Your Ultimate First-Time Guide to Uluwatu, Bali: Must-See Places and Activities

If you’re planning your first trip to Bali, Uluwatu is a destination you won’t want to miss! Known for its stunning cliffs, laid-back vibe, and vibrant surf culture, Uluwatu offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on beautiful beaches or exploring ancient temples, this coastal paradise has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the must-see places and activities for first-time visitors.

Discover the Best of Uluwatu

1. Bingin Beach

Bingin Beach is a hidden gem that boasts golden sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It’s also a popular spot for surfers, with consistent waves that cater to all skill levels. The laid-back vibe here makes it an ideal place to relax, and there are charming beachfront warungs (local eateries) where you can enjoy fresh seafood while watching the sunset.

2. Belangan Beach

Another stunning spot to visit is Belangan Beach. This quieter beach offers a more secluded experience, with fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere. It was so chill, the people watching is so good - grab a cold coconut down the far end at Jimmy’s and watch the surfers.

3. Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)

No visit to Uluwatu is complete without a trip to the iconic Uluwatu Temple. Perched on a cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, this sacred site is one of Bali’s most important temples. Explore the stunning architecture, watch traditional Kecak dance performances during sunset, and soak in the breathtaking views. Just keep an eye on your belongings—monkeys are known to be mischievous here!

4. Ulu Cliffhouse

For a stylish beach club experience, head to Ulu Cliffhouse. This trendy venue features a stunning infinity pool overlooking the ocean, sun loungers, and a laid-back vibe perfect for enjoying a day in the sun. The menu offers delicious food and refreshing cocktails, making it a great spot for a leisurely afternoon or sunset gathering with friends. Just keep an eye out on events happening as we inadvertently went during a Full Moon Party and it was a bit more party than we intended 😝

5. Sundays Beach Club

Sundays Beach Club is a must-visit for those looking for a day of relaxation and fun. Nestled on a private beach, this club offers a range of activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, and beach volleyball. You can rent a cabana for the day, enjoy delicious food, and sip on tropical cocktails while soaking up the sun. The pristine waters and beautiful surroundings make it a top choice for a beach day.

6. Indulge at SPRING Spa

Treat yourself to some pampering at SPRING Spa. It was SO GOOD! Known for its tranquil atmosphere and exceptional service, SPRING offers a variety of treatments that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. From soothing massages to rejuvenating facials, this spa is the perfect place to unwind and relax. The beautiful decor and calming ambiance enhance the experience, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in self-care during their trip. My friend Nadia and I went for close to 3 hrs - it’s very inexpensive so definitely take advantage and get pampered!

Recommended Accommodation: Cross Bali Breakers

For a relaxing stay, consider **Cross Bali Breakers**, a beautiful resort that perfectly captures the essence of Uluwatu. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, this accommodation offers modern amenities, stunning pool views, and a serene atmosphere. It's conveniently located close to many attractions, making it an ideal base for your Uluwatu adventures.

Dining at Milk & Madu

After a day of exploring, treat yourself to a delicious meal at Milk & Madu. They just opened their location in Uluwatu weeks before we arrived. Known for its cozy ambiance and diverse menu, this popular eatery serves everything from hearty breakfast options to tasty lunch and dinner dishes. Their fresh ingredients and creative cocktails make it a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day in the sun.

Other Recommended Places

- **Padang Padang Beach**: Famous for its surf breaks and stunning scenery, Padang Padang is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The unique rock formations and clear waters make it a favourite among travelers.

- **Nyang Nyang Beach**: Known for its hidden charm, Nyang Nyang Beach is accessible via a steep descent but rewards visitors with breathtaking views and tranquility. It's less crowded, making it ideal for those seeking peace and solitude.

Apps to Download Before You Go

Make your trip easier by downloading these helpful apps:

- **Gojek & Grab**: These apps work like Uber, allowing you to get around easily and affordably.

- **Wise Travel Card**: Don’t forget to sign up for a Wise travel card to save on currency conversion fees. Use my referral link HERE to get started! You get zero fees on transfers up to 500 pounds when using this link.

Join My Women’s Wellness Adventures!

If you’re looking to explore Bali and other stunning destinations with a group of amazing women, consider joining one of my Women’s Wellness Adventures! I take groups around the world, creating unforgettable experiences focused on wellness and connection. Join my private Facebook group, **Justine’s Journeys**, or follow me on Instagram to stay updated on upcoming trips!

Uluwatu is a paradise for first-time visitors, offering breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and a chance to unwind. With its laid-back vibe and stunning attractions, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a desire to return. So pack your bags and get ready for an incredible adventure in Bali!

Bali Bliss: 9 Days, 3 Unforgettable Destinations for First-Time Visitors

Bali Bliss: 9 Days, 3 Unforgettable Destinations for First-Time Visitors

Bali is a place where culture, wellness, and natural beauty come together effortlessly, creating an ideal destination for travelers seeking relaxation and exploration. It’s also a little hectic & eye opening but all in all an amazing place to visit. It is hard to describe being in Bali - you just have to experience it for yourself! Recently, I had the privilege of leading a group of 16 amazing women from New Zealand and Australia on a custom-designed 9-day journey that introduced them to Bali’s beauty & uniqueness. This itinerary is perfect for first-timers who want to see the sights and three completely different sides to Bali.

Bali Group Trip with Best in Travel October 2024!  The mot fabulous group of women.

Here’s a peek into our trip and how you, too, can experience Bali’s highlights by following our itinerary.

Day 1-3: Ubud – A Cultural and Wellness Escape

Our adventure began in Ubud, Bali’s lush cultural heart, where we stayed at the stunning Desa Visesa Ubud Resort. Surrounded by nature, this resort set the perfect stage for our wellness-centered trip. Our days in Ubud offered the chance to explore, shop, eat, unwind, and connect with Balinese people & traditions. We all loved Ubud’s centre which was bustling, and escaping to our oasis back at the resort.

• Tegallalang Rice Terraces: We started with a visit to the iconic rice terraces, which are just so impressive to see. The swings and zipline was right there, so a bunch of us did one or the other, enjoying the swings and getting some epic pics. I am still in disbelief I did the Zip line! Highly recommend.

• Manuaba Waterfalls: Nothing like cooling off in Bali’s hidden waterfalls! This was a refreshing, serene escape in the middle of Ubud’s lush landscape, but beware there are quite a lot of steps. There are two waterfalls on this walk, the second offering a chance to get up close. You exit through a gorge with your shoes off which was really cool..

• Kaveri Spa Massage: After a day of sightseeing, we enjoyed pampering massages at Kaveri Spa, letting us fully unwind and ease into the journey. We also had a really impressive two course lunch while at the Udaya, it was SO GOOD!

• Free Time in Ubud’s Markets: Our group had time to explore Ubud’s vibrant art markets, where we shopped for locally-made crafts and indulged in delicious Balinese cuisine. Lots of the girls walked away with more than one handbag and presents for home.

Day 4-6: Nusa Lembongan – Island Relaxation and Underwater Adventure

Next, we set sail for the pristine island of Nusa Lembongan. With a change of scenery, we checked into the award-winning Hai Tide Beach Resort & Beach Club—a beachfront gem where we were greeted by white sands and turquoise waters. This part of the trip was all about relaxation and ocean adventure.

• Snorkeling at Nusa Penida: A short boat ride brought us to Nusa Penida, where we explored vibrant coral reefs, spotted exotic marine life. At our next stop we were lucky enough to see some turtles! So beautiful.

• Beachside Bliss: There was a lot of beachside & poolside relaxation at Hai Tide,, soaking up the sun, and savoring fresh coconuts and local dishes by the water. Definitely recommend going to happy hour at the Bar & Grill while you watch the waves and boats come in.

Day 7-9: Uluwatu – Coastal Charm and Sunset Views

Our final stop brought us to the stunning coastal area of Uluwatu. Known for its dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views, Uluwatu provided the ideal wrap-up to our journey. We stayed at the serene Cross Bali Breakers Resort and started each morning with yoga, allowing us to connect with ourselves and the beauty around us. Most of the group had never done yoga so it was great to see these ladies giving it a go and loving it!

• Uluwatu Temple Visit: Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple offered breathtaking views along with a lot of entertainment from the monkeys. We had been warned about the monkeys and were told to ‘not look them in the eyes - but we escaped unscathed!

• Belangan Beach: This cool little surfing spot is well worth a visit One of the girls and I took the hotel shuttle to check it out and ended up at Jimmy’s down the far end perched with a fresh, cold coconut watching the surfers. We then had a dip! Watch out, it’s rough here.

• Sunset Dinner: We gathered for a farewell sunset dinner, savoring delicious food with the sea stretching out before us at Ulu Cliffhouse - which is a really beautiful spot, we just didn’t realise there was a full moon party going on that night, so it ended upping a bit more energetic than we had anticipated!! Still, it was lovely to spend our last night together and take a moment to celebrate our journey and the friendships formed.

Uluwatu was a spectacular conclusion to our trip, providing a sense of closure as we watched Bali’s sun dip below the horizon.

Practical Tips for Your Bali Adventure

Planning a trip to Bali? Here are a few essentials to make your travels smoother:

• Apps to Download: Use Gojek and Grab (similar to Uber) for convenient transportation across Bali.

• Travel Card: Sign up for a Wise travel card (using my referral link!) to manage your currency needs seamlessly.

• Visa and Health Declaration: Bali may require a visa on arrival depending on your nationality, so be sure to check current requirements. You’ll also need to complete a health declaration form before arriving. I recommend getting your visas online before you arrive to avoid long lines on arrival.

Ready for the Next Women’s Wellness Adventure?

This Bali journey was about more than just the sights—it was about creating a safe, welcoming space for women to connect, recharge, and explore together. Each woman returned home not only with beautiful memories but with friendships and a sense of fulfillment that only comes from traveling with like-minded companions.

Next year in April, I’m leading a retreat in Bali focused solely on relaxation and unwinding. If you’re dreaming of a serene escape in paradise, come join us for a 7-day wellness retreat where you can relax, rejuvenate, and connect with a community of inspiring women. Make sure you’re following me on Instagram to keep up with when the trip launches!

Stay tuned for beautiful photos and moments from this Bali adventure—and get ready to follow in our footsteps!

Gold Coast Theme Park Hacks: Essential Tips for Family Fun at Movie World and Wet'n'Wild!

Planning a family trip to the Gold Coast? We recently returned from a trip to the GC in order to do the theme parks with Aiden. We opted to go to Movie World & Wet n Wild, and had an awesome time. We had the three day pass and were intending to also hit up SeaWorld, but Aiden loved Wet N Wild so much we went two days in a row. Depending on when you’re visiting, the parks can get very busy and there are no caps on how many people they let in - so to help you navigate your visit like a pro, I've compiled essential hacks for each park, along with ticket pricing information. If you can avoid going in any of the Australia or NZ school holidays that would be ideal, but for many of us that is not an option, so these hacks will come in handy if like us you plan on visiting during the holidays.

Movie World Hacks

1. Arrive Early and Know Your Map

Get to Movie World at least 15 minutes before opening & familiarize yourself with the park map ahead of time so you can head straight to the most popular rides. This will help you beat the crowds and enjoy shorter wait times! The lines can get VERY long with over an hour and a half at some of the popular ones.

2. Invest in Fast Track Passes

Consider purchasing Fast Track passes for Movie World. While regular lines can be an hour or longer, Fast Track holders often wait just 5 minutes for rides. We really wished we had invested after chatting to other people there that had them. We ended up last min buying a fast track for Aiden and I on the log ride as we had been waiting almost an hour and it wasn’t moving! Doing this cost us $60! So although it’s an additional cost, the time saved is well worth it for a smoother experience and having time to do all the rides.

3. Download the Village Roadshow App

Before you go, download the Village Roadshow app, which covers both Movie World and Wet'n'Wild. This handy tool provides real-time ride wait times, park maps, and schedules, ensuring you stay informed throughout the day, I found it super handy.

4. Prioritize the Big Rides

Once you’re in the park, make a beeline for the most popular attractions, such as the Superman Escape, Green Lantern Coaster and DC Rivals Hypercoaster (longest line). These rides tend to get long lines quickly, so tackling them first maximizes your fun.

5. Plan for Shows and Meet-and-Greets

Check the schedule for live shows and character meet-and-greet opportunities. These are not only fun for kids but often have shorter wait times compared to rides. Make sure to catch the parade, too—it's a highlight for little ones!

Notable Mention: The Food at Movie World was actually really good! We were expecting really overpriced junk food, but had yummy tacos for lunch that would have rivalled a nice little cafe both in taste and price. Eat either early or late to avoid lines at peak times.

Wet'n'Wild Hacks

1. Claim Your Spot Right Away

Once you enter Wet'n'Wild, head straight to your desired area to secure a good spot. If you have little ones, grab chairs near the Wave Pool for a fun, lively atmosphere. For a more relaxed vibe, check out Calypso Beach, where you can lounge by the lazy river. We spent both days here in between going on slides and really loved it. They do also have Cabana’s for hire, but for cost personally I wouldn’t go this route, though many people do and love it.

2. Skip the Fast Track

Based on our experience, Fast Track passes at Wet'n'Wild would not be worth the extra cost. The layout and ride capacity often mean shorter wait times compared to Movie World, so you can enjoy a full day without the extra expense. The longest ride we waited for was the Constictor for about 40 mins.

3. Arrive Early for the Best Experience

Just like at Movie World, arriving early is key. Get in line before the gates open to secure your spot and enjoy the park with fewer crowds. On the first day we went I think we wasted too much time getting our spot and figuring out the park, but on Day 2 we were better prepared - dumped our stuff quick smart and headed straight for Kaboom (our fave!!) and enjoyed several rounds with no lining up. Kaboom, Mammoth Falls & Constrictor tend to have the longest lines.

Ice cream at the end of a fun day at Wet n Wild

4. Bring Sunscreen, Water & Snacks

Don't forget to pack sunscreen and refillable water bottles! Staying hydrated, fed and protected from the sun will keep everyone happy all day. There are places to get food, but we packed our own lunches for Wet N Wild and enjoyed at our little beachy spot and got ice cream in the afternoon.

5. Leave your self consciousness at home!

I was really happy to see a lot of ages, shapes, sizes and abilities at Wet n Wild - its not the place for feeling self conscious about your body, it’s the place for enjoying the water and fun with your kids!

Ticket Pricing and Where to Buy

You can purchase your tickets online for the best deals:

- Get Movie World tickets here

- Get Wet'n'Wild tickets here

Pricing Overview

- 3-Day Pass: This is the option we went for - Approximately AUD 129.99 per adult, AUD 99.99 per child for access to both parks. I purchased through the Village Roadshow website HERE

- Fast Track Pass: Approximately AUD 89.99 per person for Movie World.

With these hacks, your family's visit to Movie World and Wet'n'Wild will be smooth, enjoyable, and packed with fun! Remember to plan ahead, arrive early, and make the most of your time in these fantastic theme parks. Happy adventuring!

Discover Ubud: A First Timer’s Guide to Bali’s Cultural Heart

Discover Ubud: A First Timer’s Guide to Bali’s Cultural Heart

Exploring the hidden parts of Ubud

Ubud, Bali is a dream destination for first-time visitors seeking a blend of culture, nature, and relaxation. I have been twice now and got something different out of it both times, it’s a really special place. Known for its lush landscapes, crafts, and spiritual vibes, Ubud offers an experience that’s both enriching and rejuvenating… and sometimes a little hectic! But that’s part of its charm. Whether you’re here to hike through rice paddies, indulge in spa treatments, or shop for unique finds, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to making the most of your trip to Ubud!

1. Take the Best Walks: Sari Organik & Campuhan Ridge Walk

Sari Organik Walk

• Sari Organik Walk: Begin your Ubud adventure with this tranquil walk that winds through scenic rice fields. Along the way, you’ll pass organic farms, small cafes & super cute art and jewellery stores run by locals. It’s perfect for stopping to take in the serene surroundings. Recommend going early morning to beat the heat! You can actually start this walk from either end, from the centre of Ubud on J. Raya Ubud, or the far end if you’re staying out a bit, on Kelabang Moding (get dropped at The Pengkolan Warung.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

• Campuhan Ridge Walk: Best done at sunrise or sunset, this trail offers stunning views of Ubud’s hillsides. It’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, with the golden light making the scenery even more magical.

At the end I continued on for a lovely stroll
through the little village at the end.

2. Indulge in Luxury: A Flower Bath & Massage at Kaveri Spa

For a truly pampering experience, visit Kaveri Spa at The Udaya Resort. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating flower bath followed by a massage, and take relaxation to the next level by enjoying afternoon tea from your bath! I loved this experience even more than I thought I would - it’s not just for the gram! This indulgent experience is a must for any wellness seeker.

3. Shop Local at the Ubud Markets

• Ubud Markets: If you’re looking for artisanal goods, jewelry, and traditional crafts, Ubud’s bustling markets are the perfect place to shop. You can haggle for souvenirs while immersing yourself in the local culture. You will find everything here, from fake Birkenstocks and YSL handbags, Gucci sunglasses to hand made handbags, jewellery and art. It’s hectic but fun.

• JL Hanoman: This vibrant street is lined with boutiques offering everything from handmade clothing to organic skincare products. It’s a shopper’s paradise where you can find stylish and one-of-a-kind pieces.

4. SAVOUR THE FLAVOURS OF UBUD’S BEST CAFES & RESTUARANTS

Breakfast at Milk & Madu

• Kyoka Cafe: Craving Japanese cuisine? Kyoka Cafe serves up amazing flavours! Highly recommend the Sashimi - so good! It was so tasty here I ate here twice.

• Ibu Susu: Kyoka’s sister restaurant, where you’ll find delicious fusion dishes in a contemporary atmosphere. They are famous for their cocktails!

• Cantina Rooftop: For breathtaking views, head to this rooftop bar. Pro tip: Arrive early to snag a great spot.

Kyoka

• Milk & Madu: Ideal for breakfast or brunch with a laid-back vibe. The Super Breakfast bowl is out of this world good and they are located very central right by the temple.

• Compound Warung: For an authentic taste of local Balinese food.

• Jungle Fish: A short drive from Ubud, this pool club and restaurant offers an unbeatable combination of tropical beauty and delicious cuisine.

• Melali Ubud: Great food and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed breakfast or lunch, a little further out of the centre.

5. Explore the Tegalalang Rice Terraces & Zip Line

The iconic Tegalalang Rice Fields are a must-see, where you can take a scenic swing high above the terraces for that perfect Instagram shot. For thrill-seekers, there’s a zip line at Tegalalang that’s an exhilarating way to view the landscape from above — I did it despite being afraid of heights, and it was absolutely amazing! Lots of the girls in our group did the swing and loved it too.

Recommended Accommodation: The Udaya Resort

Looking for the perfect place to stay? The Udaya Resort offers luxury, tranquility, and a strong focus on wellness. It’s also the location for my upcoming Women’s Wellness Adventures retreat from April 26 to May 3 2025, a 7-day Ubud getaway designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. If you’re interested in joining, make sure to join my private Facebook group, Justine’s Journeys, or follow me on Instagram for updates on upcoming trips!

Apps to Download Before You Go

• Grab: Bali’s version of Uber, perfect for getting around Ubud with ease.

• Wise Travel Card: Don’t forget to sign up for a Wise travel card to easily manage your travel funds. Use my referral link to get started!

• XE for conversion rates while you’re there

Bali Visa Entry Requirements

Visitors to Bali require a Visa on Arrival (VoA), which is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for an additional 30 days. You’ll also need to complete a health declaration form prior to arrival, ensuring you meet Bali’s health and safety regulations. I highly recommend doing the Visa before traveling to save getting stuck in long lines at the airport

Ready for a life-changing adventure? Come with me to Ubud and experience all this firsthand on my next Women’s Wellness Adventure. Let’s explore Bali together!

Campuhan Ridge Walk: Ubud’s Hidden Gem for First-Time Visitors

Ubud is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and plenty of wellness retreats, but for those looking to escape the tourist crowds and immerse themselves in nature, the Campuhan Ridge Walk is a must-visit destination. Within minutes of leaving the town’s busy center, you’ll find yourself on a peaceful path that offers breathtaking views of the lush Balinese countryside. For first-time visitors to Ubud, this serene trail is a perfect way to experience a little peace and quiet if you’re feeling the Ubud overwhelm!

Why You Should Visit Campuhan Ridge Walk

The Campuhan Ridge Walk stands out because of its tranquility. Despite being located just a stone’s throw away from the heart of Ubud, the ridge feels worlds apart. As you walk along the path, you’ll be surrounded by rolling green hills, palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, and a wide, open sky.

It’s especially magical at sunrise or sunset when the golden light bathes the ridge. The morning brings a refreshing coolness, while the sunset highlights the stunning vistas over the valleys and rice fields below. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, a moment of mindfulness, or a way to kickstart your day with light exercise, Campuhan is the perfect place to do it.

How to Find the Campuhan Ridge Walk

One of the reasons this spot remains relatively uncrowded is because it can be a bit tricky to find. But don’t worry, here’s a simple guide to get you there!

1. Start at the Warwick Ibah Villas: The easiest landmark to use is Warwick Ibah Villas. You’ll see a small, inconspicuous sign for the Campuhan Ridge Walk at the entrance of this luxurious hotel, but you don’t need to go inside. Instead, follow the signs left leading toward the Gunung Lebah Temple.

2. Head Down to the Temple: From the Warwick Ibah entrance, walk down the hill and to down tte small stairs on the right and cross a small bridge. As you cross, look out over the river below and enjoy the first glimpses of Bali’s natural beauty. After the bridge, you’ll see the peaceful Gunung Lebah Temple to your left.

3. Turn Right and Begin Your Journey: Continue walking past the temple and take the small path that veers to the right. This is the beginning of the Campuhan Ridge Walk. As soon as you leave the temple behind, you’ll notice the town’s sounds fade, replaced by the gentle hum of nature.

4. Enjoy the Scenic Views: After just a few minutes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by greenery with sweeping views of the valley. The paved path stretches for about 2 kilometers, making it an easy and enjoyable walk for people of all fitness levels. You’ll pass through grass-covered ridges, and if you’re lucky, you may catch local farmers tending to the rice fields below. Just be careful on the path as it is uneven so you need to watch your footing.

A Few Tips for Your Campuhan Ridge Walk:

• Best Time to Visit: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the ridge at its quietest and most picturesque.

• What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and apply sunscreen—there isn’t much shade along the path.

• Extend Your Walk: At the end of the ridge, you’ll find small cafes and local warungs where you can rest and enjoy a fresh coconut or a smoothie. I carried on for quite a ways as I loved this little village first thing in the morning.

Why Campuhan Ridge Should Be on Your Ubud Itinerary

For first-time visitors, Ubud can feel overwhelming with its bustling streets, vibrant markets, and constant activity. The Campuhan Ridge Walk provides a perfect balance, offering a quick yet meaningful escape into nature. Its close proximity to the town center makes it easy to fit into any itinerary, while the peaceful surroundings make it a place of restoration.

Planning to explore more of Bali’s hidden gems? As part of my Women’s Wellness Adventures, I lead small groups on enriching journeys to destinations like Bali, combining wellness, adventure, and connection. Join my private Facebook group, Justine’s Journeys, or follow me on Instagram to see upcoming trips and travel tips!

the stairs leading down to the walk

Five Things To Add to Your Paris Itinerary

Five Things To Add to Your Paris Itinerary

Having visited Paris ten times, I’ve been continuously discovering new places to visit over the years. We all know you have to stand under the Eiffel Tower and see the Arc de Triomphe, but the City of Love is full of hidden gems that are just as memorable & impressive as its famous icons.

Here are five things you need to include in your Paris itinerary this summer, it also happens to make up the perfect day.

1.     Wander the streets of Le Marais

This is my favourite area of Paris, and it also happens to be the oldest. It is home to hidden alleyways, beautiful architecture, secluded gardens, amazing street art, the Jewish quarter & Place des Vosges, the oldest square in Paris.  You will also find Paris’ oldest covered market, Marché des Enfants Rouge here, which is well worth a visit. Also check out the impressive Sainte-Chapelle Chapel.

2.     Eat Falafel and take in the charm on Rue des Rosiers

Rue des Rosiers

In the heart of le Marais, this mostly cobblestone and pedestrianised medieval street is my favourite in Paris.  Along with it’s beautiful architecture, it houses incredible food with the best falafel in the city at L’as du Falafel, and Jewish bakeries selling mouth wateringly good pastries.  Don’t miss the cozy Le Loir dans La Théière café tucked away at the end of the street selling slices of pie and cake made fresh daily with seasonal produce – and great coffee.
Go earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.

3.     Visit Rue Cler: The most Famous market street in Paris

You might not read about Rue Cler in the guide books, but this beloved market street will give you one of the most authentic experiences in Paris.  This is where the locals go for their produce and daily needs. Uncover hidden treasures along this street which is brimming with cafes, boulangeries, specialty shops and every food stall you can imagine. The fruit & vege stalls are a destination all on their own.  
Stop at Amorino for an epic macaron gelato sandwich.

4.     See A Different Side of The Eiffel Tower

If you want to see a different side to the Eiffel Tower, hit up these alternate view points which offer the best views & photo opportunities. Start at Trocadéro and see the tower from across the Seine in all its glory. Then, take a leisurely walk to the Seine and along its banks to Pont de Bir Hakeim bridge for the most romantic views. Continue to the tower to see it up close. Lastly, head to Rue de l'Université for a view of the tower through this charming tree lined residential street.

Rue de l'Université

Trocadéro lower level

5.     Have dinner at Le Cafe de la Régence

This gem can be found on busy Rue Saint-Honoré, a quick 5 min walk from the Louvre. The food is out of this world good, ambiance lovely and staff friendly.  Try French delicacy Foie gras here – it’s the best I’ve had. I can also vouch for the Poulet Rôti (Roast Chicken) and Entrecôte and Frites (steak and chips). Top it off with the classic crème brulee for the perfect end to your perfect Paris day.

The days selection at Le Loir dans La Théière

An Insiders Guide to Paris

Paris is up there as one of my favourite places in the world. Technically I’m not an insider, but I have been there over 10 times so we are going to say maybe I’m almost one? I am so very lucky to have been there many times with my work, have enjoyed staying there for more than a few days at a time (my longest stint was 10 days) and I always love to go back. It holds a special place in my heart as it was the first place I ever went to in Europe and as a girl from NZ, my eyes just fell out of my head the whole week I was there.

I’d love to share with you my favourite parts of Paris - where I like to go when I have a day or evening spare, my favourite places to roam and eat. If you’d like help on how to get around in Paris, please see my ‘Navigating Paris for Beginners’ guide which includes how to use the Metro.

I’ll also share some recommendations on places to stay and good areas to base yourself as I’ve stayed all over in a range of hotels and AirBnBs at various times of year. So, if you’re off to Paris this summer (or anytime), I hope this guide will be useful and cover all the bases. Any questions? Just leave me a comment.

Click on the links below to jump to each section.

See below for my favourite must do's in Paris

Must DO’S in paris

Hotel Emile in Le Marais, as soon as you get off the metro at Saint Paul

I have many favourite places in Paris, but a few that really stand out. My absolute favourite thing to ‘do’ in Paris is to just to walk the streets, wondering about, discovering new places, cafes and parks. There are so many amazing spots in Paris and honestly I think its hard not to have a good time, but here are some of my favourite things to do. I have included rough time estimates on each of these including some half day options with a full guide of what to see and do, so you can then mix and match activities to create the perfect day(s) for you.

1.Visit le Marais / Half Day
The Marais is my favourite area of Paris, and it also happens to be the oldest. It is home to hidden alleyways, amazing street art, the jewish quarter, Place des Vosges (a must see park) and my favourite book store and pie shop / cafe. I would suggest catching the Metro to Saint Paul and heading towards Rue des Rosiers (the main jewish street). This street houses incredible jewish food with the best falafel in the city, jewish bakeries (out of this world, grab something to go) and down the far end, the coolest cafe selling slices of pie and cake made fresh each day plus your usual French cafe fare. It’s called Le Loir dans La Théière. Allow yourself a half day just to wander and soak up the architecture and culture.
Must see in le Marais: Rue des Rosiers, Place des Vosges, Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine, Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, Marché des Enfants Rouge (Paris' oldest covered market), Sainte-Chapelle Chapel, Musee Cognacq-Jay if you would like to visit a free museum.

2. The Louvre, Tuileries Garden & Arc de Triomphe / Half Day (excluding admission to Louvre)
The buildings of the Louvre are the most impressive i’ve ever seen. Anywhere. Take some time to walk around the outside, through some of the alleyways an just take in the splendour. Be on guard and careful here as there are loads of scammers around, but just be aware of your surroundings. If you plan on going in to the Louvre, book your tickets on their website ahead of time to save yourself HOURS lining up. When you arrive you can go straight into the pre booked tickets line.
From the Louvre, you can see right up through Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde and the Arc de Triomphe. Head in this direction and take some time to sit at one of the fountains in the garden. At Place de la Concorde there is a great lookout towards the Eiffel Tower before you go down to to ground level. From here you can walk all the way up the Champs Elysees but it’s a long hike. You could catch the metro instead, getting off at George V and walking the short distance to the Arc de Triomphe (which you access via underground tunnel). There are loads of shops here, with some notable macaron shops. Both Ladurée and Pierre Hermé Paris can be found here, and both are incredible for macaron. However, I prefer the experience at Hermé (they have pastries as well that are just works of art) and recommend sitting at the bar, ordering a cafe & pastry - but be prepared to pay top dollar! Order some macaron to go on your way out.

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3. The Eiffel Tower Experience / Half Day
You can’t come to Paris and not go to the Eiffel Tower, but I suggest not just going straight there. Hit up these alternate view points, as you may be disappointed if you just go for the in front of the tower spot. When I first went to Paris 13yrs ago, it was not all cordoned off and fenced like it is now. You used to be able to wander right under, but sadly no more. I would recommend starting at Trocadéro (catch the metro to the station with the same name) and seeing the tower from across the Siene. When finished here, walk down to Siene and over to Pont de Bir Hakeim bridge (not the one right in front of the tower, it will be packed and the view is not as good, trust me!). This bridge is super romantic and the views are incredible. Now it’s time to walk to the tower and take it in from below. Carry on walking through the park (its lovely in among the trees also) and navigate to Rue de l'Université. I love the view of the tower from here.
I then recommend walking a quick 5 mins to experience Rue Cler, which is in my opinion the vest market street in Paris. A street full of market stalls and every food you can imagine plus cafes, it’s magic. You can either end your tour here & metro back to your hotel, or continue to the very impressive Hôtel des Invalides and back down to the Seine through the garden to Pont Alexandre III. This bridge is super impressive, decked out in a lot of gold. If you want to cross it, you’ll end up back by Place de la Concorde.

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Combine Number 2 & 3 for a great day circumnavigating some of the best areas of Paris.

4. Visit Notre Dame on Île de la Cité + Île Saint-Louis & Hotel de Ville / 2hrs
Notre Dame is currently not open to the public due to the restoration project after the devastating fires, but it’s still worth visiting and taking in the grandeur of this building. The next little island over, Île Saint-Louis, is a real treat and the Hotel de Ville is not far away. It’s lovely to walk through Île de la Cité & Île Saint-Louis. Pass by pretty Rue Chanoinesse.

5. Take a cruise on the Seine / 1-2hrs
Paris looks so different from the water, and the batobus is a great way to take in the sights, or you could go for a proper cruise or tour if you have time. The sights along the Seine are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so needless to say it’s pretty special.

6. Take a walk around the Latin Quarter / 2hrs
This was the first area I stayed in on my very first trip to Paris. It’s lively, and full of beautiful streets, sights & food. Home to the Pantheon and incredible Luxumborg Gardens, the area has long been associated with intellectuals, artists, and bohemians.

7. Visit one of the infamous Galleries / Arcades / 2hrs
Scattered throughout Paris are hidden arcades / galleries, a beautiful part of Paris history and well worth visiting if you’re going to be in the neighbourhood. My favourite is galeries vivienne.

8. Take a Day trip to Versailles / Full Day
I’ve never seen anything quite like the Palace of Versailles. it’s opulence is unparalleled in my opinion! If you have the time, like a day up your sleeve, definitely hop on the RER and visit Versailles for the day. There’s plenty to explore between the palace itself and incredible gardens.

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Make sure you visit these beautiful Parisian streets!

A Summary of My Favourite Streets:

1. Rue des Rosiers

2. Rue Cler

3. Rue Montorgueil

4. Rue Chanoinesse

5. Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine

6. Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie

7. Rue de Bretagne

I have stayed in a lot of places in Paris, some really great, some not so great. See below for my recommendations.

PARIS RECOMMENDED Accommodation

Here we go - I have 3 recommendations for hotel & apartment style accommodations in Paris. I’m going to keep the recommendations limited as these are really the only ones out of all my visits that I would recommend to friends. The 3rd suggestion also offers quite a lot of options.

Hotel du Lion Dor

1. Hotel du Lion Dor
   My number one recommendation in Paris is this hotel. The location cannot be beat. It’s super close to the Louvre, so very central and close to so many amazing sights, but is on a quiet alley / street away from the noise. It’s also very reasonably priced. The breakfast is EXCELLENT and staff just incredible. Honestly, I’ve never experienced hospitality in Paris like this hotel before. The room (a Junior family room) was also really well sized. Tell them I sent you!

2. Hotel Spended Etoile
   Views of the Arc de Triomphe from your room anyone? This hotel is in an excellent location, with clean, decent sized rooms an a good breakfast. Plus really great views!

3. Cobblestone Paris / Apartments
   A great option if you’re staying a while and want to do your own cooking etc. This American owned company has a variety of apartments throughout Paris. They have English speaking greeters to let you in (at least at the ones I stayed at) and the two I stayed at were really great. The best one I had was called called Le Tresor Marais (not sure if still available)

Let's talk food! My favourite topic 😆

my fave Restaurants & cafes in Paris

I don’t think you can go wrong with food in Paris (or France). I’ve NEVER had a bad meal there, but I’ve also had some that really stood out. These are my favourites that I would return to, but honestly most places you stumble in to off the street will be excellent. Just stay away from super touristy spots to avoid paying sky high prices.

Le Cafe de la Régence

1. Le Cafe de la Régence
   On our first night in Paris on a recent trip we happened across this place. WOW. The food was next level amazing. Make sure you try the Foie gras here, it’s amazing. , the Roast Chicken and Entrecôte and Frites (steak and chips!) was also incredible. .

2. Le Hide Paris
   I got taken here by a French coworker and have returned multiple times. Tiny restuarant close to Arc de Triomphe with incredible food. A very intimate experience.

3. Le Musset
   Wonderful food & service, plus really beautiful florals on the outside of the building. Recommend the escargot!

4. Le Loir dans La Théière
   My favourite place for some quiche Lorraine for lunch, and a slice of whatever pie looks best on the day!

5. Cafe de Flore
   A bit of a French institution that did not disappoint.
   

   As well as eating in cafes & restaurants, make sure you experience the delights at a Boulangerie, Patisserie and crepes from a street vendor.

Le Musset goodness - a great place to try escargot

Last but not least, lets check out my favourite spots for a photo op in Paris below:

FOR THE GRAM

We all want those great shots or the gram. Obviously Paris is full of photo opportunities so you don’t have to go far. I thought I’d show you a few of my favourite images, and where they were taken.

1. Trocadero lower level / 2. Cafe Le Voltigeur / 3. Champs Elysees / 4. Cafe Emile / 5. Junot / 6. Patrick Allain Florest / 7. Rue de l'Universite / 8. Rue des Rosiers

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Navigating Paris for beginners

Navigating Paris for beginners

So you’re planning a trip to Paris? I’m so excited for you to get to experience this amazing city!

Let’s start with the basics - how to get around and use the Metro. Make sure you also check out my Insiders Guide to Paris for where to stay, eat and must do’s in Paris!

Paris is actually pretty easy to navigate and get around, once you get used to the layout. I would familiarise yourself with the arrondissements (like suburbs) as you will often see the arrondissements marked out on maps. Each has it’s own unique character. The 1st arrondissement is considered ‘the heart’ with the rest spiralling out in a clockwise direction to the border of Paris, and you will often hear of ‘left bank’ (the side of the city on the left of the Seine) and ‘right bank’ (the side of the city on the right of the Seine).
I find the easiest way to get around is on foot, combined with the metro. On my first trip to Paris I spent a LOT of time walking which really helps you to get your bearings. For places a little further afield or getting from one side of Paris to the other, for sure use the metro. I get that it is a little intimidating, but I’m here to help as someone who has visited the city 10+ times and used every day.
I will put a metro map below, and also recommend cross referencing this with a map of Paris, so you can see how they correlate to one another.

This blog will focus on the Metro but there is also a decent Bus network if you prefer to be above ground, or the Batobus which go up and down the Seine. You are limited with where you can go with this obviously, but it is a super pretty way to travel!

The Metro In Paris:

Paris' train network consists of two separate but linked systems: the metro and the RER. The metro is the inner city system, and the RER is Paris’ Regional Express Network, you would use this service to go further out of the centre, like to Disneyland or Versailles. The Paris Metro is really simple to use once you get your head around the way it works. Below I’ll show you how to work the metro, price of tickets, some maps and have included some safety tips as well.

Here are the main points for using the Metro:

Signs on the wall in the metro

• The lines are all colour coordinated (super handy) and numbered. Each line has a final destination station at either end to help you with what direction you’re going. This is the most important thing to know when you head down into the station - know what colour / number line you want, and the what the final destination is in the direction you are heading.

• As you head down into the station and get your ticket (more below), just follow the signs that shows the COLOUR line you want (the sign will show a circle with the colour and number inside), and the destination station.

• In some stations you might only have to make 1 or 2 turns until you are at the platform, but at some of the bigger stations you could be walking for 5-10 mins. Just keep an eye on the signs with the colour you’re wanting.

• When you arrive where you are going, keep an eye out for with Sortie / Exit you want as there may be several. For the smaller stations there will just be one exit usually.

• TRANSFERS. Your ticket enables you to transfer (if you need to change lines), assuming you are within 90mins of when you entered the first station. Again, just look for those signs with the colour and number line you want and know which direction you’re headed and they will lead you to the correct platform.

Kiosk machines in the stations

• BUYING TICKETS:
  Each station will have ticket vending machines which are easy to use and all have English available as an option. Use the scroller to select where you’re going, and how many tickets you want. I’m pretty sure all are also manned, so if you want to speak to someone you can.

• TICKET PRICES:

  If you’re in Paris for more than a few days, I would recommend buying a ‘carnet’ of tickets which is basically a booklet of 10 at discounted prices. A single ticket as of Jan 2024 is 2,50 € and a carnet is 17,35 €. After you buy your ticket you will see the turnstiles you need to walk through - insert your ticket into the machine, it will pop out the other side once you walk through.

• SAFETY:
  I’ve never had an issue on the metro, but I am hyper vigilant. Always keep your purse / wallet / bag close to your body with one hand holding on to it at all times. No phones or anything in your back pockets or bags swung around at your back. Bags in front at all times! Don’t engage with people asking for money or trying to sell you something or people trying to distract you.
  I would also recommend that you know what line and direction you’re traveling in before you head down the stairs in to the station. Its a good safety precaution to look like you know where you’re going, and recommend having an app on your phone to refer to rather than paper map fore this reason.

• Download a Metro Ap
  I highly recommend downloading a paris metro ap that will help you with navigation, it makes it super easy. They all have a map you can refer to, or, a route guide where you just put in the station you are at and where you want to go and it will figure out the best route for you, and where to transfer etc. The one I have is just called Paris Metro Map & Routes

• Consider Walking:

  Keep in mind that sometimes it’s actualy quicker (and more pleasant) to just walk. Because some of the big stations are huge, it can actually be quicker to just walk above ground and enjoy the sights as you go. Some of the stations are also really close together so I wouldn’t waste your money on a metro ticket. So I would save the metro for the bigger rides.

If you have any questions about how to use the Metro, let me know in the comments below!

A Taste of Italy in 8 days

Oh Italy. How I love you. I really think there is nowhere quite like Italy. From the food, to the scenery and the people, it is a magical place. It’s also very busy in the summer season, and bigger than it looks. On our trip to Italy last year, we had to make some hard decisions about what to see and what to leave out. It was my second time there, and there were a few places I’d been on my previous trip that didn’t cut the mustard the second time around. So, how do you decide where to go if it’s your first time?
The truth is that there really are no bad choices. I think whatever you choose will be wonderful.

Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

For starters, I should point out that our style of travel is to be reasonably slow and try to spend at least 2-3 days in each place to really get a feel for it, and actually feel like we are on vacation instead of The Amazing Race. The trade off for this is you don’t get to cover as many miles as maybe going on a tour - but like I said above, there are no bad choices and once you’re in it and on the trip, you won’t be thinking ‘oh man I wish I was in XYZ place’. Spending a little time in each place also leaves some room for discovery for things that maybe aren’t in the guide books, and getting to experience what local life is like, instead of rushing from place to place and trying to catch your breath.

So for our trip in 2023, we chose 3 main centres to spend our time.
Venice, the Cinque Terre & Rome (in that order) offering us three really unique and different locations & experiences, with the Cinque Terre in the middle breaking up the big cities (although it was no less busy in some ways).

On previous visits I had traveled by train from France, through to Turin, Milan and Venice and also stayed 3 days in Florence & the same in Rome. I also visited Sienna and the hilltop towns in Tuscany, which I would do again in a heartbeat but we just don’t have time this time around, and were opting for trains only. Travel in Tuscany is difficult without a car, so make sure you consider this when planning your itinerary. If you have additional time to tack on Tuscany, I would seriously consider doing this. It is incredible, especially villages like San Gimignano, Montepulciano, Radda in Chianti & Siena. If you plan on staying a few days in the area, I would recommend making Siena your base. Most people base themselves out of Florence (like I did), but I really wish I had opted to stay in Siena. It’s a good sized town ammenities wise and boy, was it beautiful. I LOVED it there. Such rich history, really amazing vibe and incredible architecture. It’s super handy to all of the small villages around too.

OK, so back to our Summer of 2023 Itinerary. Here’s where we went, where we stayed and some must do’s on your trip! Detailed Itinerary with accommodation suggestions, transportation information & more handy links below.

SUggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Venice
Day 2: Venice
Day 3: Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Day 4: Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Day 5: Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Day 6: Rome
Day 7: Rome
Day 8: Rome

If you have 10 days, suggest 2 days in Tuscany.

Before you leave

Before you leave, I would recommend booking all of your major train travel (websites provided below) and tours you have your heart set on that you think might book out. For places like the Colloseum, tours are for specific times so if you want a morning slot, book early. For other tours, like Gondola rides in Venice, you can go ahead and book the night before as they are always running and you might even get a deal.

I booked all of our train tickets in Italy in advance on either ItaliaRail & Omio.

Download all of your maps for each city before you leave, I just use google maps offline maps or city mapper. See my blog on Recommended Travel Apps.

I also recommend getting a local sim when you land. I got mine in London upon arriving for data that could be used throughout Europe, saves huge roaming fees and keeps you connected.

Also recommend getting a WISE travel card for your spending. Read more about this here, and get my referral link for a free card.

Detailed Itinerary

Here’s how we spent our time, where we stayed and how we got from A-B, plus a few things to avoid.

VENICE - Day 1-3

I wish we had allowed more time for Venice. I had been there before and really thought we just needed 2 nights to whet our appetite, say we had been and be good to go. But I loved it even more than my previous trip, and it was Bill’s (my husband) favourite location of the whole European adventure.
The big difference in my two stays all came down to where I stayed. The first visit I stayed really central not far from Piazza San Marco and it was craziness. Venice is PACKED in summer and I found it a little overwhelming. On this trip, we stayed a little further out (but still central) in the University district of Dorsoduro and it was amazing. The district had a young vibe thanks to the University, but also plenty of families and locals about. It was a lot quieter than across the water and we really just enjoyed the local Piazza close to our AirBnB, the small eateries & cafes and wondering about. This is a great area to explore Venice from, with plenty of Vaporetto stops (public transportation boats in Venice) or easy walking distance to the big sights. It’s also more reasonable pricing wise (both accommodation and the cafes).

Day 1 in Venice we arrive via air and caught a shuttle bus across to Venice via the ATVO bus. Once in Venice central it’s a bit of a zoo and very hard to figure out where to go and what to do. We looked in all directions for the Vaporetto ticket place, and honestly I think this is just a right of passage when arriving in Venice! We finally got our tickets and made the long walk around to where our stop was, not realising that we should have just walked to our accommodation. The Vaparetto’s are quite expensive, and I think we blew $50 just trying to get closer to our accommodation and in the end it only took us 2 stops. Lesson learned. We did everything on foot after that.

The inside of San Nicolò dei Mendicoli

A beautiful photo spot for the ‘gram

We spent the afternoon wondering the streets and popping in and out of Cathedrals that were open, followed by dinner in the Piazza where Aiden played football barefoot with the Italian locals who thought he was crazy.
Speaking of churches - our favourite was right next to our AirBnB, the San Nicolò dei Mendicoli which dates back to the 7th century. The inside was just beautiful.

Day 2 in Venice we had a little more structure to our morning, with a private Gondola ride booked for 9am to get our day started, which I just booked on Viator last minute. Yes this activity is really touristy, but we loved it and it’s a must do. Do a private tour if you can, its much better than the group one I did years before.
We then took a walk to the incredible Piazza San Marco (St Marcs Square) which is home to the incredible St Mark's Basilica. I recommend visiting in the morning before the crowds settle in. From there we walked to Rialto bridge, which is just as busy as St Marcs Square, if not more so as it’s a smaller space. It’s a great spot to view the Grand Canal! We then went looking for an instagram spot I had seen online / read about for some pics (had to do it, sorry not sorry) and it was well worth it. If you’re keen for a photo here, he’s a link to the location on Google Maps.
Day 2 ended the same way Day 1 did, with amazing food at the local Piazza (which I can’t even find on a map so can’t tell you where we ate, but that’s the beauty of it!) and Aiden playing football for an hour afterwards before gelato and home time.

Accommodation:

Venice accommodation comes highly recommended. 2 Bedrooms sleeping 4, nice and cool, right on a canal, great facilities and excellent location. Book Here

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Cinque Terre - Days 3-6

Sunset views on the walk to Corniglia from Vernazza

The next day was a travel day, with us catching trains to Florence, and onward to La Spezia and then finally Vernazza. I booked all of our train tickets in Italy in advance on either ItaliaRail & Omio. It pays to book in advance to secure a seat, and the local train stations and ticketing can be a little confusing and you’re often rushed for time. Booking from outside of Italy is safe on the above sites. Do be careful through 3rd party websites as you often end up paying a lot more.

Vernazza is one of the super popular villages in the Cinque Terre. Each of the villages in the Cinque Terre offer something different, there are plenty of guides available online if you’re trying to figure out where to stay. For me, Vernazza caught my heart 10yrs before, so I wanted to return. It’s a great base, but it is very busy, but so are most of the towns here. You can opt to stay somewhere like Genoa and train in each day which would save you a fair bit of money.
Our little Apartment was really great. We opted to stay a little out of the centre up the hill which turned out to be a great idea. It wasn’t the quietest, but otherwise a fabulous stay with 2 bedrooms and a rooftop terrace that was perfection!

Although overrun with a LOT of tourists (especially Americans we noticed), Vernazza and the Cinque Terre is a magical place where you step back in time. We spent majority of our time walking, swimming, eating or napping it seems, and there were no complaints here. On our second day (which was my birthday!) we hiked one of the famed town to town walks, Vernazza to Monterosso. The track was busy, but we really loved it. The views are unlike anything I’ve ever seen making the hill climbs worth it. When we arrived in Monterosso we headed straight for Gelato and then the beach and swam for hours in the warm ocean. We trained back, napped and then headed out for dinner at a special spot for my birthday. Restorante Belforte, which is up a tower on the edge of town overlooking the water and village. Make sure if you’re booking here you request the very top of the tower. The food was also amazing!!

Vernazza to Monterosso Hike, at the first lookout

During our stay here, I also did a sunset walk up the hill on the side which leads to Corniglia (amazing views) and we took a boat ride to Riomaggiore which is very picturesque, loved it here. It’s all the town that the move Luca is based on :)
The Cinque Terre was the slow down in pace we needed before heading to Rome.

Accommodation

Our apartment in Vernazza also comes highly recommended if you decide to stay here. I loved the location and the rooftop terrace was super cool! I would recommend Vernazza or Monterosso as a base. Book via Booking.com here

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Rome - Days 6-8

Rome! Rome is an assault to the senses, but in all the right ways. Get ready for cultural overwhelm, crowds, heat and incredible food and vibe. If you’re not a big city person, you might not warm to Rome straight away, but once the history gets under your skin, you can’t help but love it. We fit a lot into our 3 days here including a combination of tours and DIY seeing the sights.

For the tours we did the following. The hop on hop off bus is also a great option for Rome seeing as it’s so big.

Vatican City Tour - if you’re wanting to do this, do yourself a huge favour and buy a skip the line pass from a tour operator. The lines are HUGE. We were very thankful we got escorted in, and then were left to our own devices inside. The Sistine Chapel is not to be missed.
Colosseum & Palatine Hill Tour - again, there is only one way to see the Colosseum - skip. the. line. Make sure you book in advance to do a tour, but also beware of who you are booking with. I consider myself pretty savvy, but booked a tour on Viator and when we showed up at the address it was all bolted up and we had been ripped off. Viator was great and reimbursed us, but we wasted a lot of time and then had to try to book another tour on the spot and it’s CRAZY around there with the number of tour operators / scammers and people approaching you. Anyway, we found a good one and headed off on a waking tour that was great.

Some more highly recommended sights are:

• Pantheon (very busy)

• Trevi Fountain (very very busy)

• Campidoglio (a hilltop square designed by Michelangelo)

• The Cat Sanctuary is actually very cool. Right across from our hotel, ruins that are cordoned off and now home to many abandoned kitties. We visited our little one eyed, three legged friends each day.

• Teatro di Marcello which we just happened upon by accident. These ruins weren’t in any guidebook we saw, but were free to roam around in and were seriously impressive.

• Another little known spot is Isola Tiberina which is little island on the Tiber where the hospital is located, but it’s quiet and quite a cool spot to wonder around with great views and some neat old ruins

• Trastevere - anywhere! We loved this little suburb. Beautiful streets lined with ivy and florals, great restaurants with some of the best food we had in Italy. Really charming spot.

Getting Around: We did a LOT of walking in Rome, but on the final day actually started using the busses which were really easy to use, and on time. I’d recommend. You can tap on and off just using your credit card too, so no tickets required. The trams are also pretty easy to use. You can see more at Rome.net.

Incredible dinner at Nannarella.

Eating Out
We ate at some really great restaurants in Travastere & around Rome, many of which I don’t even know where we were… but here are a few of our favourites I can recollect!
Nannarella, Piazza di S. Calisto. Book early, otherwise you might have a bit of a wait. But worth it!
Come Na Vorta, Vicolo del Cinque. Must have the panna cotta! And lasagne.

In our experience, you can’t go wrong with food in Italy. Stay away from the main touristy areas where you will pay more and not get authentic food (a red flag would be food like cheeseburgers or fish and chips on the menu).

Accommodation - Hotel Barrett

Our accommodation in Rome was an absolute HOOT. The welcome we got was like something I have never experienced in my 20yrs of traveling. We got taken up to our room and got given an incredible speed tour on all the ‘features’ of the room including so much free food I could’t believe it. The guy was speaking a hundred miles a minute and he was so endearing, the whole thing was hilarious. And yes a FULLY stocked mini fridge full of all the food you can eat with restocking each day, plus wine. It was in a great spot right across from the famed Cat Sanctuary. Also very reasonably priced, but also I feel like I should mention, the rooms are small. We didn’t care, only there to sleep and eat all the snacks 😂

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Have the best time in Italy! There are so many places to see, next time we will head further south as I’d love to see the Amalfi Coast. Let me know if you end up using any of the info in the blog and happy travels. You can also see my highlighted instagram stories from this trip on instagram.

Justine x

Must See Outlander Film Locations!

Helloooooo Outlander fans, welcome! I am your people, lets have some fun. This is an outlander kinda-crazy-lady safe space, so don’t worry, no judgement here if you want to fly to Scotland to see all the Outlander things. It’s kind of what I did 🤷🏻‍♀️

Last summer my family and I took a trip to Europe from New Zealand, and the last 10 days was to be spent in Scotland. What a dream! I was so excited to get there, for many reasons, but one of the biggest being my love for Outlander. Now I know there are many reasons people want to visit Scotland, it’s an incredibly beautiful place of course, and many of us have ancestral connections there (including my husband and I) and I would highly recommend anyone visit. It IS super beautiful, the people are lovely, it’s down to earth and just sticks with you. I have a blog specifically for our 10 Day Trip to Scotland if you need some itinerary help (including the Outlander locations) but this blog is just for all us fans who want the DL on the filming locations.

This was a family vacation, so we didn’t go overboard on the film locations - but it was just enough to wet my appetite and satisfy the Outlander itch, so if you’re headed there soon, here are the locations I highly recommend you visit.

Bakehouse Close / Jamie’s Print Shop

While in Edinburgh we took the opportunity to visit Bakehouse Close, the location of Jamie’s print shop in Edinburgh. If you’re already planning on taking a walk along the Royal Mile, then this won’t be far out of your way. As this was our first full day in Scotland, I was so excited to see a filming location. It was pretty cool and my first insight into the magic of TV and angles. You walk through a little tunnel to get there, and out the other side the steps of Jamie’s shop are unmissable. Oh to be where the cast and crew were, I loved it, location one done!
(more photos at the bottom of the page)

Midhope Castle / Lallybroch

The holy grail! If you’re wanting to visit Outlander locations, this is the cream of the crop. Lallybroch. We all want to walk up the path whispering ‘take me home to Lallybroch’ (yes, I did this) and trust me, it will send shivers down your spine. I LOVED it here. From the warm welcome from James at the gate to walking up ‘that’ road to the castle, it was just really special. The castle is in beautiful condition and looked as pretty as a picture. We were VERY lucky to be the only ones there for the first 15-20 mins, and then joined by only 2 other people. I loved sitting on the front steps just as Claire did, and getting to wander around the property. I would recommend booking online prior to your arrival, it’s around 7pounds and you select a time slot when you book. Even though it was quiet when we visited, there are buses and tours that frequent, so better to be safe than sorry.

Midhope castle is 30 mins from Edinburgh, or 45 mins from Glasgow and is easier reached by car.

Doune Castle / Castle Leoch

I was really keen to visit Doune Castle, otherwise known as Castle Leoch, and as it was kind of on our way heading to the highlands we took a quick detour to visit. We were driving from Glasgow, and the castle is only around 40mins away and the drive is pretty. Funnily enough on the drive we passed Cumbernauld and Wardpark studios where Outlander is filmed and produced completely by accident. The castle is abandoned, but you can go in. When we visited there were people there selling tickets, but we opted for a quick walk around the gardens as we needed to head off. You could totally do both castles in a half day trip from either Glasgow or Edinburgh as they are not far apart.

Doune Castle is in the small town of Doune, around 40 mins from Glasgow or 1 hr from Edinburgh. Free to visit the exterior, a charge to go inside.

Wardpark Studios / Cumbernauld

Ok so if you’re a die hard fan, you might just want to see the studios where Sam, Catriona and the cast and crew frequent during filming. I mean, there’s not a lot to see, but I still enjoyed getting to see the Outlander and Blood of my Blood office signs and got a kick out of it. We found it purely by accident while driving by on the highway, but seeing as we were going by I shot off at the next exit to take a peak and get a little photo with the sign. hahah why not! Was crazy to see how huge it was too, what an operation.
If you put in 2 Wyndford Rd into your GPS, you should get to the main gate.

Kinloch Rannoch / Craigh na Dun

This location takes a little more commitment as it’s further out, around 2hrs from Edinburgh but if you have the time I recommend it. It’s really only accessible by car. The location for Craigh Na Dun doesn’t look exactly as it did in the show as of course the stones were replicas and built for filming, but everything else is the same - the hill with beautiful views out either side plus the unique trees. As soon as we pulled up, I knew where I was.
This location is on private property and a working farm. The farmer who owns the land (as far as my knowledge at time of writing) lets people on to the land to visit. Please be respectful and shut the gates etc.
Getting to Craigh na Dun is a bit of effort as it’s remote, but it’s a really beautiful day drive. It’s a part of Scotland that you likely wouldn’t otherwise see. It’s remote on farm roads, not really on the way to anywhere. I thought it was a magical place. Directions wise, thankfully there is a location already saved into google maps that you can use. Here is the LINK for you to use.
Have fun recreating some fun Outlander photos! Free to visit.

Culloden Moor

Ok, so I wouldn’t really deem this a filming location (although there are scenes set there), but a very significant place in Scotlands History. I had never heard of the Battle of Culloden before watching Outlander, but was very moved by the story and the history of what happened there. We decided to visit and thought it would be a good place for our son to see as well. Plus we wanted to visit the burial stones of our ancestors. Culloden is not far out of Inverness, with ample parking and an incredible visitors centre. We spent most of our time just walking the lines of the Scottish and the British armies and reading all of the plaques. It’s incredible that this place has been protected and is available to visit. I found it really eerie and sad, especially to see where members of my family stood and fell, but I am also so glad we went. If you are a fan of Outlander, I’m sure you will be looking for the Fraser stone, which as we visited was cordoned off due to too many people standing around it. I’m not sure if it is permanently like this, but please be careful when visiting. Free to visit the battlefield, a charge to see the additional displays in the visitors centre.

Clava Cairns (Standing Stones)

Technically not a filming location at all, but it has Outlander relevance if you’re into the whole standing stones/travel through time to find your highlander thing! Which, if you’re here reading this, I’m guessing you are. I recommend visiting here while you’re in the area visiting Culloden as it’s really not far, and it’s a really interesting place. It is also said to be the inspiration for Craigh Na Dunh and I’m pretty sure one of the main stones there is a body double for the one in the show. It’s a dead ringer! I did try, like I’m sure many thousands of others have, to pass through, but hubby grabbed me just in time ;)

Are you there Jamie?

So that’s it. I know there are many more spots and maybe one day I’ll get back there to see them, but this was certainly enough to satisfy my Outlander fantasies!

Have fun, Sassenach.

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Ten Day Scotland Itinerary

To say I had been itching to get to Scotland feels like an understatement. 

A few years ago I started watching Outlander, a little late to the party I know, and fell in love with the dramatic landscapes. I was desperate to see it for myself.  I then took an interest in Scottish history after listening to Clanlands by Graham McTavish & Sam Heughan, and then even moreso after reading Sam’s book, Waypoints where he walks the West Highland Way. It all sounded to lovely, and I wanted to see & experience it for myself. It turns out Bill, my husband, and I both have Scottish heritage (Bill is 50% Scottish) so we decided to include Scotland in our European trip in June 2023.

The hard part was deciding where to go. I didn’t really have any idea about the different regions or where anything was, but google was my friend and the research began. I realised from my Outlander education that I knew a few things – I really wanted to see some of the filming locations and to walk at least part of the West Highland Way, to see the Highlands and Edinburgh, so that was a good starting point.

We only had 10 days, and there’s so much more to see on future trips, but if you’re after a highlands highlight tour, I highly recommend this route! It covers Edinburgh, Glasgow, The Highlands & The Isle of Skye. A great taster trip! If you’re not wanting to spend 3 days hiking like we did, there are plenty of other things to do in the Glencoe area.

Trip Summary

Day 1: Edinburgh
Day 2: Edinburgh & Glasgow
Day 3: Glasgow to Bridge of Orchy
Day 4: Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse (includes Glencoe & Glen Etive)
Day 5: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven
Day 6: Kinlochleven to Fort William
Day 7: Fort William to Isle of Skye
Day 8: Isle of Skye
Day 9: Isle of Skye to Laggan via Inverness & Culloden
Day 10: Laggan to Glasgow

Detailed Itinerary Below!

Day 1: Arrival in Edinburgh at Midday, explore Edinburgh
We spent the afternoon taking in Edinburgh. Recommended things to do if you don’t have a lot of time like us - stroll the Royal Mile, visit Bakers Close (Outlander print shop location), get amazing views of Edinburgh Castle from The Vennel, eat at a pub in Grassmarket (we loved Greyfriers Bobby) & take a walk up Victoria Street, walk up to Edinburgh Castle
Accommodation: A 2 Bedroom AirBnB with views of the castle in the grass market area, great find. LINKED HERE.

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Day 2: Edinburgh to Glasgow by train
We spent the morning visiting some Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh (The Elephant House & Greyfriars Kirkyard) before hopping on a quick train to Glasgow. We spent the afternoon exploring central Glasgow and the river before catching a train up to the West End area for a wander around there as well.
Accommodation: Clayton Hotel, Glasgow.

Day 3: Glasgow to Bridge of Orchy
We picked up our rental car first thing and headed for the highlands! En route we visited the Fallkirk Wheel (amazing) and on to Doune Castle, otherwise known as Castle Leoch in Outlander. Super cool getting to see this! We drove through some lovely scenery, past lochs and small towns, getting a hint of what we were about to experience in the Highlands.
Accommodation: The Bridge of Orchy Hotel is a great stopover in the highlands, great hospitality, hearty, excellent food and comfortable accommodation.

Day 4: Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse - by foot, day 1 of the West Highland Way
My 12yr old son and I set out early after a hearty Scottish breakfast for Day 1 of our hike. My husband was recovering from Long Covid so didn’t join us, instead he drove the care between each waypoint which was actually really handy. The scenery was beautiful, for more information on the hike see my blog post on Walking the West Highland Way. We arrived at the Kingshouse hotel hot and worn out, but happy. The hotel is in a stunning location, we got to see the famous stags as we arrived. We decided to head off up towards Glen Etive to see the infamous SKYFALL road and were so happy we did. The road was STUNNING, plus we found an amazing swimming hole to cool off in. If heading toward Fort William on the A82, just after the Kingshouse Hotel is a bridge. Over the bridge and on your left is a road that takes you to Glen Etive. The location of the photos is a few kms up, the GPS coordinates are 56°37′10.31″N 04°55′51.23″W.
Accommodation: Kingshouse Hotel.

Day 5: Kingshouse to Kinlochleven - Day 2 of the West Highland Way
Heading deeper into the highlands on this day, we got to pass the very famous wee White House along the way before we turned inland to climb the Devils Staircase. If you’re not walking, what you will get to experience along the A82 is some stunning mountainous landscape. Passing first impressive Bauchaille Etive Mor, and then the Three Sisters, this road is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever been on (we drove it after we completed the hike as I didn’t want to miss it!). I highly recommend also turning off and heading up Old Glencoe Road. It was super pretty, very quiet and special. Also, great swimming holes to be found once again.
Kinlochleven is a beautiful wee village in the highlands that is also worth a visit or stopover. We finished Day 2 of our hike here and enjoyed staying here.
Accommodation: The Tailrace Inn. Classic little inn with inexpensive, modest, clean rooms with a great pub downstairs.

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Day 6: Kinlochleven to Fort Wiliam - Day 3 of the West Highland Way

As we walked our final day of the West Highland Way (and the longest part), we weaved our way out of Kinlochleven and up into the highlands deeper. What a beautiful part of the world. The hike was nothing short of spectacular, with an incredible view of the UKs tallest peak, Ben Nevis as we ascended into Fort William. As we walked, Bill drove down Loch Linnhe through some pretty villages towards Oban, which I hear is incredible. If you weren’t hiking, I would for sure pay Oban a visit while you’re in the area.

Accommodation: Nevis Bank Inn Fort William

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Day 7: Fort William to Isle of Skye, via the Jacobite Train
With tired legs, our very big Harry Potter fan was surprised with a Harry Potter excursion. We took a very excited Aiden on the the Hogwarts Express / Jacobite Train from Fort William to Mallaig on the coast. I would recommend this trip, it was great - especially crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct, but do make sure you book really early. It was a very coo experience, and Mallaig was pretty. When we got back at 4pm, it was straight to the car to start our road trip to Uig on the Isle of Skye. A big day, but doable. We loved the landscape as we drive to Skye, and stopped at Eileen Donan castle to stretch our legs along the way - well worth the visit.
We crossed the bridge to Skye and the change was instant. It was love at first sight for me. Driving through sky to our little pod for the night in a remote area was something I’ll never forget, it was breathtaking. We had a beautiful day and could see for miles. I loved the coastal views and wee white houses all over, I just loved it.
We arrived at around 8.30pm but the sun was still high in the sky, so we were happy.
Accommodation: Fairy Retreat Skye. These were 3 tiny homes in a row, and when I say tiny, I mean tiny - but the views were amazing and it had everything we needed.

Day 8: Exploring Isle of Skye
One of my favourite days on the trip was just driving around seeing Skye. We drove north from Uig stopping often for lazy sheep who could have cared less they were blocking the road (I loved them, what a vibe!). We went Dinosaur footprint hunting at Duntulm beach (somewhat successfully) and then carried on around the headland to see The Quiraing. Just wow. This place is nothing short of spectacular. After winding up the narrow road, we arrived to a busy carpark… but the people were scattered on hikes in every direction, as it was really quiet. Thats the thing about Scotland, even when it was busy, it just felt like there was enough wide open space for everyone and it never felt overrun. We couldn’t stop admiring the view and took it in on a short walk (wish we had time to hike!) before heading down to the coast again, this time to Staffin to see the Dinosaur Prints - which we found! YAY! Beautiful beach too. We ate our picnic lunch here and Aiden dipped in the Atlantic for the first time. After here we headed to The Brothers Point, a walk / hike I had read about that was much less popular than Old Man Storr and The Quaraing so was super quiet. I don’t know why it’s less popular or well known, because it was amazing. We loved it. We hiked for an hour an a half and then headed off to see Old Man Storr. It was impressive as well, but after climbing for a while on the walk, we decided to head back as we were already worn out from the heat and hike we had just completed.
We drove back around through Portree to the Uig Hotel for dinner and enjoyed some amazing hospitality, cold drinks and fish and chips caught in the bay. We couldn’t come to the area and not see the Fairy Glen, so we visited after dinner. A special and magical place.

Day 9: Isle of Skye to Laggan via Inverness & Culloden
Another day on the road visiting some pretty epic places. We decided to drive to Inverness via Loch Ness and drive along the banks which was pretty neat. We didn’t get as many views of the Loch as I had expected, but it was still nice and seemed to go on forever. We didn’t see a lot of Inverness but it was a pretty town (must go back!) as we passed through on our way to Culloden. This is a must do in Scotland. A really powerful, Erie place that holds a very important piece of Scotlands history. We spent quite some time here, and visited the headstones of our ancestors and I shed a tear or two.
After Culloden we went to Clava Cairns. The standing stones and cairns are pretty amazing to see, and of course I loved the Outlander connection. We had some fun recreating walking through the stones, and thought this was well worth a stop. Our accommodation that night was further south, in Laggan (seemingly middle of nowhere) and the drive here from Clava Cairns was something pretty special. This whole area which borders Cairngorms National Park is really pretty country. Again, I wish we had more time to experience the park itself.
Accommodation: A lovely little B&B called Tigh an Each B&B & Laggan Glamping, we stayed in the house in a family room. It was super comfortable and quiet.

Day 10: Laggan to Glasgow via Kinloch Rannoch
Our last day on the road was a bit of an Outlander Day, yay! We left Laggan and headed into the country side deeper to Kinloch Ranch area, where the filming location for Craigh na Dun is. Really loved getting to see this location and actually the drive there was pretty cool and remote, so we all enjoyed it. We left there and headed for Midhope Castle before returning to Glasgow. Midhope Castle is like the pinnacle of Outlander Locations if you ask me, as it is Jamie’s family home - Lallybroch. I was absolutely giddy as we drove up and I got my first sight. We met James, the lovely man at the gate who was happy to entertain and chat for ages about Outlander things (much to my delight). As we walked up to Lallybroch I realised we were there alone. ALONE! It was magic to get to experience it with no one else around. One for the memory bank for sure.
From here we drove back to Glasgow for our final night, and it was back to London on the train the next day.

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New Plymouth & Taranaki

I’ll say it, I LOVE where we live. We are super lucky to live where we do, right here in beautiful Taranaki. We moved here from Auckland almost 9yrs ago when our son was 1yr old, looking for wide open space, community and some fresh mountain air. Well, we got all that in spades. We love it even more than we thought we would and I love showing it off to people on Facebook and Instagram.

This has prompted a lot of messages over the years of people coming to visit and asking for my recommendations, so I thought this summer - the summer of 2020 / 2021, why not put together a little ‘where to go’ which includes MY favourite places to visit, eat, drink, escape and hike. This is a guide primarily for families, but definitely applies to couples or if you’re visiting on your own.

Come see us this summer, there is no better time to get out and explore our beautiful country. I often hear New Plymouth is ‘not near anything’ or ‘too far out of the way’ - indeed, it’s true. But that’s part of it’s charm and you won’t regret coming here.

Fave Local Scenic Spots in - New Plymouth

Pukekura Park

The Coastal Walkway - anywhere!
The Coastal Walkway is hard to miss, it hugs the coastline in the city and heads out in both directions. If you’re staying in the city, head to the infamous Wind Wand and start walking towards East End Beach. The walkway is for walking, cycling, skateboarding - you name it. More info under walks and hikes.

Pukekura Park
Hands down my favourite park anywhere, Pukekura Park is stunning. There are a lot of walkways all around the park, an awesome playground for the kids, a fernery (don’t miss it!) a gorgeous lake and teahouse. You can easily spend a few hours here. It’s so beautiful, full of amazing flora, giant natives and lots of locals.

New Plymouth Foreshore & Wind Wand

Fitzroy Beach
We are super lucky to have awesome surf beaches right in the city, Fitzroy is my fave. The Coastal Walkway goes straight past so you can walk here (carry on from East End and you’ll be there in a jiffy) or drive and park there.

Regional Gardens: Tupare Gardens in New Plymouth are really beautiful, especially in Autumn. It is well worth the visit, pop right down to the river flat to explore.
Pukeiti (approx 30 mins from New Plymouth) is also great with lots of walking paths, beautiful plants, trees and a really neat kids treehouse trail. It’s a spectacular garden. There is also a cafe there for lunch.

Sunset at Back Beach

Back Beach
Iconic by day or night, not to be missed for a sunset and walk along the beach. Dog friendly!

Lake Mangamahoe
This lake is absolutely stunning and offers amazing views of the mountain from about half way down the road. There is a lovely little walk in the redwoods from the first carpark, or others longer walks if you’re up for it. See more about the loop walking track in the Walks & Hikes section!

Lake Mangamahoe

Mount Taranaki
OF COURSE! While you’re here, you have to make a trip up the mountain. The drive up through native rainforest is gorgeous, and when you arrive there are plenty of walks and viewing points. The two primary visiting spots are the North Egmont Visitors Centre, or the Dawsons Falls visitors centre (Stratford side).
See more about our favourite walking tracks under the Walks & Hikes Section.

Places nearby not to be missed!

Oakura - epic little seaside town with an amazing beach and awesome summer vibes. Grab an ice cream from the 4 Square and head to the beach. Plenty of places to eat too.

Ahu Ahu Beach - Just a few more mins along the coast from Oakura is one of my fave spots, Ahu Ahu Beach.

Surf Highway / Cape Egmont Lighthouse - If you have time, head around the coast a little further to the Cape Egmont Lighthouse. A beautiful spot, rugged, isolated and unique.

Three Sisters - See more in the Walks & Hikes section, a special spot an hour from New Plymouth.

Three Sisters, Tongaporutu

Walks & Hikes

These are just a few of my favourite walks in New Plymouth and surrounds. There are literally hundreds. If you’re up for some mountain walks, head to the North Egmont visitors centre for some recommendations. I’ve listed a few of our faves below.

Coastal Walkway

The Coastal Walkway
It’s more than likely you have heard about our iconic walkway, it spans 13kms so you can choose whether you want to start from the City and walk towards East End, or you can head out to Bell Black and come the other way. My favourite sections are The Terewa Rewa Bridge to the Boardwalk, or the Wind Wand to East End Beach Return.

Te Henui Walkway
This is an easy grade walk alongside the Te Henui river. Do as much or as little as you like, fantastic walk. I start at East End back and walk inland about 3kms before turning back.

Lake Mangamahoe

Lake Mangamahoe Loop Track
My favourite walk, starts with two uplills and not small child friendly. This walk is around 1.30mins, it will take you along the lake, through the redwoods and back along the road, fantastic walk.

York Road Loop, Mt Taranaki

Mount Taranaki
From North Egmont there are some amazing walks, here is a link to the doc guide for you.
Our faves are the Ngatoro Loop Track and the Veronica Loop. The Ngatoro Loop is accessed right from the visitors centre and is known as Goblin Forest, truly magical! The Veronica loop is more challenging with a lot of uphill but it’s worth it. If you want more of a challenging day hike, head up the Maketawa track!

We also really like the York Road Loop which is accessed not far from Statford. It’s an interesting walk that goes through an old quarry, passes some lovely streams etc too.

Another track up the mountain not to be missed is the Wilkies Pools Walk - head around to the Stratford side (Dawson Falls Visitors Centre) of the mountain for this awesome walk and maybe a cheeky swim at the pools. Great family walk.

Maketawa Track, Mt Taranaki

Three Sisters
An awesome 1hr road trip North from New Plymouth will take you to the Three Sisters walk at Tongaporutu. You have to check the tides before going as this walk can only be done at low tide, but it’s well worth the roadie if you love a good beach walk and some amazing beach scenes!

Whitecliffs Walkway
Another great little roadie to this walk, it’s not an easy one, I found it hard, but so so worth it! Epic views on a good day.

EATS

There are so many amazing places to eat in New Plymouth - these are just SOME of them. These are the places we frequent, but quite honestly I still haven’t tried everywhere. We don’t get out a lot for dinner, but when we do we tend to go back to our faves!

Chicken Burger Salad at Arborio

Jetcharm Barbershop
(Lunch of snack) So know it doesn’t sound like you’d get food here - but this little barbershop has a street window serving smoothies and smoothie bowls and they are DELICIOUS. My fave smoothie bowls in NP in fact. Grab one to take away and walk down to the walkway to enjoy.

Arborio
(Anytime) I love the vibe and the food at Arborio. Right on the waterfront, Arborio are open all day. My latest fave there for lunch is the Chicken Burger Bowl (salad) and dinner the Pork Belly is to die for. Very good food and service! Also great cocktails.

Baked Brie at Shining Peak

Wild Pear Kitchen
(Lunch) New Plymouths Plant Based Wild Pear offers a small buffet during the day that is super yummy and good value plus made to order food that is made with love. Lots of yummy bowls on the menu plus they have raw cakes, smoothies, slices available in the cabinet. The staff are always lovely and the food always good.

Social Kitchen
(Dinner) Anyone from New Plymouth will tell you that Social Kitchen is amazing - every, single, time. Incredible food, yummy cocktails and killer desserts. Amazing vibe. Some of the best food you’ll ever have I reckon!

Fork & Knife
(Dinner) Another special occasion spot - this little restaurant offers a fab environment and incredible food. Everything I’ve ever had there has been great.

West End Precinct - Monicas, Public Catering, Snug Lounge, White Heart
The West End Precinct is the coolest little spot in town IMHO. The Govett Brewster Gallery stands proud here (our infamous building made of glass is pretty cool, you need to see it!) and there are so many cool little spots.
If you head into the White Heart Building you will find Public Catering open by day (think cabinet food, great coffee, doughnuts, cool vibe in an atrium) and by night Snug Lounge and White Heart (Pizza & beers) are pumping. Snug Lounge (a Japanese inspired cocktail lounge) have AMAZING food & cocktails, another fave spot for dinner. The cocktails are soooo good and all the appys are great for sharing, a very social spot.
Monica’s on the other side of the road has a gorgeous decor and yummy food as well. I prefer it here for lunch over any other time, but it’s good for dinner too.

Shining Peak Brewery
(Dinner or Happy Hour) The beer is great (so hubby tells me), it’s laid back and the food is great. We like sitting out the back in the enclosed patio where kids can with some of the lawn games and the atmosphere is casual and cool. Top Tip - the baked brie is killer!

Casual Eats / Takeaways /COFFEE
Who doesn’t love takeaways? Our fave takeaways / casual eats include burgers, amazing salads and poke bowls - something for everyone.

Liardet Street Project, 21 Liardet Strett
Make sure you head to Liardet Street and just take your pic from this awesome outdoor eatery with a bunch of different vendors including Gamma Rays who make the most amazing burgers. Kahakai Poke Bowl is right next door and have amazing poke bowls! Plus, amazing vibes

Bleached Coffee / Crystal Cylinder
My fave coffee spot in town! Hidden gem, amazing coffee and pastries plus a super cool shop to peruse. Keeping it coastal.

Arizona is located on Devon Street on the West End Precinct fringe, the supersede salad is amazing, as is the buddha bowl. Also killer burgers and fries!

ACCOMMODATION

Of course I’m going to recommend our very own cabin, The Unwind. Bookable via www.canopycamping.co.nz

How to Plan A Trip to Europe - All You Need To Know

Traveling as a family of 3 with our 12 yr old son.

Not long ago we returned from our INCREDIBLE European adventure. We spent just over a month traveling through some beautiful places in Western Europe, and I think it was the perfect itinerary! A mix of city and country, inland and coastal towns with Mediterranean beaches and even some Scottish highlands and lochs. This was our idea of the perfect vacation.

Now I should tell you, I am ALL about the planning. I love to plan holidays, even though it can be overwhelming in the beginning with where to start and knowing what to do or where to go, I love the research phase. I am the girl with spreadsheets, apps… ALL the things. It’s part of the joy of travel for me. So all of this trip, I organised myself. I understand that this is absolutely not everyones jam, so don’t worry, I’ve got your back to help you plan your next adventure, wherever it may be.

In this blog I’ll be sharing our 30 day itinerary, recommended accommodation, plus a bunch of tips and tricks on how to organise your trip and some things you need to remember. It doesn’t actually matter where you’re going, the methodology of how to build your trip is the same.

So let’s get started. I’m going to cover how to build your itinerary and choosing where to go, our 30 day itinerary with recommended accommodation, Travel Tips & Tricks including great Travel Apps to download before you go.

choosing where to go / build your itinerary

Gordes, South of France

Europe is huge with SO much variety that I believe the absolute hardest part is deciding where to go as there are literally countless options of amazing places to visit. For us, we were going on a family vacation (my husband and I plus our 12yr old son) and we really love nature and history, so we wanted an itinerary that spoke to us personally. We could have easily done any number of versions of our itinerary and added other places and it still would have been amazing - I think there really are no bad options.
BUT, how you plan your trip and putting extra thought into the kind of holiday you want is really important. Do you want to lay on the beach? Do you want big cities with culture and shows? Do you want to explore ancient ruins or visit vineyards? Maybe you want to do a little bit of each, which is totally doable. Most importantly, think about the PACE you want to have for your trip. If you don’t want to to really rushed, then I suggest sacrificing the number of places you want to visit for being able to take things a little slower. Which is what we did. Instead of trying to fit 10 countries in to 30 days, we chose 4 main areas / countries with the idea we could spend roughly a week in each: We chose London, France, Italy & Scotland.

Our 30 Day Europe Itinerary for uk, france & italy

First up, here is our itinerary outline that I used to share with my instagram audience and put in to our travel journals. I use Canva to create these types of graphics and it’s great - really easy to use too. When I got home I replaced the stock images I’d used with our own to personalise it. Having an outline is the best place to start, then you can move into organising in more detail.

Below this is the REAL itinerary where you get to see how my brain works - and how much I love excel for travel planning! 😂

On the excel spreadsheet I just started with dates, and then broke down into days / nights and added more and more detail as I booked things.

We absolutely loved our itinerary and everything we did. This was the first time both my husband and son had been to the Europe and UK, so I wanted to take them to all of my favourite places. The only place new for me was Scotland, which was an amazing experience for us all. The trip was a great mix of seeing the bigger cities with hustle and bustle and so much to see and do, with relaxing and quiet(er) places. I planned it so that following each huge busy city, we had somewhere quiet following. The South of France was such a lovely slow pace after being in London & Paris, and likewise, the Cinque Terre was welcome after Nice & Venice and preparing us for Rome! Although, the Cinque Terre is very popular, but still a relaxed vibe. Rome was the busiest, hottest place we went, but we followed it up with 10 night in Scotland which was truly magical with so much space to roam.

ACCOMMODATION planning recommendations

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses when you travel. We chose middle the road options. We certainly could have gone cheaper, but are at the age we didn’t want to compromise comfort. I have done the backpacking thing and am beyond that now. I do a LOT of research when looking for accommodation, reading many reviews and even going to google maps to street view the locations so I know they are in a good spot. Booking.com is my favourite website for booking accommodation although I occasionally use AirBnB as well. I create a seperate tab on the spreadsheet where I have all of our accommodation listed, including booking confirmation, pricing and if breakfast was included. I will happily share the result of all my research below but have removed the two places we stayed that I would not recommend. Everywhere else is recommended, those with a rating of 5 were absolutely incredible and very special at what I thought was a reasonable rate. A rating of 4 was still really really good, just something could have been better (for example, in Rome, if the room was a little bigger it would have been perfect - so quirky and fun! And in Vernazza, Cinque Terre, the apartment was AMAZING with a rooftop terrace - but noisy at night). I’ve also included where I booked through to help you find them.

Travel Tips & Tricks

Pre Booking Attractions & Transport

Harry Potter World, book well in advance

I always pre book attractions for two reasons - a lot of the major ones sell out months in advance, or saving time in line. For example, if you want to go to Harry Potter World in London or do the Harry Potter Express (Jacobite Steam Train), you simply have to book well in advance. At the Louvre, you can go and stand in line for a ticket - but you will be there for HOURS. We paid a little extra for skip the line tickets, and it was well worth it. For HP world & the train, we booked around 3 months in advance, for the Louvre, about 2 weeks. There are a lot of queues / lines in Europe at big sites, so being prepared with a little research is going to be really helpful and ‘Skip the Line’ tickets are great. You pay a little more but are get to choose an arrival time which is so convenient when you’re traveling and have lots to see and do. Places we went that I would recommend buying tickets for in advance:
Harry Potter World, Jacobite Steam Train, The Colosseum (there are plenty of tours but be careful, we got duped on Viator), The Louvre (Skip the Line), Vatican City (Skip the Line).

Trains / busses and trains between cities and towns within Europe I leave until a little later, but I still book in advance. You can rock up and get tickets on many of the trains, but for the popular routes where you need a seat reservation - it could be fully booked up. We decided not to risk it. I started booking the biggest routes first and combined booking where possible. ie. in Italy, I booked our train from Venice to La Spezia and La Spezia to Rome on one booking.
Recommended booking sites we used are below. Do price check as there are lots of sites selling tickets at inflated rates.

ItaliaRail & Omio for Italy
SNCF & Omio for France
Scotrail for Scotland
National Rail for UK (regional trains)
Rail Europe is also a trusted site, but not always the cheapest.

Money & Communication

The biggie! We all want to be able to share our IG stories and stay in touch with loved ones easily when overseas without paying huge roaming rates. There are a few different options, you can get a local SIM when you arrive, or get an esim which I don’t know much about but you can google to find out more. I got a local SIM in London as soon as I landed from EE and it was absolutely perfect. The one I got was around 30 pounds / 60 NZD for 500gb data for 30 days and some texting and calling allowed for as well. I was mostly just concerned about data. I told those close to me at home the new number and put a voicemail on my NZ number to contact me via email. Perfect! EE are a service provided and have stores all over the place, and at Heathrow.
The other issue I lost sleep over was money. I really didn’t want to be carrying around a bunch of cash, and I didn’t want to be stung with heavy fees while trying to spend overseas or withdraw money. In the past I have just used a combination of getting cash out in country with my eftpos card and paid the $8 each time and used my credit card the rest of the time. But there is a better way! I researched travel cards and found a few, with the best overall seeming to be a Wise Card.
I had a wise account already for doing overseas banking transactions, and it seemed like it would work perfectly - and it did.
The major benefits are: 1. you can load money into different currencies at todays rate, OR, if you are not sure what the rate is doing, just leave the money in your NZ currency and it will take from there when you spend overseas. I liked loading different amounts into pounds and Euro’s so I could track a little more. 2. There is a really handy app for viewing transactions, loading and transferring funds. 3. You can can also load into Apple Pay. It’s just like a regular credit card but with VERY low fees. Amazing! You can sign up HERE, and receive a free transfer of up to 500GBP. Note that I get a kick back when you spend your first $175. Also notes that we used our card and I recommended it before their referral link came available :)

Recommended Handy Travel Apps

Visit my dedicated blog on Recommended Travel Apps - my top tips of must have apps for navigation, currency, itinerary building and transportation apps plus more.

Recommended Must Have Travel Apps!

must have Travel Apps

I don’t like to get too bogged down with 100 apps on my phone when I travel, and there are SO many out there to choose from, BUT I do have some favourites that were a life saver at one time or another during my travels! Here are some that were really useful while on the ground during our recent trip to the UK & Europe and in North America last year. Do you have some faves that I’ve missed? Leave a note in the comments.

• WISE travel card. So this is more than just an ap, it’s how you will use your money when you’re overseas.I research loads of travel cards and this one came out on top. There is a really handy app for viewing transactions, loading and transferring funds. 3. You can can also load into Apple Pay. It’s just like a regular credit card but with VERY low fees. Amazing! You can sign up for a wise card HERE,.

• XE - Currency exchange calculator. So good for figuring out the cost in your own currency! Probably my most used app overseas. You can pre set your top currencies too.

• Apple Maps or Google Maps - OK, so you likely already have this on your phone... but did you know you can download offline maps to use when you’re out and about with no data? I also use google maps on my laptop a lot when in the planning phase to figure out distances and time between destinations.

• Maps.Me - an alternative if you’re not a google maps fan, this is a great app that has offline maps for all around the world. Pre download the ones you want and away you go!

• Citymapper - A public transport app with live timing for most major European cities. I didn’t actually use as much as my old faithful apple maps as I found google had this as well, but a great alternative and a bit more in depth. Definitely download if you intend on using a lot of public transport.

• TripIt - If you want to put your Itinerary into an app that’s free, this is a great one. It’s super easy to add items in the app or on your desktop, or you can just forward your confirmation emails from bookings to a special email address and it adds everything for you. Format is great, nice and clean - can also be printed.

• Uber - have this downloaded and ready to go. Uber is not available everywhere but for the places it is, it’s handy from the standpoint of where your destination is already loaded by the time you get in the car, so you don’t need to worry about a language barrier.

• Transportation apps - I always download train or route planner apps for the country or city I’m going to. For example, if you’re going to Paris, download a Paris Route Planner and it will help you on the metro to figure out what lines you need. I do the same for the London Underground. If you have booked regional train tickets its also a good idea to download the national rail app so you can load in your booking and be updated with any changes.

• Google Translate - A life saver sometimes! No frills, great app.

• BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing app that I haven’t used, but its a great concept. Kind of like Uber, but for longer journeys. You can book in someones car who is going the same place as you.

• Happy Cow - an app to find Vegan and Vegetarian restaurants in our location. This was great for us seeing as my hubby is allergic to dairy, which can be a little tricky in France.

10 Day South Island Trip - Mt Aspiring National Park / Mt Cook & Queenstown

This November we decided to take off to the South Island again, this time with the intention of seeing a little more beyond Queenstown, exploring Aoraki, Mt Cook and getting off the beaten track. We were suffering a little from Covid fatigue, so designed our trip to get away from it all and explore this beautiful country!

We opted for a Campervan trip, which was AMAZING. We love motorhome / campervan travel. It’s relaxed, easy and such a fantastic way to travel. We decided to start and finish in Queenstown, heading North to explore Wanaka, Mt Aspiring National Park, Aoraki Mt Cook, & Lake Tekapo. Here’s what we got up to.

10 Days Explorer Trip - Mt Aspiring National Park / Mt Cook & Queenstown

Day 1: Queenstown to Raspberry Flat
You will be forgiven for never having heard of Raspberry Flat, it’s at the end of a long road that winds through a station and marks the start of the Rob Roy Glacier track. It was a happy accident that this spot was also a designated freedom camping area, which suited us perfectly.

But let me back up. We flew from New Plymouth to Queenstown and picked up our 4 Berth ‘Beach’ Maui camper, which was a cool rig. We named her Bertha, picked up our online shopping order from Countdown (forward planning win!) and we were on our way. From Queenstown, which was 25 degrees when we landed, we headed towards Wanaka stopping only for real fruit ice creams. We found Wanaka Lake Aspiring Road, and then turned off google maps as we knew we just needed to keep driving until we ran out of road.

If you have the time, this road is a must. It’s a spectacular journey, about an hour and a half to Raspberry flat carpark, traveling through some of the most stunning alpine scenery. At 27 degrees when we arrived, we couldn’t get over the scenery. Raspberry Flat is surrounded by mountains on every side, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel small. We hung out for the rest of the afternoon and the following morning were up early to do the Rob Roy Glacier track. This was a stunning track, amazing views, I would say medium grade. It’s worth mentioning that you can only go as far as the lower lookout due to avalanche warnings (at the time of writing).

We loved it here, very secluded (although lots of cars of people off on hikes) and absolutely breathtaking. For me, this was up there with visiting Milford Sound or Glenorchy.

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Day 2: Raspberry Flat to Wanaka

After doing the Rob Roy Glacier track in the morning, we cooled off in the river (feet only, FREEZING!) and headed back to Wanaka where we had to partake in some Patagonia ice cream at the lake. We then drove the 15 mins out of town to check in to our camping spot for the night, Landescapes Wanaka. This is a very cool spot, different to anything I’ve seen anywhere around the world. Set on 60+ acres, pull up to your secluded campervan parking spot next to a spring fed cedar hot tub for the night. Basically, hot tubs in paddocks with beautiful scenes all around - this was an epic spot. They also hire e-bikes, so we took the opportunity to bike into Lake Hawea on one of the Clutha trails. Central Otago has so many amazing rail trails, we loved the gentle cycle along the river and canals, ending up at the most stunning alpine lake, Lake Hawea. All up we cycled around 20kms, and ended up back at our campsite just in time for home made burgers and a long soak.

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Day 3: Wanaka to Aoraki Mt Cook

We all enjoyed another hot tub in the morning before breakfast and then hit the road North towards Mt Cook. The scenery was stunning as we drove to Twizel, and on to Lake Pukaki. We packed the boys fishing gear on this trip, pretty determined to slow down and hopefully catch some fish! We stopped at on the shore of Lake Pukaki for a dip (me) and fishing. We were treated to the most amazing views of Aoraki Mt Cook across the water thanks to a cloudless day. In the afternoon we headed towards Mt Cook, having booked the night at Glentanner Holiday Park, which is about 10 mins from Mt Cook Village. The road to Mt Cook is just stunning, we stopped several times to take photos and enjoy the view! Once at Glentanner, we parked up and enjoyed our surroundings, plus board games and dinner. We had a great view, the park is excellent. Great facilities, really nice spots for tents or camper vans and lovely views.

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Day 4: Aoraki Mt Cook

The only plan for this day was to hike and enjoy Aoraki / Mt Cook. I did a lot of research on walks in the area, and couldn’t resist doing the Hooker Valley Track - which also happens to be New Zealand’s most popular day walk. The hike is 10kms, includes stunning mountain views on all sides, suspension bridges, glaciers, and the best views of Mt Cook you will get. We loved this walk, I cannot recommend it enough. Definitely my favourite day walk that we have done. It is an easy grade, a few little ups and downs, but it’s a great, well marked track. Pack a lunch like we did and stop for a bite to eat at the end of the track, enjoying incredible views of Mt Cook in front of you before you head back to the carpark. Enjoy the photos!
We stayed the night again at Glentanner.

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Day 5: Aoraki Mt Cook to Lake Tekapo

The drive from Mt Cook to Lake Tekapo is stunning. We left our scenic overnight spot late morning and headed towards Lake Tekapo, stopping at the Canals for a spot of fishing along the way. Upon arrival at Lake Tekapo, we visited the infamous church and were so lucky to see all of the lupins in full bloom. It was stunning.
We decided to stay at Lake Tekapo Holiday Park and opted for a spot up high on the banks, which had great views out to Lake Tekapo. One of the reasons we wanted to park up here for the night is it is only a 5 minute walk to Tekapo Springs, a really lovely hot springs spot which we really enjoyed. There were nice views out over Tekapo and the water was beautiful.

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Day 6: Lake Tekapo to Lake Dunstan

Today we drove from Lake Tekapo to Lake Dunstan, not a lot of kilometres, but we spent a while getting there… stopping to fish once again (this time in Twizel) and heading off the beaten track to visit the Clay Cliffs at Omarama. I actually heard about this spot via an instagram follower who said it wasn’t to be missed. We headed down a gravel road, and then onto private land ($5 at the gate to enter). We were amazed by what we found at the end of the gravel road - the Clay Cliffs are geological wonder; 'bad land' sharp pinnacles and ridges separated by steep and narrow ravines. It was very cool. We then made our way towards the northern end of Lake Dunstan, where I had heard about a good freedom camping spot. We parked up at the Bendigo freedom camping area, which offered a lot of great little spots to park or pitch a tent for free. Good toilets and recycling. It is on the side of the road, but the traffic noise was minimal. We enjoyed our last night in the camper here.

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Day 7-8: Queenstown

Heading back to Queenstown to drop back our Maui campervan and swap for a car, we were very excited to check into Hotel St Moritz in Queenstown. We went from one end of the scale to the other, checking into a 5 star hotel! The Hotel St Moritz is a beautiful hotel, sitting just above the lake, it’s a quick walk into town or down to the lake for a walk. We loved the location. We booked a 1 bedroom suite with small balcony and the views were amazing! We spent the next 2 days in Queenstown. We were lucky to mostly dodge the rain and got some fun in!
Whilst in Queenstown the boys did the Shootover Jet (so much fun!) & The Odyssey Maze which was highly recommended to us as a wet weather option.

Queenstown Eats:
Yonder (amazing breakfasts)
Blue Kanu - our fave dinner spot
Flame
White & Wongs
Ferg Bakery
Botswana Butchery
Margo’s Mexican

Glenorchy / Routeburn Track Day Trip from Queenstown
It’s well known that the road to Glenorchy from Queenstown is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It’s stunning. This day we got to experience it in a different way, with low lying cloud and mist hanging in the valleys. Our plan was to head beyond Glenorchy, to the Routeburn track trail head which has a few day walks. This is a great option for anyone who wants to experience the stunning Routeburn track without actually doing the full multi day walk. We did the loop, which was about an hour and a half, and we really loved it. What a magical part of the Sth Island and the world. A wonderful walk, highly recommend.

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Day 9-11: The Camp, Lake Hawea

I love a good instagram find, and I was so excited to stay at The Camp at Lake Hawea. A beautiful camping ground on the shores of Lake Hawea, and a quintessential kiwi camping experience. I’ve never been to a camping ground quite like this. There were plenty of tall trees and open meadows for parking or camping in, but what made it unique were the very cool little ‘communities’ set up for clamping. They have a Belle Tent Village, with cute little belle tents already set up for your glamping experience (complete with commune fire pit), and the very cool ‘Denver Cove’ with Colorado tents all set up with a shared kitchen hutt as well. There is even an area elevated above the park with Domes, plus a food truck on the weekends, bike rentals and more. We stayed in the Safari Tent, tucked away at the end of The Camp, with views straight out over the lake. Unfortunately we had terrible weather, but it was clear just for long enough when we arrived to be able to wonder around and enjoy the view before we hibernated for the next day in our tent with the heater on. It has THE coolest nook for kids, Aiden said it was the coolest place he’d ever stayed.

We loved the chance to slow down here, and promised to make it back in better weather… and for longer.

On day 11 we headed back to Queenstown and flew home to New Plymouth via Christchurch.

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Rotorua Family Adventure

This trip was sponsored by Destination Rotorua who hosted our experiences in Rotorua.

What destinations come to mind when you’re looking for an adventure filled holiday in NZ? In the North Island where I am, it has to be Rotorua! Rotorua has long been the Adventure Capital of the North, so when my little fam was invited by Destination Rotorua to come and experience some of what Rotorua has to offer, we jumped at the chance. We decided on a long weekend so that we could fit in as much as possible, taking Monday off work and school. I’m so happy we did that, it allowed us that little bit of extra time to take things slow and enjoy each place without feeling rushed.

We absolutely LOVED Rotorua, I know it sounds really strange, but I had never really stopped to appreciate how beautiful it is there. There are so many stunning lakes (many with their own lakeside walks), the Redwoods were amazing (more on that in the itinerary)

On Arrival - Dinner at Terrace Kitchen followed by The Redwoods Treewalk
Terrace Kitchen, 1029 Tutanekai Street, Rotorua
Redwoods Treewalk, 1 Long Mile Road, Whakarewarewa, Rotorua
After a 4hr drive from New Plymouth, we arrived hungry and ready to fill up on delicious food! I had heard that Terrace Kitchen was the place to go in Rotorua so we headed there. First of all, I LOVED the fltout of this cool spot. It was gorgeous, clever and welcoming. After being seated under the neon sign, we ordered far too much, and then of course we ate far too much. The food was homely, delicious & un pretentious. Highly recommend the chicken salWe all loved our meals and with happy bellies we headed off to the Redwoods Treewalk.

I had been told by many people that we HAD to go and do the Redwoods Treewalk, with many saying that the night time experience was their fave. We arrived at about 8.30pm, it was a balmy evening before daylight savings had finished and was nice and dark. This installation of lights & lanterns amongst the tall redwoods is nothing short of magical. We walked from tree to tree along the suspension bridges for over and hour and all thought it was so well done, fun and different. The huge lanterns with their lights filtering through on the trees were my favourite, going on the highest walk was Aiden’s! It was a lovely welcome to Rotorua.

Day 2 - Morning: Skyline Rotorua
178 Fairy Springs Road, Fairy Springs, Rotorua

Did you even go to Rotorua if you didn’t do the Luge? Going on the Skyline Gondola up to the Luge is an OG classic to do in Rotorua. It had been so long since Bill or I had been, and it was Aiden’s first time. Of course being 10yrs old, he absolutely loved it, but so did Bill & I.

My advice for this one is to arrive early, lots of people seem to arrive around 11am-12pm but by then we were headed into lunch, so getting there by 9am was perfect. We took our Gondola ride up with some beautiful views of Rotorua, and headed straight for the Luge. We did the 3 ride combo and it was perfect. Turns out Aiden is a speed demon and he was loving racing us both. My fave part of this is actually the chair lift back up, it’s so nice and peaceful and pretty heading back up to the top of the hill. After selecting a few photos the were taken on the way down to buy (gotta do it), we headed to the Statosfare Restaurant for lunch. I never knew this was here!!! I had only even eaten from the canteen area, which is absolutely fine, but if you want a REALLY GOOD lunch, then head into the buffet, it was excellent. Seated high above Rotorua with a window seat, we enjoyed cocktails and a scrummy lunch of fresh seafood, salads, hot roast and of course the desserts. Aiden was allowed 2 servings of mini donuts and pavlova, so it was a good day 👌😂

Day 2 - Afternoon: Okere Falls Track
Trout Pool road off SH 33
After our huge lunch, we decided to head to Okere Falls for a quick walk before our rafting that afternoon. The Okere Falls track is very family friendly surrounded by native bush. We walked for about half an hour, stopping at a lookout to view some amazing falls which we later learned we would be going over on the raft! This track is just down the road from Rotorua Rafting, our next stop.

Day 2 - Afternoon: Rotorua Rafting
761 State Highway 33, Rotorua
This was what I was most looking forward to about our trip! I decided to be brave and book to do this because I knew Aiden would love it, and it would push me out of my comfort zone. I have done rafting once before in Montana with a friend, and loved it, so why not?!
Rotorua Rafting takes you over the largest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, a 7 metre drop over Tutea Falls. You read that right SEVEN METERS! You have to look at the photos to believe it, it was WILD.
Aiden could not join us for the first half of the trip as only kids over 13 can do the big drop, but straight after he got to jump into the water and join us. We went over a series of rapids, there was opportunity to get out into the water and drift down some smaller rapids too, it was so fun. Aiden got to ride up front and had a huge smile on his face the whole time. Would definitely recommend!

Day 3 - Morning: Mountain Biking in the Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest
Whakarewarewa Forest, Waipa State Mill Road, Rotorua

We woke up early on our final day and headed to Scope Rotorua for breakfast. We were SUPER impressed with the food (and the coffee) at Scope. Dana, the owner, met us on arrival and was super lovely. Everything is made in house and all three of us had delicious meals. Dana also sent us packing with some treats from the cabinet for after our mountain biking adventures - if nothing else, you must try their baked goods!

We headed to Mountain Bike Rotorua for a quick safety briefing and pretty soon were on our E bikes ready to take on the trails. This is a great idea if you’re looking for something family friendly that won’t break the bank, and super fun. This place is incredible. There are over 140kms of trails in the forest, catering to all abilities. This was my first time mountain biking and I LOVED the ebikes! You still get a great workout, but the motor is there to help you along and it just made it so much more pleasurable. We had such an amazing time and biked for close to 3hrs before heading to Secret Spot for a post ride spa!

Day 3 - Afternoon: Secret Spot Rotorua
Right next door to the carpark for the mountain biking

After 3hrs riding (and me having one small accident, oops!) it was time to soak in our own cedar hot tub at Secret Spot. We had heard so much about it here, and it was really lovely. It was a nice way to unwind after a very active morning. There is a great little food / seating area here as well to chill out at or enjoy a ‘shinny dip’.
PS. Do remember to take your towels as they are not included.

Day 4 - Hobbiton
501 Buckland Rd, Hinuera, Matamata

On Monday we headed home via Matamata so that we could take Aiden to Hobbiton, which was greatly anticipated! The month prior Aiden had watched all of the movies with us, after finishing the books a year before. Bill and I have actually been here twice before. The first time in 2004 when it was just a shell of what it is today. This is world class location and tourist spot! The tour is great and they have done such an incredible job of looking after, and growing the site. After our bus ride in to the property, we wondered along the paths in the shire marvelling at each of the little hobbit holes and the incredible amount of detail and work that goes into each one. We love it here, it’s simply magical! We worth the money if you’re a fan of the movies, and even if you’re not.

All in all, we had an amazing 3 days in Rotorua. It was fun & full of adventure which are our favourite kinds of holidays. Below are a few ideas for other FREE activities to do in the area if you’re wanting to mix it up with your paid activities. Enjoy your time in Rotorua and let me know when you go!

Kerosene Creek - Relax in the naturally heated waters of Kerosene Creek, Rotorua, where hot spring and freshwater stream meet. Approx 35mins out of Rotorua.

Kuirau Park – Corner of Ranolf Street and Lake Road, this is a lovely spot to walk around and view some free geothermal pools. Also a playground for the kids.

Blue Lake Walk - 1.5hr loop, beautiful walking track beside the lake.
Location: Te Ngae Road off Tarawera Road.

10 Day Northern South Island Explorer

I’ve always been embarrassed that I have not seen enough of this beautiful country, so this year with all other overseas plans cancelled, we decided there was no time like the present! We were lucky enough to head to the top of the South Island over these Christmas holidays, and spent time in 3 parts - the Marlborough Sounds, Abel Tasman and the Wakamarina River. What an amazing part of the country!

Here is our itinerary, including the secret little spots we stayed that were amazing!

10 Days Explorer Trip - Marlborough Sounds & Abel Tasman

Wellington to Picton
An early start and 4.5hr drive to the ferry in Wellington and a fantastic crossing on the Interislander. We then stayed the night just outside of Picton in the cutest little cabin, highly recommend!
Accommodation Manuka Manor Rustic Cabin Retreat

Picton to French Pass, Marlborough Sounds
We headed off after a cooked breakfast to French Pass, which is at the top of the sounds. After some research, I had seen there were some great small walks at Peloras Bridge (we did the 1hr Circle track) and at Elaine Bay, which was about 3/4 of the way there. Peloras Bridge was worth stopping and seeing, and the walk was lovely with a suspension bridge crossing included. Very pretty spot. Elaine Bay was absolutely stunning, our first look at the beautiful bays of the Marlborough sound. We did the Piwikawakawa track which I would recommend, the views were beautiful the whole way along and the walk was easy grade, taking about an hour and a half return.

French Pass / Elmsie Bay (2 Nights)
French Pass is the gateway to D’Urville Island and a step back in time. The road out is not for the faint hearted, but it only added to feeling as remote as we were. The scenery along the road is amazing, be prepared to stop a lot to take it in! Elmsie Bay is a gorgeous wee bay filled with kiwi baches, a beautiful beach, wharf and happy kids running around. We were welcomed by a pod of dolphins swimming right up close in the bay, and it didn’t take long for Aiden to put on his togs and run out to swim with the dolphins with the other kids. What an amazing experience for him.
We stayed at French Pass Beach Villas, in the most beachfront apartment they had. It was perfect for us, Aiden was on a mattress on the floor - usually it’s just for couples. It had a little kitchen, outdoor patio and outstanding views out over the ocean. It was pricey, but worth it. We stayed in this magical place for 2 nights over new year and loved the relaxed pace and how abundant it was with sea life. We saw the dolphins daily, stingray, a massive school of krill and fish right off the wharf.

French Pass to Motueka
We decided to stay in Motueka the night before we started our Abel Tasman adventure. It’s only 20 mins or so away and has good facilities there. We took the day to get there, stopping in Nelson for a little tiki tour and lunch by the river. We then drove to Rabbit Island on the recommendation of our waiter, which we loved. Aiden had a swim, I waded and the water was beautifully warm. Next stop was Mapua, another recommendation, a pumping little seaside wharf with some cute shops, cafes etc.

We finally made it to Motueka and stayed in a cute, very eccentric little spot, it was perfect for one night.
it was called Cabins on Tudor Bed & Breakfast.

Abel Tasman
I will confess I found organising the Abel Tasman portion very confusing, so hopefully this helps anyone else wanting to plan a trip there.
We decided to not camp along the way, as this girl likes her home comforts so I set about trying to find accommodation, which was the biggest challenge. There are very few places to stay IN the park. Unless you find somewhere private, the only spot I found was Awaroa Lodge. It’s an amazing little oasis in the middle of the bush, but it cost us. We were visiting over peak time, so we paid top dollar at $470 a night. That’s the most I have ever paid to stay anywhere and it took me a few days to accept that I wasn’t going to find anywhere else and we decided as it was a special trip for us, we would splurge. The price also included an epic full menu breakfast each day. It needs to be said - the food at this place is outstanding.
Price wise, we stayed in peak times - I think other times of year it is much more reasonable. Staying here meant water taxi’ing in and out (which you need to book in advance, we used Aqua Taxi), or walking in and out. So here is the breakdown of how we coordinated 3 days walking.

Day 1: Marahau to Anchorage Bay
Drop bags to Water taxi in Marahau by 9am, then start walk to Anchorage Bay (12.5kms / approx 4hrs). Bags were sent to Awaroa ahead of us. The walk was spectacular and relatively easy, we were picked up by our Aqua Taxi at 1.45pm and taken to Awaroa, which meant we had most of the afternoon to enjoy there. We swam at the absolutely INCREDIBLE Awaroa beach (look up the history of this amazing spot!) and had pizza for dinner at the Pizzeria.

Day 2: Bark Bay to Awaroa (skipped Anchorage to Bark Bay)
We caught our Aqua taxi at 10.30 to Bark Bay, which ended up going on a big tour of all sorts of places (not planned) so we didn’t get there until after 12pm. We weren’t too concerned as we had all day to make our way back to Awaroa lodge. This day was a harder walk, with several uphill sections, most notably just outside of Bark Bay. This was our favourite day though, although more challenging the track was quieter, the scenery amazing and lots of cheeky little Weka and wonderful bird life. We made it back to Awaroa in time for a cold cider at the Pizzeria and a game of outdoor chess, followed by an incredible dinner at the restaurant.

Day 3: Awaroa to Totoranui
We had planned to walk for 3 days (walk Awaroa lodge to Totoranui and then water taxi back, 7kms) but we instead decided to spend the day at Awaroa beach. We knew we would be leaving the next day and hadn’t allowed time to just relax and spend time at the beach - and I’m so glad we decided to do this. We spent the most amazing morning at the beach, swimming multiple times, building dams in the estuary and bathing in the 24 degree sun (with plenty of sunscreen of course!!). It was one of the best days in recent memory. If you stay at the lodge, make sure you allow some time to do this.

Day 4: Awaroa to Marahau
We opted for a late aqua taxi at noon, which got us back to Marahau at 1.30pm. We then drove to Canvastown for the remainder of our trip.

Abel Tasman Tips:
1. The first step is deciding which portions of the walk you want to do. I found this map handout from DOC particularly handy.
2. Decide whether you want to carry all of your belongings and sleep in the doc huts or campground along the way, or whether you want to water taxi in and out. Doing it the later adds significant cost, but for us was worth it. Once you have this decided, you can look for accommodation either in Kaiteriteri or Marahau or stay in the park like we did, at Awaroa Lodge.
3. Make sure you book any water taxi’s in advance.
4. Take your own fixings for lunch & snacks.

Abel Tasman to Canvastown
This drive took a few hours, ending on the Wakamarina River just a few minutes out of Canvastown and 15 mins from Havelock. We had booked to stay at Fossickers Hut, the accomodation I was most excited about on this trip. I found this hut through Canopy Camping, a website I love to peruse when I’m wanting to escape somewhere amazing. This little hut is back to basics, off grid, simple living at it’s absolute finest. Fossickers Hut has been beautifully handcrafted by it’s owners Craig & Jodie. Everything is second hand or has been made. Consisting of a wooden 1 bedroom hut with mezzanine sitting in a perfect spot above the river surrounded by native bush, with an outdoor camp kitchen with everything you need (gas cooker, hot water, lighting etc). There is also an outdoor bath, shower & composting toilet. We spent our days swimming in the crystal clear waters of the river (where Aiden learned to kayak!), playing board games, eating, relaxing, and more eating. Take everything you need to this spot and don’t leave for total relaxation. We thought we might go for a drive to the sounds, but decided instead to stay immersed in this magical place.

This is where we saw out the end of our holiday. On the last day, we drove past winery after winery to Picton which is only an hour away and caught the ferry at 2.45pm.

This was the perfect itinerary for us, with adventure, activity, lots of incredibly scenery and nature an of course, relaxation.

Helpful Sites:
https://www.nelsontasman.nz