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.  

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

Walking the Heaphy Track: A Guided, Gourmet Experience

Heaphy Scenery
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
17 December 2024
The Heaphy Track, located in the northwestern corner of New Zealand's South Island, is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks and offers an unforgettable multi-day hiking adventure. Traversing 78 kilometers from lush rainforests to golden beaches, the Heaphy Track is a stunning showcase of the country’s diverse landscapes.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

17 December 2024

Freedom Hiking the Routeburn Track: A DIY Adventure in New Zealand's Wilderness

Routeburn Track
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
9 December 2024
Embarking on a freedom hike along the Routeburn Track means you’ll set your own pace and schedule while immersing yourself in some of the world’s most pristine wilderness. Here’s everything you need to know to make your self-guided adventure unforgettable.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

9 December 2024

Multiday Sea Kayaking Adventure in Northland

Whangaroa Harbour
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
9 December 2024
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime along New Zealand’s breathtaking northeast coast with a multiday sea kayaking expedition. With options for three or four days, these guided tours take you to some of the most pristine and remote corners of Northland, including hidden sea caves, vibrant reefs, and uninhabited islands.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

9 December 2024

Discover the Best of the Marlborough Sounds: A 4-Day Guided Kayak and Walk Adventure

hiking Queen Charlotte Track
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
6 December 2024

What’s Included in Your Adventure?

This all-inclusive package is designed for comfort and convenience, with everything you need to fully immerse yourself in the journey:

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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

6 December 2024

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