A few months ago, Auckland Council advertised a volunteer position to monitor the pair of New Zealand Dotterel nesting at Piha. Since I like shorebirds and I live a few minutes away from the beach, it would have been silly not to come forward. This is what happened after.
Tiritiri Matangi is a pest-free, sanctuary Island located in the Hauraki Gulf in the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. According to experts, Tiritiri It's one of the best places in the country for bird spotting.
The Hillary Trail is a stunning multi-day hike across the Waitekere Ranges regional park. Featuring native forest and coastal landscapes, the Hillary is probably the best and most strenuous walk in the Auckland area. It sounded like the perfect plan for this Queen's Birthday long weekend..
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered one of the best one-day walks in the whole world. But why do only one day when you have the option to walk the Northern Circuit which is a 2-3 days walk? Hell yeah, that's what I thought too!
Being one of New Zealand great rides, the Rimutaka Cycle Trail is a great option for a weekend getaway just right outside of Wellington. The official trail starts from Petone but we took the train to Lower Hutt and skip the first bit. In exchange we finished the ride in Eastbourne instead of finishing at the Orongorongo Station.
Across the legendary Foveaux Strait, south of the South Island of New Zealand, lies Rakiura - Stewart Island. Home to one of the earliest Māori settlements in history, and with a current population of only 380 people, Stewart Island is home to one of the best walks in New Zealand, the "North West Circuit".