Read More about New Zealand on GoNOMAD

New Zealand's Far North: Splendid Isolation

If you look at a map, as I often do before a trip, you’ll see the way the New Zealand’s north island juts skyward, to a pointy tip. When I was planning my trip down there, I wanted to get up to that very tippy top. I didn’t make it that far, but my adventures in the Far North proved to be an exciting and tasty excursion. Once again, my favorite country of all didn’t disappoint me.


New Zealand's South Island: Splendid Adventuring

South Island adventuring races the gamut from bungee jumping and jet-boating to paragliding and sky-diving, but after doing it all I found my tastes ran to wet and ice, from Class IV rafting and motor-boating the Marlborough Sounds to tramping around on a blue-ice glacier.

New Zealand's North Island: Top Three Escapades

Picture the world’s longest and lumpiest golf course, 1200 miles long, green humps stretching to the horizon. Presto, you’ve conjured New Zealand, the same size as Colorado but stretched like taffy until sundered in the middle, floating on an azure sea.

The genius of Kiwi engineers has created highways that faithfully mimic the intricate nip, tuck and jot of each and every drunken stream and spastic hill, making any road trip a notable escapade, if you have a Porsche.

Cruising New Zealand's Doubtful Sound: Marvelous, Majestic, Mysterious

Doubtful Sound is so isolated that it’s necessary to take a 45-minute boat trip across beautiful Manapouri Lake and then at West Arm board a small van for the 45 minute trip over Wilmot Pass, straight through the rainforest. The scenery is spectacular, flora and birdlife abundant.

Visiting New Zealand: Off to My Favorite Land, Far, Far Away

I realized that New Zealand is surpassing Italy as my favorite place. It's not just the beautiful, rugged scenery, the perfectly prepared and apportioned meals, nor is it the history or the art. Travel is about the people you meet. The shared experiences, the glimpses into each others' lives. So far, Kiwis rule!

Mt. Manganui Beach on New Zealand's North Island. Photo by David Rich.

Nelson New Zealand: Artsy Craftsy Outdoorsy town

Nelson is an town full of artists, who offer creativity in all forms, from painting to sculpture to video and wearable art. The city next to Abel Tasman park, one of the most spectacular walks in the world, and right next to the Tasman Sea.

New Zealand's South Island: Adventures in Pure Paradise

Lauryn and Josh Axelrod spent two months working theirr way from top to bottom, hiking, kayaking, ice climbing, wildlife watching, and exploring all the diversity New Zealand's South Island has to offer.

Read more GoNOMAD stories about New Zealand:

The Coromandel Penisula, NZ

Trekking Te Araroa, New Zealand's Newest & Longest Hiking Trail

Bussing All Around New Zealand

Enjoying the Scenic Railways of New Zealand

More Than Middle Earth: New Zealand For Kids

Queenstown, NZ, Destination Guide

Getting Around New Zealand

Following the Rings in New Zealand

Angelina: From Stromboli to D'Urville Island: A Family's Story

New Zealand Photo Gallery: Summer in the North Island

GoNOMAD Blogs From New Zealand

Volunteering on an Organic Farm in New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand: The Capital City Comes Into Its Own

Meeting the Maori in New Zealand

Set Sail on a Tall Ship from New Zealand to Easter Island

Tailored Travel New Zealand Custom Tours

Nigel Ogle Recreates New Zealand's People