Mike Howe
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Rawhiti Cave route
4.0/5
Steep and slippery track to a magnificent cave with unique formations.
From Packard Rd you can drive the farm track (leaving the gate as you find it) until you reach the parking area at the foot of the mountain. From there the rough and overgrown walking track follows the dry river bed through some nice forest.
When the track heads directly up the valley side you know you're in for a workout. It's a tough climb with many switch-backs that never seem to end.
The cave is well worth it and DOC has somewhat recently installed a platform inside with information about the history and formation.
You got this.
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North Island ▷ Ruapehu ▷ Tongariro / National Park Village ▷
Whakapapa Holiday Park
4.0/5
This is camping ground situated in an amazing location which is well worth exploring.
So many great walks and hikes.
The facilities are aging now but it is holding together just enough to make this a positive experience.
We had a lodge room which is cheap and cheerful. The bunk beds were fine but the loud air con/heat pump means it sounds like a car running just outside the window.
The sites for campervans looked really nice and private in amoungst the forest.
Nice people running the campsite too.
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South Island ▷ Marlborough ▷ Havelock ▷
Smiths Farm Holiday Park
5.0/5
We had an early morning ferry to catch in Picton.
This camping ground is less than an hour's drive away from the ferry terminal so, for us, was a convenient stop.
We were welcomed with fresh muffins and overfed farm animals. Turned out to be a relaxing environment. We had a small cabin with access to the shared facilities. Everything was clean and well thought out.
The only issue was that the cabin had no ventilation unless a door or window was opened. And these had no insect screens. Otherwise a great accommodation.
😄
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Motupipi Carpark
3.0/5
The only free site in the Takaka area.
It's a public carpark just off the main street. Easy access to this funky and friendly town. Otherwise an uninspiring overnight stay.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Kerikeri ▷
Forest Pools
4.5/5
No longer a place to stay overnight which is a shame.
I remember coming for weekends with the whanau back in the 80's.
Still worth a stop for a swim and a bush walk. Clean water flowing from the forest - some tannins give it a deep golden colour.
Only downside about this place is some people leave their rubbish and dog sh*t.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ St Arnaud ▷
West Bay Campsite
4.5/5
Nice spots amongst the trees.
Plenty of access to the lake and walks in the area (check out the Buller River just nearby). Also not far from Mt Robert walk which gives you a quick high!
Can be a bit exposed for wind coming down the valley and over the lake.
The better choice if you don't like the crowds you'll often find at Kerr Bay.
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North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Te Kuiti ▷
Kakaho Campsite
4.5/5
The roads a bit rough to get to this site.
A few kilometres with deep pot holes that can't really be avoided.
Once there you'll forget the road. Several nice flat grassy spaces surrounded by bush, rocky crags and a small river.
The walk to the river blessed us with a whio sighting. It spied us quickly and silently flew further downstream.
Although there's a fee for the stay its hard to pay when the fee lock-box has been vandalised and gone.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Village Milk
5.0/5
We get all our milk from these metal udders.
Professional, clean and deliciously creamy. And clean too.
You can see the happy cows too. $2.50 per litre. Bring your own bottle.
Also they sell free range eggs and spray free potatoes.
Everything seems really clean here ☺︎
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Rotorua ▷
Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre
5.0/5
There's nothing grandiose about Wingspan but you'll leave with the feeling that you experienced something special.
The people are passionate about NZ birds of prey and it rubs off.
Seeing the falcons, hawks and owls in the aviaries is nice but the real bonus is the falconry display. Watching the birds and their handlers working and hearing the stories is a gift. You even get the opportunity to hold the birds and look into their eyes.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Museum of New Zealand
5.0/5
I've been to Te Papa a few times now and always there is something new to enjoy.
This last time we happened upon Kapa Haka performances by Kaumatua (elders). It was choice to see.
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North Island ▷ Rotorua Region ▷ Waiotapu ▷
Kerosene Creek
4.0/5
Good natural hot spring.
Pool is comfortable with sandy bottom and a small waterfall. Temperature is a bit too low at around 30°C.
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North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Dargaville ▷
The Kauri Museum
4.5/5
A real gem hidden away from all the fanfare.
From the outside you have no idea how much you're in store for.
We were advised to walk right through the entire museum to the very back and then walk back. This is a good idea otherwise we'd have had no idea how long it might take to investigate the whole place.
Could easily have spent 5-6 hours if the kids hadn't mentally worn down.
Definitely check out the kauri gum collection downstairs too.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
The Village Theatre
5.0/5
Choice little cinema with true small town class.
Mid-movie intervals, sofas and cushions. Cups of hot tea for $1. Friendly staff.
Yeah I sound like an advert but this is something not to be missed!
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Abel Tasman ▷
Tōtaranui Campground
4.0/5
Good campground with basic facilities and a long drive from civilization.
It's the location that makes it special - beautiful sweeping beach patrolled by eagle-rays. Surrounded by mature native forest. Good rockpools at the southern end of the beach for the family to search out critters. Weka birds around the campground are entertaining. Nice walks along the coastline too.
The only downsides are that during summer and holidays it's really crowded and the camping areas are not too private. But that's traditional kiwi camping right!
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Kaituna Track
4.5/5
Nice walk with remnants of historic gold mining operations to check out.
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South Island ▷ Nelson Region ▷ Golden Bay ▷
Harwoods Hole
4.0/5
This is a great short walk to amazing views down into Takaka Valley.
Harwood's Hole itself is about 180 metres deep and you can't see the bottom when standing at the top. Its tempting to try and lean out and catch a glimpse - Ahhhh!
The drive out along Canaan Rd is long, winding and taxing on the car. The track is a bit rough toward the end when its all jagged limestone.
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South Island ▷ Queenstown Region ▷ Queenstown Township ▷
Moke Lake Campsite
4.0/5
Beautiful spot to camp right next to the lake and away from the hubbub of Queenstrap.
Not much shelter from the elements so be prepared. The wind came up in the middle of the night and we had to pack the tent into the back of the car and sleep there to avoid getting blown into the lake.