New Zealand Travel Blog

Downside Up New Zealand Blog
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Welcome to our New Zealand Travel Blog DownsideUP

This blog is dedicated to inform and inspire you on all things to do with New Zealand..

Actually we write posts on anything that’s of interest in the South Pacific (our home) DownsideUP was started in 2008, to help people just like you, with planning the perfect NZ Self Driving experience.  

Exploring the Queen Charlotte Track by Mountain Bike: A Multi-Day Adventure

Mountain biking the Queen Charlotte Track
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date
20 February 2025
New Zealand’s Queen Charlotte Track, winding through the stunning Marlborough Sounds, is a must-do for mountain biking enthusiasts. This 72 km track offers a mix of scenic ridgelines, lush native bush, and breathtaking coastal views, making it one of the most unique multi-day rides in the country. Whether you take on the challenge self-guided or opt for a guided tour, this adventure promises unforgettable experiences.
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Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date

20 February 2025

Multi Day Horse Trekking

Canter wide open spaces
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
10 February 2025
Going on a multi-day horse trekking adventure is a dream come true, yet few places offer this experience. One remarkable exception is River Valley Stables in New Zealand. Set along the breathtaking Rangitikei River, River Valley combines natural horsemanship with immersive riding excursions, specially designed for intermediate to advanced riders.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

10 February 2025

Exploring the Otago Central Rail Trail

Historic railway bridges, Central Otago
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
10 February 2025
Exploring the Otago Central Rail Trail with Bike It Now Tours The Otago Central Rail Trail, a 150-kilometer path weaving through the breathtaking Central Otago region of New Zealand's South Island, is a premier cycling destination. This trail offers a unique blend of adventure, history, and stunning scenery, perfect for cyclists of all abilities. Bike It Now provides a range of options to tailor your experience, ensuring a comfortable and memorable journey.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

10 February 2025

Exploring Abel Tasman: Kayak & Hike Adventures

Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
31 January 2025
Abel Tasman National Park is a paradise for those looking to explore golden beaches, clear waters, and lush native bush. Whether you’re short on time and want a full-day experience or prefer a multi-day adventure, Wilsons Abel Tasman and Abel Tasman Kayaks offer fantastic guided kayak and hike trips. Choose between lodge-based luxury or a more adventurous camping experience.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

31 January 2025

Beyond the Hotel: Unique Accommodation Options for Your New Zealand Adventure

view from a Glamping campsite
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
27 January 2025
New Zealand, with its stunning landscapes and adventurous spirit, offers more than just typical hotel stays. For travelers seeking unique and immersive experiences, a range of alternative accommodation options awaits. From luxurious glamping retreats to eco-friendly cabins, here's a glimpse into some of the most captivating choices:
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

27 January 2025

Experience the Freedom Hiking the Kepler Track: A Journey Through New Zealand’s Alpine Beauty

Lake Te Anau Jetty
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
27 January 2025
If you’re looking for an unforgettable hiking experience in one of the world’s most stunning wilderness areas, the Kepler Track in Fiordland National Park is a must. As one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, this track offers a perfect blend of alpine views, lush forests, and pristine lakes that will leave you in awe at every turn. From Te Anau to Luxmore Hut, and beyond, the Kepler Track immerses you in a wild landscape filled with adventure and beauty.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

27 January 2025

Discovering the Hollyford Track: A Guided 4-Day Adventure in Fiordland National Park

Giant ferns on the Hollyford Track
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
22 January 2025
Over four unforgettable days, a guided hike through the Hollyford Valley offers an immersive journey through this awe-inspiring landscape, blending adventure, comfort, and the allure of untamed nature.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

22 January 2025

Experience the Best of New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Track: A 4-Day Gourmet Guided Walk

Ships Cove Lookout
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
13 January 2025

The Queen Charlotte Track: A Scenic Masterpiece

Stretching 71 kilometers through the Marlborough Sounds, the Queen Charlotte Track is renowned for its stunning views, lush native forests, and tranquil coves. The track is a hiker’s paradise, with the backdrop of sparkling waterways and the distinctive sounds of native birdlife. The 4-day gourmet walk allows you to explore this masterpiece of nature at a leisurely pace, while enjoying exceptional food, fine wine, and personalized service.

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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

13 January 2025

Conquer the Heaphy Track: An Epic Mountain Bike Adventure

alpine section of Heaphy Track
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
10 January 2025

The Kahurangi National Park is a truly enormous area of jagged mountains, fast flowing rivers and dense forest. This great wilderness stretches all the way from beech forest and great areas of rolling tussock-land dotted with caves to the primeval west coast of the South Island with its deserted beaches and stands of ancient nikau palms. The Heaphy Track takes you on a journey through all of this incredible terrain.

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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

10 January 2025

Richard & Karens New Zealand Travel Diary

Happy clients exploring New Zealands snowy peaks
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
17 December 2024
There is nothing more satisfying to us here at First Light Travel than hearing back from our guests who have had the trip of a lifetime in New Zealand. Richard and Karen’s detailed travel diary is a perfect example of the incredible experiences awaiting you in our beautiful country.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

17 December 2024

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