Molly Ladd
North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Kumeu ▷
5.0/5
A big, free black sand beach filled with caves to explore!
Not safe for swimming but there is a lake just 2kms away to swim at, plus giant black sand dunes to slide down.
South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
4.5/5
AMAZING hiking experience, and well worth every cent.
I tented at Iris Burn and Brod bay to keep costs down, thereby doing the track in only 2 nights. My one complaint is how expensive the huts are, and how few places there are for campers. We felt rushed through the alpine section sine we could not tent at Luxmore!
North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
4.0/5
Amazing place - a scalding hot waterfall drops water into a series of sitting pools, then mixes with the nearby river.
There is always a perfect spot for any temperature! The downside is it can get very crowded. Its family-friendly, so no nude bathers please!
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
2.0/5
While I loved Hoktika, I detested their i-Site centre.
It did not have public toilets, the staff ignored me, and there was very little information on non-expensive activities. Mostly they pushed us to try the new 'Treetop Walk'.
North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
4.5/5
A wonderful FREE campground right near huka Falls within walking distance of the town, the falls and even a hot waterfall off of Spa Road!
The only downside were 1. no fires, and 2. the toilets were not maintained.
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
5.0/5
A great walk through mixed forest following a valley for just about 18kms.
At the top I camped at Welcome Flat, enjoyed the hut, and loved the natural-bottom hot pools.
North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
3.0/5
This i-Site was overall pretty well organised and the staff were friendly but I am giving it a poor review because they were not well informed.
I planned to hike the Tongariro Crossing, and asked at the i-Site what the conditions were before driving down. They said all was good, but when I arrived the track was CLOSED due to poor weather. What a waste! Now I know to call DOC instead.
North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
4.0/5
The ferry was big, comfortable and overall a great experience.
It seemed a bit expensive (compared to flights from say, Wellington to Christchurch), but was a beautiful and scenic rise nonetheless.