New Zealand Travel Blog

Downside Up New Zealand Blog
You are here
  1. New Zealand Travel Blog

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.  

South Island Luxury Accommodation

Azur Queenstown
Alexandra Diethelm
By
Alexandra Diethelm
Post date
25 May 2021
It comes as no surprise that some of the most stunning luxury hotels in New Zealand are found on the South Island. While some are easy to reach, others are so far off the beaten path they can’t be accessed by car. What all these South Island luxury accommodation have in common are stunning properties, local gourmet cuisine and a top-of-the-line, unobtrusive service. 
Read more
Alexandra Diethelm
By
Alexandra Diethelm
Post date

25 May 2021

Carving Up the White Stuff - Skiing New Zealand

Carving Up the White Stuff - Skiing New Zealand
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date
2 May 2021
Experience an unforgettable New Zealand winter ski holiday with picture-postcard views, epic fresh powder fields, great resorts that offer sizzling après ski festivities. Check out our New Zealand Ski and Snowboarding guide complete with suggested tour itineraries with the latest pricing information.
Read more
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date

2 May 2021

When is the Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

Maz
By
Marianne Davies
Post date
17 February 2021
New Zealand’s location and unique geography will ensure you have a wonderful experience whenever you arrive. We do have distinct seasons though, so it’s worth taking the time to match your hopes and desires to the best season and location. This guide will let you know what to expect and help you decide which time of year to book your holiday.
Read more
Maz
By
Marianne Davies
Post date

17 February 2021

Rotorua – a Family Paradise!

rotorua family holiday
Steve Taylor
By
Steve Taylor
Post date
10 August 2020

Looking for a place to base yourself for a few days, with enough things to see and do for families of all ages? Well, Rotorua sounds like the perfect spot for you and your family! Rotorua is about three hours south of Auckland is famous for its geothermal activity, its wide range of activities, and Maori cultural experiences.

Read more
Steve Taylor
By
Steve Taylor
Post date

10 August 2020

NZ Lord of the Rings Blog

LoTR Hobbit Tours
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date
11 July 2020

Are you and your traveling companion are looking to plan your New Zealand trip?  Only problem is that they are an avid fan of ‘Lord of the Rings’ (LOTR) and want to include as many movie locations and tours as possible, while although you enjoy it, you want to see so much more of what New Zealand offers. 

Read more
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date

11 July 2020

Our Flexibility Promise

Mt Cook Narional Park
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date
14 May 2020
We understand that you want something to look forward to without adding any extra uncertainty into the mix so we have extended our service with a Flexibility Promise which means that you can book with confidence.
Read more
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date

14 May 2020

Two Week New Zealand Itineraries - The Best 14 Day Itineraries

itineraries
Aimee Riach
By
Aimee Riach
Post date
2 April 2020
Planning your vacation to New Zealand? Get inspired by 5 of our favourite 2-week NZ self-drive itineraries - all completely customisable. None of them are set in stone: you can tweak them until they are as unique as you are. We'll throw in a few suggestions at the end of each itinerary. Ready to plan? Let's go!
Read more
Aimee Riach
By
Aimee Riach
Post date

2 April 2020

New Zealand Golf - Showcasing our Top Ten Courses

Golfing New Zealand
Steve Taylor
By
Steve Taylor
Post date
10 March 2020
Golf is one of the few games that does not have the constraint of a set playing field or pitch and therefore each course can be uniquely different allowing designers to take full advantage of, and work around, natural elements such as bodies of water, hills, grasslands, and the all-important vista orientation. Here is my list of 'Top New Zealand Golf Courses". with WOW factor as the key influence considering the expectations of those folk planning a visit to New Zealand from overseas.
Read more
Steve Taylor
By
Steve Taylor
Post date

10 March 2020

Travelling Through New Zealand - a Canadian Perspective

Self Drive Tour
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date
30 January 2020
Canadians Sandy and Jo share their 33-Day, twin Island, Self Driving, New Zealand Itinerary with us. Complete with a daily summary, tips and ideas and some impressive picture montages - Well worth a read!
Read more
Elizabeth Marshall
By
Elizabeth Marshall
Post date

30 January 2020

New Zealand Car Seat Law - Travelling Safely with Children in New Zealand

Driving in New Zealand with Children
Danielle Beh
By
Danielle Beh
Post date
12 December 2019
Whether you’re a New Zealander with children exploring more of your home country, or visiting New Zealand from overseas with your family, if you are planning to drive with children in New Zealand then understanding the law as it relates to your child and child restraints is an important part of your travel plans.
Read more
Danielle Beh
By
Danielle Beh
Post date

12 December 2019

Download Our Free NZ Travel Guide

Get our free guide which is full of actionable tips and information about how to make the most of your time in New Zealand.

Recent Posts

Blog Categories

Blog archives


Pricing terms

The price is based on current exchange rates but is only an approximation. Please contact us for a final price