GO Explore New Zealand

Taking you for a virtual tour of New Zealand and showing you the wonderful sights and experiences that our country has to offer.

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12 July 2012

Wow, who knew NZ was still bubbling away?  All that geothermal activity certainly reminds you how special this part of the world is.  But enough of that, anyone fancy something a little less…steamy?  Stay tuned!

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The infamous Pink and White terraces may be long gone, but the region’s colourful silica rock formations still exist at the base of the Orakei Korako Geyserland.

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Another day, another great thermal park. As well as having the impressive Lady Knox Geyser (which erupts at 10:15am every day) the Champagne Pool is a sight to behold. Please note this is not actual champagne, and swimming in this is seriously not recommended!

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We cannot recommend enough exploring the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. Having only been created ‘yesterday’ (in a geological sense anyway) by the 1886 Tarawera eruption, it’s the world’s youngest geothermal system. Make sure you go for a cruise on Lake Rotomahana too, which is directly on top of what was the 8th Wonder of the World – the Pink and White Terraces.

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29 June 2012

Hey Explorers! Fancy something a little bit different? Make sure you stay tuned over the next couple of weeks as we drive from Rotorua to Taupo, exploring New Zealand’s most active geothermal hotspot.

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28 June 2012

Wow, what an eye-opening roadtrip – sad that it’s over though :( Does anyone any highlights from the journey, or, better yet, any recommendations to visit in Nelson/Golden Bay to visit that we missed out on?

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What a way to finish the trip! Farewell Spit Eco Tours took us for an epic tour of the bird sanctuary and the surround area out at Farewell Spit on their monster truck-ish buses, now we’re saying farewell to the day enjoying some beautifully fresh scallops.

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26 June 2012

Any divers out there? You’re definitely going to want to check out Waikoropupu Springs. Ranked among the top ten freshwater diving spots in the world, this is NZ’s largest & clearest (62m visibility) freshwater spring. This is a must do for any diver wanting something truly special!

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Attention rock climbers: Make sure you check out the climbs on the limestone bluffs around Pohara and at Paynes Ford in the Takaka Valley. There is a great range of climbs from beginners to inverted monstrosities. To non-climbers: Just sit back and watch without fear or just relax on Pohara beach enjoying an ice cream.

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22 June 2012

We’re approaching the final stretch of our tour to Golden Bay, next up we’ll be exploring the rocky coast at Pohara before lazing in the springs at Waikoropupu and finally finishing up at Collingwood. Stay tuned Explorers!

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Canaan Downs has got to be one of the best mountain biking trails in the country, it caters for everyone from the hopeless newbies (read: me) to the more experienced (read: insane) mountain bikers. I tackled a couple of the easier trails though I think I’ll leave the more advanced ones to the downhill devils! Make sure you check it out at the top of the Takaka Hill off SH60!

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14 June 2012

Psst, hey trampers! Want to know a secret? Head to Marahau, it’s the entrance to the legendary Abel Tasman Coast Track – a 55km walk through native trees offering an unrivalled tramping experience. You’re welcome :)

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I am loving Kaiteriteri Beach right now: the beach is stunning and the water is calm and beautiful to swim in (well, for those who are brave enough now that summer officially has passed!). Little wonder that this is one of the South Island’s most popular beaches.

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8 June 2012

If you enjoy a spot of homebrewing (or just like to drink beer) make sure you stop off in Motueka, where hops are grown for the national industry – making Motueka the unofficial capital of Kiwi beer! 

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5 June 2012

We’re now leaving the Nelson area towards Motueka, which, as any keen beer drinker will be delighted to know, is where NZ’s hops are grown. It’s also the main centre for the orchards & vineyards of the Waimea Plains where Anchorage, Rimu Grove and Kahurangi Estate wines are produced.

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If you’re swinging through Richmond make sure you check out the Holy Trinity Church on Dorset St (just off SH6). Built in the style of a traditional English church, this 240 year old beaut was consecrated about 30 years after Nelson’s founding in 1841 and offers a fantastic little slice of history.

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Hey Explorers! If you're enjoying our virtual tours of this great little country then you should check out our website, we have dozens of other trips from all over New Zealand that we'd love for you to check out. And remember, if you know of any other fantastic stops we should include in our future roadies share them with us!