Take the Gondola up Bob’s Peak to enjoy cuisine in our scenic Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy Maori culture performances or take the  Luge our very own thrilling downhill ride!

Skyline also offers access to scenic Queenstown activities such as walking tracks in the Ben Lomond Reserve, mountain bike trails in the Queenstown Bike Park and breath taking views from our viewing deck and market kitchen cafe, along with our stargazing tour.

Website: skyline.co.nz

So much to do from the bustling lake side and thrill rides to steam boat dinner cruises. In summer you can enjoy the gondola and luge and winter the skiing. This has to be one of my favorite places on earth.

Website: queenstownnz.co.nz

A dark sky preserve is an area, usually surrounding a park or observatory, that is kept free of artificial light pollution. The purpose of a dark sky preserve is generally to promote astronomy. You can attend stargazing sessions from Mt Cook and Tekapo locations but it is heavily subject to weather conditions.

Website: earthandskynz.com

We stayed at the Hermitage and the image was taken from outside our room looking towards Mt Cook. We enjoyed the buffet and attended the Dark Sky Stargazing. A worthwhile luxury stopover. For those on a budget the Mt Cook Lodge has good accommodation.

Website: hermitage.co.nz

The lovely Lake Pukaki photo stop on way from Queenstown to Mt Cook.

Mona Vale historic buildings and gardens were hit hard by the earthquakes. While the gardens are still a pleasent stroll the historic house is still undergoing repairs. It will get more stars once its fully up and running again.

Website: Mona Vale

We passed through Arrow Junction on our way from Haast to Queenstown. I had to stop and take a picture even in the rainy conditions its still pretty.

Good stooping point right on the coast and filled with carving’s and gifts galore. Every second store is selling or making some kind of collectables from bone, jade or wood carvings to glass blowing. It is also the home of NZ Ruby Rock only found in this one location in the world! You can even take carving or gemstone cutting classes.

Website: hokitika.org

Website: NZ Ruby Rock

From the mountains to the sea, you won’t want to miss any of it. Active adventure, relaxation or family fun all against the backdrop of spectacular scenery, New Zealand’s Glacier Country offers something for everyone.

Create your own unforgettable Glacier Country experience from the wealth of things to do in Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Okarito and the surrounding area.

Website: glaciercountry.co.nz

Our GPS took us  through the back roads and we stumbled across this beautiful church. Another one of those accidental finds! We do not have much information on the church itself as its website is down. However it was well worth the photo opportunity.

Wendelton is a small village where the Eyebright guinea pigs live.
Amongst miniature houses and businesses they scamper about the verdant pastures of Wendelton.  There’s a school, a castle, a beauty salon and the all important maternity unit.

The Eyebright Country store is well worth a stop with great gift ideas.

Website: eyebright.co.nz

The show and design competition was the passionate dream of a local sculptor, Suzie Moncrieff, who encouraged her creative peers to create artworks to be worn on the human body. The designs open the imagination to see the challenges faced and winners of each competition. Some reused cable ties, chopsticks, luggage or wool bales, but all must be wearable. Some of the collection is now being displayed in Wellington. The collection is changed April and November each year.

Website: Wearable Art Gallery

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre was established to provide a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft. They are trying to restore the planes to working condition wherever possible. One of the most cinematic and dramatic museums I have been to with donations from Sir Peter Jackson’s own collection of WW1 aircraft and artifacts. Weka Workshop and Wingnut Films are also sponsors, all of whom were involved in the  “Lord of the Rings Trilogy”.

Website: omaka.org.nz

When traveling from Wellington to Picton on the Interisland Ferry you watch as the land rises up to welcome you. Leaving the Cook Strait and entering the mostly calm waters of the Queen Charlotte Sounds is well worth taking the boat vs the plane. Such a peaceful way to travel and good fun for photographers.

Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. Although smaller in population than Auckland it is a vibrant youthful city of cuisine, culture and arts. Totally charming from the bustling harbour side cafes to the picturesque views. We spent 3 days and still did not see everything. We stayed city and walked everywhere.

Website: wellingtonnz.com

Why fly between the islands when you could cruise there in comfort on a 3.5 hour boat journey. Great picture opportunities especially entering Queen Charlotte Sounds. The ships have and abundance of food, drink and entertainment for the whole family. If your travelling by car you can drive it onto the ferry! (The ferry take cars, trucks and train wagons).

Website: interislander.co.nz

Five unique bars, two dedicated dining rooms and a shrine to NZ political satire. Stop by and sample NZ wine, beer and fresh local produce.

Website: backbencher.co.nz/

A historic trip on the Wellington Cable Car. For over a hundred years passengers have enjoyed the dramatic views of our growing cityscape and the surrounding hills that define Wellington’s harbour. It offers a charming escape from the busy city streets to the tree lined walkways of the Botanic Gardens.

Website: wellingtoncablecar.co.nz

(above) View from Kelburn station

Distinctive, beehive-shaped 1960s designed building housing Ministerial and cabinet offices.

Website: Tours and Education

Delightful location right on the waterside. We were there for Valentines Day brunch and were pleased with the food and the service.

Website: docksidenz.com

The museum itself is home to over 400 automobiles and various other exhibits including aircraft, bicycles, a range of vintage tools and other automobile memorabilia including a vintage Fire Engine.

Website: southwardcarmuseum.co.nz

Honour the sacrifices, learn the campaigns, be inspired by the stories of courage, loyalty and comradeship.

You can easily spend a half day here and enjoy a meal at the Home Fires Cafe.

Website: armymuseum.co.nz

You can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies in a fascinating two-hour guided tour. During your tour you will see Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill, double arched bridge and other structures and gardens built for the films.

We were astounded at the level of detail of the sets and charmed by the Green Dragon Inn. We advise you to book ahead the tour is very popular. There is also a longer tour that includes a feast.

Website: hobbitontours.com

Unique cafe where you can dress as a hobbit while you order second breakfast! We did and it was great fun. Props are provided by the cafe including clothes, ears, walking canes shoes and the ring! There is a custom painted scene from inside Bilbo’s house. The owner was lovely and even took pictures for us so we could fight over the ring.

Since the launch of the Lord of the Rings movies and the subsequent opening of the Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Matamata has become a vibrant visitor destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The i-SITE office serves as the departure point for tours of the movie set as well as other regional activities.

Website: matamatanz.co.nz

Found this picturesque spot on the way from Waitomo to Matamata. The lake and hydro dam create stunning views. My favorite accidental find of the trip.

The legal use of hook turns by motor vehicles is relatively rare, but is used in Melbourne CBD. To the unfamiliar it seems bizarre to park in front of traffic to turn at the next signal. For more details on how hook turns work read the wiki below.

Website: Hook Turn Wiki

Historic landmark spanning 2 city blocks selling food, clothing, leather, gifts and souvenirs. They also have a colourful night market where you can sample a wide range of fare while enjoying the lights, cinema and music.

Website: qvm.com.au

A short stroll from the arts centre to the bustling restaurants and nightlife. This cafe style life is well suited to the Melbourne climate. Trams are free in the inner city making this one of my favorite cities to visit.

Website: visitmelbourne.com

The Shrine of Remembrance is Victoria’s largest and most visited war memorial of National Significance. It is a beautiful, historical and memorable experience for all. Be sure to try an ANZAC biscuit.

To preserve the upper structure and parklands and gain more display space, a huge engineering endeavor was undertaken to expand underground. A time-lapse movie of this is displayed onsite.

Website: shrine.org.au

The beaches are clean and spacious with soft white sand perfect for a special moment with the one you love.

Catherine Hill Bay is a heritage village. This means the houses have traditional exteriors to maintain the historical appeal. Internally however many have been altered for modern luxury.

Website: catherinehillbay.org.au

Realestate: catherinehillbay.com.au

The perfect spot to watch the sunrise and set. Lake Taupo lies in the caldera of the Taupo Volcano. With a surface area of 616 square kilometres (238 sq mi), it is the largest lake by surface area in New Zealand.

Website: greatlaketaupo.com

Wonderful heritage buildings, museums and stunning beaches. Devonport is a beautiful village by the sea only 10 minutes ferry ride from Auckland’s CBD.

Website: devonport.co.nz

With this much water around you have to view Auckland from the harbour! Ferries run every day to many popular destinations.  We took the ferry to Devonport which has boutique shopping and dining areas. Save time to visit the Naval museum.

Website: fullers.co.nz

Good honest beer! The beer is excellent and paired well with a delicious menu. We highly recommend beer lovers add this to their must visit list. Galbraith’s is passionately independent and leads the vanguard of micro brewing in New Zealand.

Website: alehouse.co.nz

Meet a Kiwi! Close-up viewing of the rare Great Spotted Kiwi and Brown Kiwi. Enjoy the daily keeper talks & feeding displays. Walk through New Zealand’s largest dome aviary and see the Tuatara a native New Zealand reptile, which pre-dated the dinosaurs!

Website: kiwihouse.org.nz 

Located in the heart of Auckland this vast parkland is a real treat. The roaming animals add a warmth to the land and make you feel far from city life. There are family facilities including BBQ’s and picnic areas.

The park is renowned for its landscape design and wide variety of mature trees. It is centered on a volcanic cone, One Tree Hill, with many interesting geological features. A pre-European Maori fortification (pa) was built on the cone, many features of which can still be seen.

Website: cornwallpark.co.nz

Beautiful 360 degree views over Auckland from the monument.

In 1885 the New Zealand Government built a military outpost at Kohimarama, or Bastion Point, because of its commanding strategic position overlooking the Waitemata Harbour.

The point is the location of the Memorial for the first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand Michael Joseph Savage (23 March 1872 – 27 March 1940). He is generally regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest and most revered Prime Ministers.

A peaceful magical experience! The glow worm (arachnocampa luminosa) is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as guides provide informative commentary on the caves historical and geological significance.

It should be noted the glowworm cave does not allow photography. Other caves do allow photography ask the tour guide if unsure. Photos of the Glowworms are available from the gift shop.

Website: waitomocaves.com