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6 Coastal Towns You Need to Visit in New Zealand

New Zealand is lucky enough to boast an impressive 15,000 kilometers of coastline. That makes it the 9th longest coastline in the world! This means there is no shortage of coastal towns just waiting to be explored.

New Zealand’s small coastal towns are some of the most inviting, laid-back and surprising places in the world. Every little town boasts its own special little something that the locals are proud of.

I could create an endless list of towns that you need to visit in New Zealand, however, this list is of my favorite 6 coastal towns in New Zealand. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

1: Raglan

Raglan is one of my personal favorite coastal towns in New Zealand. There are a couple of main reasons why.

The first is the Raglan Fish fish and chip shop. Anyone will (or should) tell you that New Zealand is home to the world’s best fish and chips. In my opinion, Raglan Fish is New Zealand’s best fish n chip shop.

Grab a crumbed Snapper, a serving of fresh hand cut chips, a bottle of L&P, Watties sauce, crumbed mussels, scallops & oysters and you are in for one perfect classic kiwi dinner! Now all that’s left is to head down to Manu Bay to eat, check out the surf & watch the sun go down.

The second reason Raglan is so loved, is due to all the amazing cafes, boutiques & galleries that litter this little town. If you are lucky enough to be here on a weekday you will be constantly amazed by all the empty galleries.

2: Kaikoura

A list of the best coastal towns in New Zealand would not be complete without Kaikoura. Kaikoura is a laid back, trendy, and inviting town with lots of cool little surprises. Not to mention home to some of the warmest and welcoming people you will ever meet!

For those of you who like your sealife, you will be pleasantly surprised when arriving in Kaikoura. You will be welcomed by the local seals, penguins, dolphins and if you are lucky enough, maybe even a pod of whales passing by. Kaikoura is New Zealand’s home of whale watching. The season generally runs from November to March.

Kaikoura is also home to Point Kean, one of the awe inspiring lookouts. On a sunny day in winter or fall, you get the stunning view of the snow-capped mountains, the lush green farmland, Kaikoura town and the South Pacific Ocean, it’s really is magical.

3: New Plymouth

New Plymouth is a playground for those who love a healthy and active lifestyle. Situated on the North Island’s wild West Coast, New Plymouth is set right at the foot of the glorious Mt Taranaki and wedged up next to the Tasman Sea. w Plymouth is famous for several things; the incredible 12.7km coastal walkway, the abundance of cafes, coffee shops & restaurants and the 105km state or ‘Surf’ Highway 45 coastal road. Surf Highway 45 heads south and boasts over 100 surf spots and endless options of beaches, coves and sand dunes.

If camping is your thing, New Plymouth has some amazing campgrounds and free camping options. Most of which with a stunning beach and mountain view. Sitting back with a glass of wine at your beachside campsite watching the sun go down is very hard to beat!

4: Bluff

Bluff is pretty much as far south as you can get on the mainland of New Zealand. Bluff is mainly famous for one thing. Oysters. The oysters from Bluff are world famous and are a must for anyone that visits New Zealand.

The best spot to get some fresh Bluff oysters is Fowler Oysters. This little shop is amazing. The friendliest service you will ever receive, swiftly followed by the freshest & tastiest oysters you have ever set your eyes on, and at only $24 NZD a dozen for A grade you really can’t go wrong.

Bluff is also home to Stirling Point, the southernmost point in New Zealand. Here you will find a great lookout and the classic signpost depicting distances to major cities all over the world. There is also 2 awesome scenic walks, the Foveaux Walk & the Glory Track. Both worth checking out if you have the time.

5: Coromandel

Coromandel is one of the most beautiful coastal towns on the North Island. Situated on the eastern tip of the North Island, Coromandel is surrounded by lots of beautiful beaches, coves and remote destinations.

My favorite spot is Ruffins Bay. Ruffins Bay is a beautiful private bay only accessible by boat or if you have a key to the private road. There are several small holiday rentals that are perfect for a little getaway. Make sure you bring your fishing rod, the fishing is always on at Ruffins!

The other cool attraction of Coromandel is the Driving Creek Railway. A narrow gauge train ride through the mountains and forests that surround the area. The railway 3 short tunnels, 2 spirals, and several viaducts. After winding up the hill you end up at the top with awesome views of the Island packed Hauraki Gulf.A really cool experience for any nature lover.

6: Ahipara

Right at the southern end of the world famous 90 mile beach in New Zealand’s Northland Lays the sleepy little town of Ahipara.

Ahipara is a town full of rich history also home to one of the best sunsets anywhere in the world. You will be pleasantly surprised at the suns beautiful glow glistening over 90 mile beach.

Shipwreck Bay is a situated to the left of the township and at low tide, you will see the various shipwrecks. A beautiful bay to get some alone time and soak up some of that beautiful New Zealand sun.

This is a small snippet of beautiful coastal towns you could explore. Hopefully this list inspires you to get out there and check out the beautiful coastline of New Zealand and discover your own favourite ‘must visit’ spots.

About the Author

Jay is a New Zealander who discovered the joys of food, travel and exploring in 2010, after deciding a traditional office job just wasn’t quite working out. Fast forward 7 years and 28 odd countries later, Jay finds himself living a nomadic lifestyle with his partner Brittnay. Currently living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Together they travel around the world house & Pet sitting. They love to document their house sitting adventures, travels and favourite cheese & wine discoveries on their website The Travelling House Sitters and Instagram account.

A Step-by- Step Guide to Writing an Unforgettable Road Trip Plan

Road trips are easier one of the best ways to spend a holiday and always guarantee to be an adventure from the start! Not only do you get to move around a country, or several countries, to everything it has to offer, who knows what people you’ll meet, what places you’ll stay at and what amazing memories you’ll make.

However, to make the most of your trip, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve got a rough plan laid out. Of course, there’s room for twisting and turning what you do, but with a foundation of a plan, you can make sure you don’t miss out anything that you definitely want to see and might later on regret.

To help you get started with making this road trip plan, here’s a complete step by step guide!

Choose Point A and B

The first thing you want to choose is the starting and finishing destination for your road trip. Most commonly, this will be the city you land in, to the city that you’re going home from. For example, you might like to carry out a North American road trip where you start in New York and drive across country to Los Angeles.

Deciding the Fundamentals

Now that you’ve decided your two points, you want to start filling in the basics of your trip. First, how long is your road trip going to be? If this is based on the point above, this will be the dates of your flight, so it’s completely up to you.

“As you know the distance between both points, work out how long the basic drive will take and then how long you want to explore places on the way, making sure to add several days so your day can remain flexible” – explains Jonathon Ellis, a Travel Writer at Oxessays and Huffingtonpost contributor.

Choosing the Route

Now that you know exactly how much time you’ve got to work with, you can decide on what places you want to visit during your trip. Of course, if this is something you’ve been getting excited about for some time, the chances are that you’ll already know. Be sure to invest in guidebooks!

Looking for Amazing Places

Now that you’ve decided the foundation of your route, be sure to check online, in books or asking people for things that you simply won’t want to miss in those areas along your route. You might find out there’s an amazing theme park along the way, meaning that you’ll want to add another day to your trip.

Figure Out Accommodation

If you’re hiring a campervan, you’ll need to make sure you know roughly where you’re going to park and where you’re going to sleep. If you’re driving in a car, you’ll need to make sure that know roughly where you’ll be at the end of each day since getting lost in the dark can be incredibly stressful.

Know the Rules

Daniel Jones, a Travel adviser and a blog writer at UK Top Writers says: “Since you’ll be driving, possibly even across country borders, it’s important to know the rules and regulations of that country. Learn about speed limits, seatbelt rules, the side of the road you’re supposed to drive on and drink and drug rules”.

Packing Smart

When it comes to road trips, many people are under the impression that things are a lot easier because you can simply drive around in your vehicle and won’t have to worry about luggage. However, this kind of thinking will only get you into pickle further down the line.

Just like most holidays, be smart with your packing and only pack what you think you’ll need.

Set It in Stone

Once everything is complete, feel free to book your flights, book your rental car or sort out transport, book your hotel for the first couple of nights and get ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the road trip of a lifetime!

Conclusion

As you can see, although organising a road trip might seem like a lot of work, it’s all about working smart and getting into the right mindset. With the right amount of care and flexibility, you can ensure your road trip will be one you’ll never forget.

Gloria Kopp is a travel adviser and writer at Boomessays. She is a regular contributor at The Tab and Paper Fellows. Gloria is an author if Studydemic educational and writing blog full of guides and samples for students.

6 Reasons to Visit New Plymouth

There are so many reasons why you need to visit New Plymouth! It has been voted one of the most livable cities in the world. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or a bit of culture New Plymouth should certainly be your next stop. In fact, in addition to being rated one of the most livable cities, it also earned Lonely Planet’s number 2 spot for best up-and-coming holiday destination.

Here are 6 reasons you need to visit New Plymouth:

Surf Highway 45

Sea New Zealand Coast Volcanic Taranaki Mt Egmont

One of the best places to catch a wave in New Zealand is New Plymouth. Take a drive along what’s known as ‘Surf Highway 45’, which runs from New Plymouth in a Southerly direction to Hawera. Take it slow and explore the full length of the surf highway. You will find plenty of places to catch a wave. Otherwise New Plymouth has plenty of surf beaches to keep you occupied. The coast boasts 180 degrees of ocean swells, with reef breaks, point breaks and beaches. Offering something for both beginners and advanced surfers.

Pouakai Circuit

For the even more adventurous, there’s a 2- to 3-day journey around Mount Taranaki. Here hikers can take in everything the Egmont National Park has to offer. There are 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) of hiking trails to follow through the forest, a sphagnum moss swamp, and across fields. This trip also takes you across the Boomerang slip, an active erosion scar from volcanic activity and over the Kokowai Stream with its red water.

Bike Riding

For those of you who are not into surfing or hiking, New Plymouth also offers world class mountain biking, trail riding and dirt Jumping. For those who love downhill and trail riding head out to Lake Mangamahoe, just 10 km South of New Plymouth on state highway 3. Here you will find kilometer after kilometer of professionally crafted cross country and downhill tracks, suitable for everyone from beginner to professional.

If dirt jumps are more of your thing head out to Rotoz Dirt Jump Park, which is situated at the entrance to Lake Rotomanu. Rotoz is a dirt jumpers paradise with hundreds of jump lines, wallrides, berms & drops. Rotoz also caters for beginners with pump tracks and a tonne of table top jumps to build your confidence.

The Coastal Walkway

The famous Coastal Walkway is a must-do in New Plymouth. The walkway is where you will find the locals jogging, cycling and working out. Head for a stroll along the sea-edge promenade and you will see some of the most beautiful coastal views New Plymouth has to offer. The walkway stretches 11km along the coastline. You will head past the black volcanic rock surf beaches, cliff tops and over the awe-inspiring bridge inspired by breaking waves. The walkway has recently been funded to be extended even further.

Pouakai Crossing

If you’re looking to spend a day hiking and taking in the beauty that is Mount Taranaki, the best way to do that is by heading to Egmont National Park. Here you will find Pouakai Crossing. At the Crossing you will encounter a magnificent waterfall, breathtakingly high cliffs, Ahukawakawa swamp, and a number of other amazing views along the way. Although it can be tough-going depending on the weather, it’s perfect for someone who wants to experience natural beauty that is New Zealand.

Art and Culture

For a more relaxing day in New Plymouth, you can take in the art and culture offered at several locations, starting with the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. This art museum features contemporary art and recently added the Len Lye Center. The centre is has a display is devoted completely to kinetic sculpture and filmmaker Len Lye.

With stunning views of Mount Taranaki, the gorgeous long walkways and a relaxed vibe, New Plymouth is a perfect spot to spend a few days or (ideally) a week or two. Whether you are an adrenaline junky looking to get your fix or a hiking and nature enthusiast New Plymouth has you very well covered. You will leave refreshed with a new lease on life (and not to mention a memory card full of stunning photos).

Article by Brittnay Sharman for Transfercar.

Brittnay is a professional house sitter from Australia. She has been living in London for the past two years and recently moved to Dublin. She has visited over 21 countries in Europe and Africa in that time (including lots of cheese, wine & beaches). You can find all her adventures in housesitting and travels on The Travelling House Sitters.

A Summer Getaway for Lord of the Rings Fans in New Zealand

There are more cows (10 million) and sheep (29 million) than there are people (4.7 million) in New Zealand, but the resource that’s hauling in major income for the island country in recent years aren’t farm animals, but hobbits. Although having zero population in real life, hobbits, along with the larger world of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings (LotR), have brought hordes of travellers to New Zealand, where the entirety of The LotR and The Hobbit trilogies were filmed.

In 2016, 3.5 million people visited New Zealand, a number that is expected to reach 4.5 million by 2022. Around 16% of these travellers – or over half a million people – cite The LotR as a motivation for their visit. Aside from its gains in tourism, the movies themselves contributed a lot to the New Zealand economy, where some 2,700 businesses worked in production and post-production.

The wonderful thing about the film locations is that many of them are incredibly well preserved and as stunning in real life as they are in Middle-earth, making a tour across New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes a dream for any Tolkien fan. Tourism New Zealand’s Gregg Anderson shares, “We’re not trying to sell the movie. We’re trying to say the sense of awe and grandeur that you get with the movie is very much what you’ll get with the experience.”

If you’re planning a campervan trip across this beautiful country soon, here are some of the most breathtaking LotR locations you can include in your list.

Matamata, Waikato

What better place to start your tour than the home of Frodo and Bilbo Baggins? The lush farming landscape of the small town of Matamata serves as the onscreen village of Hobbiton.

Today, the Hobbit-sized village in the peaceful Shire region of Middle-earth is a permanent attraction open for tourists. Dance under the Party Tree to your heart’s delight; pay a visit to Bag End; or grab a drink at The Green Dragon Inn. PartyPoker even listed The Green Dragon Inn in its post on the top fictional pubs to play poker in, calling it “a welcoming place, particularly if you’re a Hobbit”. Luckily you don’t need to be the size of a Hobbit to enjoy the charms of this bar, as the reconstructed set is open to the public, along with a fine selection of brews. The attention to detail and overall charm of the area makes every inch of Matamata just as magical as its onscreen counterpart.

Mt. Ngaruhoe, Tongariro National Park

Another wonderful location to visit is Mount Ngaruhoe, otherwise known as Mount Doom, in the Tongariro National Park. The peak of the mountain is sacred to the Maori (indigenous people of the country), so majority of the scenes were filmed at the mountain’s lower slopes. From the Visitor Centre, follow the trail of Frodo and Sam by walking the Tongariro Crossing, and experience the drama of climbing ever closer to the fiery depths of Mordor.

Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve, Wairarapa

The ominous-looking pillars that line the Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve are instantly recognisable as “The Path of the Dead,” in Return of the King, where Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli rode the Dimholt Road. These pillars are all that remain after seven million years of erosion on the Aorangi mountain range, and suitably eerie-looking to pass for a place for the Army of the Dead. This makes any of the three hiking trails in the area a scenic route for fans and non-fans alike.

Fiordland National Park, Te Anau

The Snowdon forest in the Fiordland National Park stars as Fangorn forest in The Two Towers. At 1.2 million hectares, the park is a fascinating world of mountains, rainforests, lakes, and fjords, and is certainly a place where fantasy can easily blend with reality. Hardcore fans will enjoy exploring the area on horseback like Gandalf did.

Pelorus River

Located at the northern end of South Island, Pelorus River is the location for the movie’s Forest River, where Bilbo and the dwarves escaped from the wood elves in The Desolation of Smaug. Much of the scene itself was filmed in a studio, but some shots were done along the river, where tourists can enjoy a kayak ride through the rapids – a decidedly more comfortable ride than Bilbo’s barrel. During your kayak trip, you can stop at a few spots you might recognise from the film, but the scenery in general is breath-taking on its own.

There are dozens of LotR filming locations scattered across the New Zealand islands, from majestic mountain ranges to mythical forests and rushing rivers. On your next summer vacation, consider planning a getaway to these fantastic locations, which you can navigate easily with a reliable Transfercar rental vehicle.

How to Take A College Cross-Country Road Trip on a Budget

Many students feel as though they just can’t take a road trip during their downtime. When they’re on such a tight budget, how on earth can they afford to travel? It’s easier than you’d think. With a little planning and a good budget, you can do it. Here’s the best tips to help you take that road trip without breaking the bank.

Pick Cheaper Places to Stay

Picking good places to stay on your trip can save you a huge bundle in cash. The best and cheapest options are camp sites, when you find them on your way. They can usually offer you a spot to sleep for about $20-30, where a hotel may cost you around $150 a night. That’s a big saving. If there’s no camp sites, you can still save some cash on your sleeping arrangements. Look for hotels that offer a free breakfast with your room. That can save you a decent amount of money on food.

Pool Your Money

On a road trip, you’re going to be paying mostly for gas, accommodation, and food. The best way to deal with these expenses is to pool all your money for these things together with your friends. “This means you have the cash ready when you need it, and that no one will be paying out more than anyone else. It also means you have the money ready and waiting for you before you even set off on the road trip, so you’re safe in the knowledge you’ve got it at the ready” – says Mary Montgomery, a Travel Writer at Big Assignments.

Avoid Buying Souvenirs

Everyone wants souvenirs, it’s understandable. On a road trip though, you’re just not going to have the room for them. As well as this, they can get expensive, quickly. Make a decision not to buy anything while you’re on your trip, to save cash. If you must have something, items like fridge magnets and postcards can be cheap, and you can store a lot of them in a care easily. As well as this, you could pick items from the areas you visit, such as rocks and seashells, for free.

Take Pictures Everywhere

You may not be able to pick up souvenirs, but you can take pictures for free. With almost everyone having a smartphone these days, you’ll already have a camera in your back pocket. Use the camera to take pictures wherever you go, and capture the memories. It’ll cost you nothing, but you’ll be glad you did.

Load Up On In Car Entertainment

Mercedes Rivera, a Traveler and a blogger at Assignment help explains: “In this digital age, you can find plenty of in car entertainment to keep everyone happy. Before you go, look into downloading as many songs, podcasts, and audiobooks as you can.” These can all keep you entertained on those long stretches of road where nothing seems to happen. If your passengers can watch a screen without feeling ill, an iPad with movies loaded onto it can also be a lifesaver. A lot of this can be free, so take advantage of it.

Travel Light

Travelling by car means that you’ll be sharing a very small space for quite a long period of time. This means that you really should pack light. Some seasoned road trippers recommend allowing each passenger a school sized backpack, a pillow, and a blanket each. This saves you a lot of space in your car. As your car will be lighter, it also means that you’ll use less gas. Keep the room in your car for the people, not the stuff they’re bringing along.

Take Advantage of Free Activities

Take a look at what’s happening on your route as you drive along. There’s always free activities happening, so make it a point to stop and check it out. “There’s no better feeling than catching a free or cheap show, and it means that you’ll be seeing stuff off the tourist track. Start looking online now before you go, and create a plan for your route so you all know what you want to see” – comments William McPhail, a Travel journalist at Best Australian Writers.

These tips will help you save a ton of cash on your trip, so take advantage of them on your journey. You’ll be amazed at how cheaply you can take a road trip!

“Gloria Kopp is a travel writer and editor at Essayroo. She is a column writer at Huffingtonpost and Australian Help blogs. Gloria is an author of Revieweal reviews writing blog for students.”

Romantic Summer Getaways in South Australia

With summer finally here, couples across Aussie Land are setting the plans for their summer season escapades in motion. And so should you, if you want to rekindle the flame with your significant other and score some much-needed points in the game of long-term love and happiness.

Fortunately for you, Australia is second to none when it comes to romantic sightseeing and lodging opportunities, so all it takes is your soul mate and a free transfer car to make your journey a breeze. Let’s dive in!

Wallaroo and the Yorke Peninsula

Just a two-hour drive north from beautiful Adelaide, the small coastal town of Wallaroo and the iconic Yorke Peninsula await your adoration. And rightfully so. The quaint little workers’ town is home to numerous wonderful lodgings, restaurants and cafes, but where this place truly shines is its nearby beaches and two caravan parks with beachside cabins.

You can stay at the Beachhouse at Wallaroo overlooking the picture perfect view of the Spencer Gulf, from where you can explore the town or spend your days lounging about at the famous North Beach. Be sure to venture deeper into the Yorke Peninsula as well, as there will be numerous unique sightseeing opportunities waiting for you.

Port Elliot and the Fleurieu

This time an hour’s drive south from Adelaide, Port Elliot is one of those small towns that has managed to preserve its historic charm, and is just perfect for romantic getaways. You’ll have everything you need to make your intimate escapade a success: the quaint bookshops and cafes, the roiling waves crashing up against the golden beaches and, of course, the magnificent views.

Be sure to walk along the picturesque scenery of Horseshoe Bay, stopping by for a romantic nightcap at the Flying Fish Restaurant & Café overlooking the ocean. While at Port Elliot, don’t forget to take your car to some of the romantic nature getaways across the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Waikerie and the Murray

All right, this location is nowhere near the coast, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a wonderful place to spend your summer escapade. In fact, its breathtaking riverside scenery overlooking the Murray River might just be the perfect place for lovers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The Waikerie Hotel Motel is the place to stay if stellar service and beautiful accommodation is what you’re after. During your stay, you can visit the Hart, Ross, and Maize Island lagoons. Sailing up and down the Murray River is a must, as well.

Coffin Bay and the Eyre Peninsula

The Eyre Peninsula is home to many natural wonders and of course, Coffin Bay, a small town renowned for its fishing opportunities, but also for its neighbouring National Park that awaits your exploration and inevitable adoration. The national park is home to magnificent natural sceneries, entailing surf beaches, soaring cliffs, and coastal bushland. Coffin Bay town is famous for its oysters, so be sure to try out this famous aphrodisiac during your stay.

Semaphore in Adelaide

Adelaide is a beautiful, thriving city with no shortage of excitement awaiting in the urban jungle. However, there is a place where you can go on a true summer getaway – the suburb of Semaphore. Located just twenty minutes from the heart of the city, the previously working class suburb has seen quite a few changes in recent years, with the scenery portraying a more cosmopolitan vibe imbued with life and vigour at every corner.

There are plenty of fine dining restaurants around, with beautiful lodgings at the Semaphore Blue Apartments overlooking St Vincent Gulf.

Robe and the Southeast

Finally, Robe is a small town located in the Limestone Coast, not a four-hour drive south from Adelaide. Robe has managed to preserve its charm, yet with a sophisticated, upscale twist. This is the place where people go to pamper their loved ones and spend unforgettable moments staring at the sunset from the Harbour View Motel. The town itself is jam-packed with activities, from restaurants and cafes, to live shows and movie theatres.

As you can see, South Australia has a lot to offer during the summer season, especially if you’re looking to find your own peaceful place under the stars. Have you started packing yet?

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