Relaxing Journeys Blog

Perched on the northern end of New Zealand’s South Island, Abel Tasman National Park has all the splendour of Milford Sound… without the crowds. A stone’s throw away from the cellar doors of the Marlborough wine region, this pint-sized national park – the smallest in New Zealand – packs more punch than you’d expect. From […]

New Zealand cruising is fast becoming an essential bucket-list entry on every globe-trotters mind. There’s something about a sea-bound trip, the freedom, the food, the togas… it’s a unique experience, appealing to people who love their accommodation, dining and entertainment options all in one place. Although you’re not forced to leave the boat when the […]

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New Zealand? Snow-capped peaks; chains of mountain ranges, volcanos and expansive national parks waiting to be discovered; wine regions, extreme sports and a wilderness experience that leaves one suffused in wonder… a cultural awakening, inexplicable and indescribable. What makes New Zealand special though, […]

Sometimes, you just need to travel your way. Itineraries are inspirational, advice can be helpful, and insight is always welcome, but really, when you break it down… you need to get away from the voices and opinions. A holiday is about you. Self-drive tours are experiencing a surge in popularity, as places like New Zealand […]

Imagine a paradise removed from the fumes of busy streets, where man-made sound is scarce, besides the gentle hum of a boat-engine and the shuffle of cameras leaving busting day-packs. Welcome to the Bay of Islands. Although you’ll be sorely tempted to stay on dry-land, exploring the cosy corners of Paihia and savouring a gorgeous, […]

New Zealand? You’ve been there, seen it and done it all… right? There are no more surprises beyond the sails of Auckland, the holes of Hobbiton, the soaring sounds and the countless other wonders you’ve packed into a couple of holidays… except the Southern Scenic Route. Even experienced travellers overlook this wandersome wilderness extraganvanza, beginning […]

You’re due for a holiday. You’ve been working hard, thinking too much and running yourself ragged for other people – it will be good to take care of yourself for a change. Sadly, time is limited and you’re not quite sure where to start to make the best of it. Where should you go? What […]

You’ve seen pretty. You’re done with pretty. And while New Zealand comes out swinging with plenty of pretty to talk about at length, it’s not what you’ll ultimately remember about Skippers Canyon. You want adventure. You need teeth-chattering, spine-nudging activities that will send your stomach sky-high, chasing your smile before falling back to earth with […]

Escape to the salt-water paradise of coastal Punakaiki, an underrated hub with a rugged charm, packed with curiosities and activities for every age group to enjoy. Located four hours north-west of Christchurch, this gateway getaway serves as basecamp for avid explorers, laid-back families, adventurous couples and anybody seeking a holiday less frantic than those found […]

Put away the guide books and leave the well-travelled highways behind, it’s time to submerge your sense of adventure in a New Zealand off the beaten track getaway. Rated as the number two Best in Travel 2017 destination by intrepid publishers Lonely Planet, the Taranaki Region is an unsung hero waiting to be praised loudly […]

New Zealand has a network of over 500 incredible hiking trails which meander their way through the great kiwi countryside, connecting the most dramatic mountains, rain forests, river valleys and glacier fields. It has always been a long-time favourite destination for day walks, trekking and multi day guided hikes due to the country’s vast variety […]

Wellington – or Welly to the locals – is wonderfully cosmopolitan without buying into the big-city vibe and too busy service. Friendly, warm and delicious, the foodie and wine scene here is brimming with potential taste sensations and small business surprises, keeping its promise to wow and delight from the moment you arrive at the […]

Your New Zealand holiday is waiting for you, filled with things to do, sights to see and friendly folk to meet along the way… it’s easy to get lost in a schedule, but escapes like these are all about freedom. Set aside a day or two to live spontaneously in the gorgeous North, and play […]

You’ve been counting down to this day. The first week, fortnight or month in a while you’ve had to call your own, but you’re not sure where or how to start planning for a New Zealand holiday with a difference… a quick Google of motorhome holidays doesn’t reveal much, ignoring the do’s and don’ts you’ve […]

New Zealand – A land of mountains, snowfields, caves, glow-worms and vast wonders, it’s hard to believe anybody would take such a magnificent place for granted. While the do’s are easy enough – and we’ll solidify five of our very own below – figuring out the no-no’s of such a laid back destination is no […]

The land down under is expansive, beautiful, diverse and… well, home. Home doesn’t compare to a short overseas jaunt, preferably somewhere spectacular, away from familiar streets and accents. Sometimes you need to get away, throw up your hands and live a little elsewhere, even if it’s for two to five days. But how easy is […]

You’ve probably heard of Milford Sound or seen a few snaps in passing – it’s nothing short of magnificent, or so you’ve heard, as friends and family emphasise the rising joy of seeing the vast rock walls and tumbling waterfalls for the first time. Hanging onto the South Island’s west coast, there’s no right way […]

What’s your idea of paradise? Good friends, good times, venerable views and untouched beauty from horizon to horizon? Great food, better wines and everything at your fingertips? New Zealand wine country is considered the tour de force of viticulture in the Southern Hemisphere and you’ll soon see why. Although words aren’t enough to experience the […]

When planning a holiday to a foreign country, it’s difficult to know what to expect if you’ve never been. So here are some handy tips to help you get started, ensuring you’re not left in the lurch at the last minute. Passport First things first, and this is the most important. You NEED a valid […]

Hobbits, Goblins, Elves… oh my! If you know Saruman from Sauron, and Galadriel from Glorfindel, your holiday destiny is clear. The heart of Middle Earth awaits, or as we non-mythical folk call it, New Zealand. Ancient, striking and beautiful around every bend, we’re not awestruck Peter Jackson chose Aotearoa as ground zero for his cinematic […]

Travelling with children in tow can feel like herding cats on the best days. They need to be entertained, challenged, stimulated and managed – there’s no lasting break for Mum and Dad, just the soothing sounds of little laughs and the occasional silence or two. Between packing their bags and sourcing the right snacks, parents […]