10 travel moments that restored our faith in humanity. Stories of kindness from life on the road.
All my friends are buying houses and having babies, yet I'm about to embark on my fourth big trip travelling. Here's how it feels to give it all up again to travel in your thirties.
Rainbow Mountains offers one of the most spectacular views in Rotorua. The bright blue volcanic lake sits in front of deep red cliffs and steaming vents, creating a truly dramatic scene. You can stop at the viewpoint or continue to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. We’re sharing details on both walks.
The Maramataha Bridge is one of the longest swing bridges in the country, taking you over a glorious stretch of forest and river which is home to the rare whio (blue duck). You can visit as part of the multi day Timber Trail or on a short walk or cycle from the nearest trailhead. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the experience.
The Mangapohue Natural Bridge is spectacular by day and simply magical at night. By day you’ll walk through a towering limestone gorge to a huge natural arch. By night the area is transformed into a true glow worm wonderland. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the experience by day and by night.
The Ruakuri bush walk is one of the best short walks on the North Island. This easy trail takes you through stunning forest, into caves and tunnels and along a spectacular mossy gorge. Come back at night to discover the trail in a whole new light, illuminated by thousands of tiny glow worms! We’re sharing exactly where to find all the best glow worm spots in this post.
The Mahinepua Walk is one of the best easy coastal walks in Northland. It’s not all flat, but the short climbs are rewarded by jaw-dropping views over golden and black sand beaches, distant islands and rugged headlands. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk including track conditions.
The Dukes Nose (Kairara Rock) Track has one of, if not, the best view in all of Northland. It has all the wow factor, with endless spectacular bays and headlands. It does involve a near vertical scramble but you’re assisted with a sturdy metal pole. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the trail, including track conditions and how hard that scramble really is.
The effort to reward ratio on the St Paul’s Rock Track has to be the best in all of Northland. This short walk in Whangaroa offers absolutely incredible views from the top and somehow remains blissfully uncrowded. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk, including difficulty and what the chains are like.
As soon as you set eyes on the craggy peaks of Mount Manaia you are going to want to climb it. The short hike is pretty steep but the effort to reward ratio is excellent, with stunning forest and fabulous views from the top. We’re sharing everything you need to know about climbing Mount Manaia including difficulty and track conditions.
The Tutukaka Lighthouse Walk offers incredible views from the top of the headland, as well as access to several sheltered coves for a dip. It’s a relatively easy walk, although it must be done at mid to low tide if you want to make it all the way to the lighthouse. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the walk including track conditions.
Taheke Falls is Northland’s highest and it’s a very pretty waterfall, but it’s the forest surrounding it that is unforgettable. With both wild and tropical vibes, as well as ancient Kauri trees, all accessed on one short easy loop trail, it’s a walk not to be missed. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the trail.
If you’re looking for a glow worm filled cave adventure without a guide, then Abbey Caves is the place to head. You won’t find walkways or lighting in these three undeveloped caves and that only adds to the fun. Come prepared to get wet and you’ll be rewarded with an incredible glow worm experience. We’re sharing everything you need to know about the caves including difficulty and conditions.
