islands.
Random Aotearoa New Zealand: Dogs, Coffee & Glorious Chaos
A chaotic collection of New Zealand road trip moments—dogs, great coffee, weird encounters, and the kind of randomness that makes travel unforgettable.
5 Weeks in Aotearoa New Zealand: Tips, Tricks & Costs
Embarking on an epic road trip across New Zealand’s South and North Islands, we drove over 6,500 kilometers, balancing spontaneity with meticulous planning. With an average accommodation budget of 240 NZD per night, we cleverly avoided overspending by booking last-minute stays and prioritizing cost over location. This approach enabled us to save significantly on food, as we stocked up on essentials and enjoyed homemade meals paired with occasional restaurant dining.
Our 25-day itinerary on the North Island, Aotearoa New Zealand
A detailed 25-day North Island New Zealand itinerary with road trip tips, must-see stops, hidden gems, and LOTR locations from Wellington to Auckland.
Our Top 10 Aotearoa New Zealand Experiences
Discover our top 10 unforgettable experiences in New Zealand after three trips—from scenic hikes and epic road trips to hidden gems across the North and South Islands.
A Weekend in Auckland
A 3-day Auckland itinerary with Britomart highlights, Ponsonby cafés, top food spots, and where to stay. A fresh take on New Zealand’s biggest city.
A Short Ferry Ride to Russell in the Bay of Islands
Take a short ferry from Paihia to Russell in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. Discover its wild past, scenic waterfront, and relaxed charm.
Karikari Peninsula: Maitai Bay, Waikato Bay, Puwheke Beach & Lunch at Mangonui Fish Shop
Discover the remote beauty of Karikari Peninsula in New Zealand, from the turquoise waters of Maitai Bay and Waikato Bay to wild Puwheke Beach—plus a must-stop at Mangonui Fish Shop for legendary fish and chips.
Cape Reinga — The Top of New Zealand
Stand at the edge of New Zealand at Cape Reinga, where two oceans collide and Māori spirituality runs deep. A timeless, meaningful travel experience.
The Giant Sand Dunes of Cape Reinga
Explore the giant Te Paki sand dunes near Cape Reinga—New Zealand’s unexpected desert landscape. Discover sandboarding, scenic views, and travel tips for this unique Northland stop.
Waipoua Forest – Walking Among Giants
Explore the ancient Waipoua Forest and walk among giant kauri trees, including Tāne Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere. A scenic Northland road trip through one of New Zealand’s most magical landscapes.
A Short Visit and Swim in Lake Taharoa/Kai Iwi Lakes
A short visit to Lake Taharoa on New Zealand’s North Island—discover its black waters, white sand dunes, and why it’s a perfect off-the-beaten-path swimming stop.
Coffee in Orewa, Oysters in Matakana, Swim at Goat Island and Nearly Offroad on Pakiri Road
A scenic road trip through northern New Zealand—coffee in Orewa, fresh oysters in Matakana, snorkelling at Goat Island, and an unexpected gravel road adventure on Pakiri Road.
Return to Hobbiton — 20 Years Later
Returning to Hobbiton after 20 years: exploring the famous Lord of the Rings movie set in New Zealand and seeing how it has changed.
Going (Almost) Off-Road in the Coromandel
Drive some of the wildest gravel roads on the Coromandel Peninsula, from Coromandel Town to Kennedy Bay, with stops at remote beaches, mountain lookouts, and a café in Colville.
A Short Hike to Waiau Kauri Grove and Waiau Falls on the Coromandel Peninsula
Discover the short and scenic hike to Waiau Kauri Grove near Coromandel Town. Walk among ancient kauri trees and stop by the beautiful Waiau Falls on this easy detour in the Coromandel Peninsula.
Coromandel Town: A Cozy Little New Zealand Gem
Discover charming Coromandel Town on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula. From great seafood and craft beer to historic gold-rush roots and scenic drives, this cozy harbor town is the perfect base for exploring the region.
The Coromandel Peninsula: From Cathedral Cove to Coromandel Township — A Spectacular Drive
A scenic drive through New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula from Cathedral Cove to Coromandel Township. Discover Cooks Beach, Kuaotunu cliffs, mountain viewpoints, and winding coastal roads.
A Short but Epic Hike to Mautohe Cathedral Cove
Discover the epic hike to Mautohe Cathedral Cove, New Zealand’s famous Coromandel beach and Narnia filming location, plus updated track information.
A Weekend at Ōhope Beach
A relaxing weekend at Ōhope Beach near Whakatāne—Kiwi bach life, beach days, BBQ evenings, and views of Whakaari volcano in the Bay of Plenty.
A Return to Hell’s Gate, Rotorua
Discover Hell’s Gate in Rotorua — bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, Māori legends and raw geothermal power in New Zealand’s North Island.
A Soothing Soak at Waikite Valley Hot Pools
Relax at Waikite Valley Hot Pools between Taupō and Rotorua. Silica-rich waters, no sulphur smell, native bush views, and a scenic walk to Te Manaroa Spring.
A short stop at the awesome Huka Falls
Discover fun facts about Huka Falls in Taupō, NZ — how powerful it is, why it’s turquoise, and tips for visiting one of New Zealand’s top attractions.
Lunch in Taupō: Sunshine, Superloos & Suspicious Golf Ambitions
Lunch in Taupō by Lake Taupō, quirky attractions, the Hole in One Challenge, and McDonald’s inside a DC-3 plane. Sunshine, scenery and fun.
Te Pakanga o Ngā Maunga, The Battle Of The Mountains
Here’s one of the best-known Māori myths explaining the volcanoes of New Zealand’s North Island, especially the central volcanic plateau.
The Real Mount Doom on the Desert Road, New Zealand
Discover the real Mount Doom on New Zealand’s Desert Road. Explore the volcanic landscapes that inspired Lord of the Rings and learn where to find the best views.
Mangawhero Falls – Finding Gollum’s Pool & Ithilien
Visit Mangawhero Falls near Ohakune, home of Gollum’s Pool from The Lord of the Rings. Easy walk, epic scenery, and Mount Ruapehu views.
Finding Mount Doom and Emyn Muil at Whakapapa Ski Area
Explore Whakapapa ski area on Mount Ruapehu, where Mount Doom, Emyn Muil, and Mordor were filmed for Lord of the Rings. A real Middle-earth journey.
The Forgotten World Highway: New Zealand’s Most Epic Scenic Drive
Drive New Zealand’s Forgotten World Highway (SH43), a breathtaking back-country route of lush gorges, tunnels, and hidden history between Stratford and Taumarunui.
Hiking to Wilkies Pools and Dawson Falls on Mount Taranaki
Hike through enchanted forest to Wilkies Pools and Dawson Falls on Mount Taranaki. A scenic, easy walk in Egmont National Park, New Zealand.
Finding Rivendell in Kaitoke Regional Park
Step into Middle-earth at Kaitoke Regional Park, the real-life filming location for Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings. A must-visit near Wellington, New Zealand.
2 Nights in Wellington, New Zealand
Discover Wellington, New Zealand’s windy capital: cafés, Wētā Workshop, Lord of the Rings filming locations, Zealandia Sanctuary, and vibrant city life in just two nights.
Visiting Zealandia (Te Māra a Tāne) Sanctuary in Wellington
Visit Zealandia Sanctuary in Wellington, a world-class urban wildlife reserve where native species thrive. Our dusk tour revealed kiwi, kākā, and more.
A Visit to The Wētā Workshop and a Hobbit Hideout in Wellington
Visit Wētā Workshop in Wellington and explore iconic Lord of the Rings filming locations, including the Hobbit Nazgûl forest scene. A must-do for movie fans.
Our 12-Day New Zealand South Island Itinerary
Experience the best of New Zealand with this epic 12-day South Island itinerary featuring Kaikōura dolphins, Milford Sound, LOTR sites, hikes, and West Coast gems.
On the Road from Hokitika to Blenheim
Experience New Zealand’s stunning West Coast on a scenic drive from Hokitika to Blenheim—Pancake Rocks, coastal cliffs, wine country, and a Cook Strait crossing.
A Short Walk on the Cape Foulwind Walkway
A funny, scenic detour on the West Coast: Cape Foulwind’s seal colony, epic cliffs, and a leisurely walk with maximum views and minimal effort.
The Pancake Rocks
Discover New Zealand’s Pancake Rocks and Punakaiki blowholes—stunning layered limestone formations on the rugged West Coast. A must-visit South Island stop.
The Pororari River Track Hike: A Family Tradition
Discover why the Pororari River Track in Paparoa National Park has become a beloved family tradition. A lush rainforest walk near Punakaiki with dramatic limestone gorges, tree ferns, birdlife, and easy access from the highway.
A Few Days in Hokitika
Discover Hokitika on New Zealand’s wild West Coast — gold-rush history, greenstone carving, beach art, and relaxed small-town charm.
Hokitika Gorge Sidequest: Dorothy Falls and Lake Kaniere
Got lost near Hokitika Gorge and found paradise instead! Join our spontaneous sidequest to Dorothy Falls and Lake Kaniere on New Zealand’s wild West Coast.
Hokitika Gorge Hike: A Gem of New Zealand’s West Coast
Experience the breathtaking Hokitika Gorge hike on New Zealand’s South Island — a short, easy trail with turquoise glacial waters, lush rainforest, and stunning suspension bridges. Perfect for photographers and nature lovers alike.
From East to West: Crossing the South Island via Arthur’s Pass
Journey across New Zealand’s South Island from east to west via Arthur’s Pass — from the legendary Castle Hill Rocks to lush West Coast rainforests and Hokitika’s wild beaches. A scenic road trip full of culture, geology, and cosy rest stops.
Finding Edoras: The Coolest Lord of the Rings Location in New Zealand
Discover Mount Sunday, the real-life filming location of Edoras from The Lord of the Rings. A breathtaking hike in New Zealand’s remote Rangitata Valley.
The Hooker Valley Track: New Zealand’s Most Epic Day Hike
Discover why the Hooker Valley Track is one of New Zealand’s most unforgettable day hikes. This guide covers everything you need to know — from what to pack and when to go, to the best photo spots along the trail to Hooker Lake beneath Mount Cook (Aoraki).
Queenstown to Twizel: A Scenic New Zealand Road Trip via Wanaka
Drive from Queenstown to Twizel in one stunning day! Explore historic Arrowtown, photograph That Wanaka Tree, and enjoy a cozy night under NZ’s dark skies.
On the Road from Te Anau to Glenorchy via Queenstown, the Orc Mound, and Isengard
Explore the road from Te Anau to Glenorchy via Queenstown — scenic lakes, Lord of the Rings film sites, and unforgettable South Island views.
Cruise on the Beautiful Milford Sound, New Zealand
Discover the magic of Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, New Zealand. Read our travel guide to the best Milford Sound cruise, scenic drive, and travel tips for this breathtaking destination.
Wremer Travels (yes, we do!) 