I up and left
Move To the other side of the globe
New Zealand
The land of the long cloud
their lush green landscape
protruding mountains
and blue blue waters
were calling me
sounds like paradise on earth
aged 22
I spent 8 months there
with a working holiday visa
At first I spent a month travelling the North
auckland, paihia & taupo
once i hit wellington
i settled down for the summer
and lived in a shack
for 5 months
after i went road tripping round the south
Three weeks in a camper
with my mum & gran
i Attended Womad Festival 2019
And Ended my trip kiwi picking
and packing in Tauranga
picton
nelson
abel tasman
punakiki
hokitika
franz joseph
wanaka
queenstown
dunedin
christchurch
kaikoura
a year away
I'm Moving Away!
A whole year in New Zealand.
I can't blooming wait to hit the road again.
I've heard so many magical thing about New Zealand,
its magnificent landscapes
all the fun activities
the wildlife
its sustainable outlook
and blue waters
what more could you want
pre trip prep
What to pack
maps me
I literally rank on about maps me all the time
it's the best
and offline app you can use anytime or place
just download the area your travelling to
and their you have it
you can add tags to places you've visited
spots you've been recommended
places you wanna go
or even where you parked your vehicle
hostelworld
lightroom
new zealand apps
campermate
ola / uber
uber eats
apps
The hardest part about going away is knowing what on earth to pack!
A year,
that's a pretty long time.
I've only every been away for weekends or weeks,
a few months,
never a year.
I'm going to be there for 4 seasons,
doing tonnes of activities.
How on earth do I pack all that into a 60L rucksack.
Let alone photography gear
Let's break it down,
New Zealand has a similar climate to England.
It's going to be spring, summer, autumn and winter.
I'm going to be lounging on the beach,
kayaking in the sea,
dancing in clubs,
chilling at the park,
going bungee jumping,
climbing trees,
sleeping rough,
working on farms,
oh man now I'm even more lost than I was at the start.
Lets make a list
handbag
phone
sustainable case
headphones
charging block
a life saver
purse
passport
travel documents
lip balm
sunglasses
book
speaker
playing cards
notepad & pen
reusable cutlery
metal water bottle
reusable coffee cup
a tote bag
a watch
snacks
toiletries
bamboo toothbrush
toothpaste
flannel
deodorant
face sponge
soap bar
shampoo bar
brush / comb
coconut oil
suncream
aloe vera gel
cotton hair bands
hair grips
tweezers
metal razor
scissors
metal nail file
eye mask
ear buds
plasters
ibuprofen
menstrual cup
make up
jewellery
medicine
mosquito repellent
i find citronella oil to be the best
clothing
underwear for a week or two
put them in a separate bag so you always know where your clean undies are if you have any
trainer socks
walking socks
sports bra
sports top
leggings
5 tees
dress / jumpsuit
shorts / skirt
baggy trousers
jeans
overshirt
hoodie
jacket
raincoat
bikini
swimsuit
micro fibre towel
a baggy pyjama tee or two
fluffy socks
flip flops
sandals
trainers
boots
misc
laptop
hardrive
camera
gopro
a must have
multi plug adapter
charging wires
neck pillow
torch
gardeing gloves
if your woofing its nice to have your own clean gloves
dry sack
dr bronners soap bar
an all round great soap, especially for washing undies in the sink
laundry bag
Wax Food Wraps
Hessian Bags
Bamboo Tray
Bamboo Cup
north island
new Zealand's north island is known for its
volcanic activity, national parks and cosmopolitan cities
home to nz's largest city Auckland
and it's capital Wellington
holding roughly 3/4 of new Zealand population
estimated around 3,750,000 people
I've travelled to a few spots on the North Island
Hopping about on the intercity bus line
here are some of my favourite spots
and the best joints in town
auckland
Lord Of The Fries
FAST FOOD
Plant Based Fast Food
An award winning ethical fast food restaurant. With restaurants all over Australia and New Zealand. First starting in 2004.
A range of burgers, hotdogs, chips, nuggets, onion rings breakfast muffin and milkshakes. Locally sourced food inspired by international flavours. All drizzled in home-made sauces.
100% pant based
My favourite is the HSP.
Which is chips, soy strips, cheese, garlic hummus, bbq sauce and sriracha.
Delicious!
well & good
coffee & Cake
The best raw peanut butter cake slice ever
A super cute cafe
very rustic design
with paint peeling off
and raw brick showing
Great coffee &
lots of raw treats
The owner is super lovely too
scarecrow
Deli & Restaurant
They also sell organic fruit & veg
Also ethical and sustainable products
including chocolate, teas, metal straws, tote bags, etc
Just next to Albert park, pretty smack bang in the centre
Super nice inside
and a huge selection of food
including vegan options
the Mushroom and hummus sandwich was delicious
ben & jerry's
Ice Cream Shop
ben & jerry's shop. i did not know these existed
England we're slacking
Located on mission bay beach front
so many flavours available
in a cone, tub or varieties of thick shakes
Vegan options available
unfortunately not too many
hopefully they will expand their range
perfect for a hot summers day spent cleaning the beach
My favourite is the peanut butter cookie!
The also do ice cream cakes that look amazing
goodfor wholefood refillery
A package free shop
Just next to a huge countdown in Ponsonby
Grab all sorts of spices, cereals, nuts, seeds, oils
and lots of other cooking essentials
Plastic and waste free
The have a great array of pre made mueslis
Also dark chocolate dipped strawberries
You can grab some tools to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle, such as hessian bags, bamboo cutlery, keep cups, etc
national art gallery
art gallery
I love a good art gallery
Especially one as diverse as this
So many interesting exhibitions on
My favourite was 100 women,
an exhibition about women coming together
and being there for one another
They also had a fun interactive section
at the end where you got to make your
own cardboard house out of scraps
Perfect for all those big kids out there like me
Gotta love a craft session
albert park
park
My favourite place in Auckland
The absolute best tree climbing spots in town
Spent many an hour chilling in the trees
listening to music and
making new friends
It's also right next to the art gallery
Has waterfalls and statues to gaze at
A spot for a picnic
Odyssey Maze
sensory maze
A must do!
The best thing ever
13 different sensory rooms
making up a huge maze
a really fun experience for all
lots of stuff to play
$27
including fractale shades
waiheke
island
island
Just a short ferry ride form Auckland harbour
This rather big island has some lovely beaches to visit
Tones of winery's, cafes and bars
A great day trip out
Make sure you grab a great spot to catch the sunset
mission bay beach
beach
Just a short bus ride outta the
city centre along the coast
A nice spots to chill on the sand
and look out over the islands
There's also a huge park right next to it
that you can play and lounge in
The best part is that it has a Ben & Jerrys store
Here is where we got involved
with Jam Jar Beach Clean
and had a clear up
haka lodge
hostel
Haka lodge is a great hostel
situated on k road in aucklanA
just outta the centre
but on a great road
with lots of cafes, restaurants, bar, shopping, etc
my favourite spot in Auckland
super comfy beds with curtains for privacy
big lockers, lamps and chargers on each bed
they also do their bit to try and be sustainable
with composting, recycling, toilet water reuse
and a few more
paihia
orange frog
LUNCH
This hippie shack is not what I expected to find here
A great selection of veggie food
and raw cakes
also sustainable bits and bobs
And some great typically hippie wall hangings and decor
However it's only open during lunchtime
pizza shack
DINDINS
A decent selection of vegan options
with vegan cheese available
Very scrummy pizzas
right in the centre of the town
Unfortunately there are not really any
vegan options in Paihia
but this is a great spot
especially when your travelling
and meet non vegan friends
and they aren't too up for going to an all vegan spot
penguins
I saw a penguin
What the heck
I did not expect to see this
A wild penguin chilling in the rocks
Quite a funny story
me and my mate were watching the stars
when we heard this awful screeching
we were so shocked an surprised
until someone said it was a penguin
calling to it's mates
i knew then we had to catch a glimpse of them
we sat for hours listening to them
in the hopes to see one
and we did
they just popped out of the water and
ran into the rocks below us
it was amazing
rocky beach
I love rocks
Lots of little pools of water and beautiful oysters
A great view of all the bays
and all it's tiny islands
lots of birdies settle here
Be careful though
make sure you have some good ol beach shoes
as I ended up cutting up my feet
and was bed ridden for a few days
beach bay hire
kayak shack
One of my favourite pass time activities is kayaking
Especially when on the sea having getting to explore new islands
Cruising through the rocks, parking up on derelict islands
Just hanging out in the middle of the ocean
Watching the seals swim around you
Listening to the sound of the waves
Soaking up all the sun
Beach Bay Hire in Paihia are so nice and helpful
dolphin tour
boat tour
I'm not usually one for tours, but looking into this one, I just had to go
I absolutely love dolphins, so beautiful, intelligent and playful
We only watched from a distance and let the chill in the sea
The tour also explored all of the bays of island,
telling us all about it's history
We got to see seal rock,
the most northern rock in New Zealand,
and it was covered in seals
Seals are my childhood favourite animals
I love them so much,
so chubby and cute,
gliding the the water
haka lodge
hostel
i again stayed in a haka lodge
it was just as good as the last one
except this one had an amzing view of the harbour
the sunsets were amazing
right in the centre of paihia
everything on your door step
a huge social lounge
and great window lounging
taupo
lake taupo
Lake
lake Taupo is the largest lake in new Zealand
it is also the largest volcano in new Zealand
to get an idea of its size
just imagine that
you could fit Singapore inside it
due to it being a volcanic lake
it is a fresh water lake
meaning you can drink straight from it
it is super beautiful and definitely worth checking out
Huka Falls
river
A hot spot for tourists on the north island
These beautiful falls are a must see
So much water rushing through every second
Watch skilled kayaker tackle this
white water and move down the river
This spot is where they shot the barrel scene
in the second Hobbit film
sail fearless
sail boat tour
definitely worth doing
you get to take a tour of the lake
2h30m long
when i went the lake was like glass
so clear and still
it was incredible
this gives you a great view of taupo and
it's surrounding villages and volcanos
they take you to the moari rock carvings
which are very impressive and detailed
$29 for the 9am tour
de brett hot pools
swimming pool
a lovely spot to relax
especially after a long day of hiking and activities
a few hot pools
as well as some slide
and a pirate boat
be warned the slides a re super fast
i loved it
$27
haka lodge
hostel
My third Haka Lodge
And by far this one has to be the best
A hot tub!
I had no idea their was going to be a hot tub,
the best surprise, so nice to chill and
watch the starts in a bubbling pool
again a great location right next to the centre
rotorua
redwoods
forest
a humungous forest
just outside Rotorua
fun to wonder around looking at all the huge trees
we did the green track
and also the tree top walk
for $29
which was amazing
kerosene creek
hot spring
a lovely little stream
nice an warm
due to the geothermal activity
a very nice spot to visit
and relax for a while
mud pools
bubbling mud pools
definitely worth the visit
totally free
just drive up and pop out
such a strange thing
literally mud bubbling up
very cool to witness
turangi
white water rafting
rafting
one of the best things I've done it new Zealand
2h30m on the river
a blooming good laugh
so so much fun
I've been dying to go white water rafting for years
and i finally did it
i did it with rafting new Zealand
for $145
bay of plenty
the nourished eatery
cafe
was not expecting this
the nicest little cafe in the centre of Tauranga
lots of yummy food
including cakes, burgers, raw slices & coffee
i literally went here every other day
great wifi so just chilled and ate a lot of food
whilst working on this blog
the owner is so inspiring too
and the have the drooliest cook book
wild earth organics
cafe & store
a very hippie establishment
lots of yummy vegan snacks and salads
also tonnes of everyday bits and bobs
veg, pasta, frozen things
all that organic shop jazz
great iced lattes too
mount maunganui
mount
a 30m-1h hike up
but well worth it
360 view
blue penguins settle in the rocks at the back
the sunset is unreal
definitely a must do when in the area
te rerekawau
waterfall
a beautiful little waterfall just outside Tauranga
a short hike around it
lots of stairs though
unfortunately you cannot swim here due to contamination
but still super beautiful to look at
hot pools
swimming pool
so so nice
a very warm pool
two hot tubs
and a cooler pool
the perfect relax after a long shift at work
a great mess around too
WELLINGTON
Wellington is New Zealand's Capital City
Not the biggest city
But definitely the most cultural
Situated at the bottom of the North Island
Smack bang in the middle of New Zealand
It has everything,
a harbour, the beach, a mountain,
botanical gardens, an eco-sanctuary,
a huge museum, the coolest street,
thrift shops, vegan food.
and much much more.
It's catchy nickname Windy Welly,
is oh so true with those southern winds blowing
you all over the place throughout the year
it has a rough population of 411,000 people
I lived here for 5 months over the summer of 2018-19
it really did become my home
a great network of lovely people
lots of fun events, music an art
so many great markets, with lots of great food
City guide
Vegan foodie
Fix & Fogg
BRUNCH
Peanut Butter Goodness!
Looking for a delicious heartfelt breakfast,
Fix & Fogg has you sorted.
This quaint little business was started in 2013 by two lawyers who were sick and tired of their 9-5s and wanted more out of life.
Their peanut butter is made in wellington using steal cut process with no nasties just well sourced ingredients and local ethical produce.
Visit their store on Eva Street for all your peanut butter needs. PB on toast, porridge, smoothie bowls and specials each week. Try out all their innovative and delicious flavours.
The best way to start your day!
Sweet Release
BRUNCH
Vegan Bakery & Cafe
Sweet Release was the sweet release that owner Kirsten had from her radiation therapy back in 2012.
Situated on Willis Street, their cafe is a great spot for lunch.
I grabbed their mac'n'cheese, it's was incredible. They even make their own homemade 'facon' which is super smokey and crispy, so so good.
They also make bagels, salads, nachos, sweet treats, hot chocolates and thickshakes.
I'm a sucker for a snickers shake!
They also run the monthly 'Vegan Vault' market.
Boquita
DINDINS
Plant Based Mexican Food
Tacos, salads, soups, sides, desserts, wines, beers & cocktails.
Delicious, easy going, organic, plant based meals.
Fresh, local, well sourced ingredients.
100% pant based
Located On Kent Terrace this place is super cute.
Create your own meals with a great choice of meals, mix and match tacos to try a bit of everything.
The peanut empanada was insane, always wanted to try one of these and was better than I imagined!
Aunty mena's
DINDINS
Vegan Asian Cusine
Located on Cuba Street
This restaurant serves all the best vegan asian dishes.
Not the healthiest of spots, but a nice cheap eat out.
They serve mock meats, such as chicken, prawn and duck.
Also tofu, seitan, veg balls and coconut rice.
Spring rolls, steam buns, satay, wonton and dumplings.
All the good stuff.
The Laksa is heaven in a bowl!
LAundry
BAR & RESTAURANT
Plant Based Fast Food
An award winning ethical fast food restaurant. With restaurants all over Australia and New Zealand. First starting in 2004.
A range of burgers, hotdogs, chips, nuggets, onion rings breakfast muffin and milkshakes. Locally sourced food inspired by international flavours. All drizzled in home-made sauces.
100% pant based
They just opened up a store here in Wellington on Cuba Street
My favourite is the HSP. Which is chips, soy strips, cheese, garlic hummus, bbq sauce and sriracha.
Delicious!
hells pizza
TAKE OUT
The Gnarliest Pizzas' In Town.
Located at the very top of Cuba Street
This pizza chain runs all over New Zealand
Serving up all kinds of hell themed pizzas.
Super quirky and interesting,
a great take on a classic dish,
super delicious,
with lots of vegan options
and you can also make your own up.
The Damned Is Me Fav!
Lord Of The Fries
FAST FOOD
Plant Based Fast Food
An award winning ethical fast food restaurant. With restaurants all over Australia and New Zealand. First starting in 2004.
A range of burgers, hotdogs, chips, nuggets, onion rings breakfast muffin and milkshakes. Locally sourced food inspired by international flavours. All drizzled in home-made sauces.
100% pant based
My favourite is the HSP.
Which is chips, soy strips, cheese, garlic hummus, bbq sauce and sriracha.
Delicious!
Plant blazed
BURGER VAN
100% Plant Based
A light yellow food truck hidden just off of Cuba Street
So many different kinds of burgers to choose from
great to see burley biker men making a difference
and influencing change
showing that everyone can be compassionate
I got the Howlin' Wolf
- Southern Fried Seitan with Slaw
$12.50
MIDNIGHT
ESPRESO
MIDNIGHT SNACK
The Coolest Little Hipster Cafe!
Located on Cuba Street
This cafe serves an array of food, not 100% vegan unfortunately.
My favs are the Vegan Hash Stack & Five Bean Nachos
The also make each day a variety of cabinet snacks, such as tortilla stacks, lasagne, sandwiches, slices, rhubarb scones, and lots more yummy things.
The best part is that they are open till 3am everyday, so perfect for those midnight snackers like myself.
CREPE A GO GO
DESSERT
French Crepes
A tiny little yellow window, situated on Manners Street
Some really nice workers
A hug variety of sweet and savoury toppings
Vegan crepe's available
My fav is Dark Chocolate & Strawberries 🍓
Can You Name A Better Duo!
Kaffee Eis
DESSERT
Situated on Courtney Street
A great place to grab a refreshing sorbet after dinner
So many uniquely New Zealand flavours
- Fejoa
- Boysenbury
- Plum
All very delicious
free stuff
Te papa tongarewa
museum
Te Papa is a staple of New Zealand
A huge museum showcasing lots of different and interesting exhibitions about New Zealand's Past and present.
Gallipoli: The Scale Of Our War
Is an exhibition showcasing New Zealands part in the world war
With huge sculptures from Weta Workshops of soldiers and nurses
A must see
also a Colossal Squid exhibition
which i found fascinating
learning all about the physical build up of a giant squid
and it hunting patterns
whilst i was there they had some of the
terracotta warriors on display
which was an incredible experience
getting to see these 2000 year old soldiers
mount victoria
walk
A must do when in Welly
Only a 30m walk up
With amazing 360 view of the city and harbour
amazing to see the whole city from here
the buildings merging into it's rolling hills
such green next to the blue of the harbour
a very aesthetic view of a city
botanical gardens
gardens
Be prepared to get lost, my god did I
This is a beautiful part of wellington
Great to stroll by yourself, or bring a picnic and some friends to chill
I love wandering around, looking at all the wonderful trees and flowers
The perfect place to chill and clear your head
Escape to the quite
Especially with all the hussle and bussle of the city
oriental bay
Beach
Wellingtons harbourside beach spot
Great view of the bay and the boats and rowers on it
A nice sandy beach to chill on
Their have been sightings of dolphins and orcas in the bay which is pretty epic
central park
Park
Can't believe this place exists in the middle of a capital city
a naturally occurring jungle
Walked through this everyday on my way into work or the city
So pleasing to the eye and a great nature boost
Lots of nooks and cranny's to hide away in
It also has three zip wires
owhiro bay
Beach
Just a short bus ride from the city
located at the south of the city
is Owhiro Bay
A beautiful spot of paradise
a nice escape from city living
The water is crystal blue
covered in grey rocks
its a great spots to explore
and go for a dip.
it Looks out over the sea
to the southern ocean
To right you can just work out
the mountainous range of
the south island
shopping
emporium
emporium is full of retro sports jerseys
vintage brands and quirky clothing
Every year the guys at Emporium go to California to find the best range of authentic, high quality vintage. A premium selection of American and European streetwear.
I picked up this bomb of a jacket,
was looking for a jack for ages,
something to keep the chill of in the evening.
All my travel gear is super baggy and cosy.
It so nice to wear something fitted and shiny.
$$
thrift
a sustainable consignment and American
vintage boutique based in Welly.
Situated smack bang in the middle of Cuba Street
Thrift is the funkiest little vintage shop
Bringing all your rainbow vintage dreams to life
You can also grab some secondhand designer garments on the cheap
I love this tee,
super baggy and long sleeve.
I love lounging around in it.
Makes me feel like a tree,
camouflaged in the woods.
$$
frutti
frutti is an eclectic shopping experience that transcends generations.
"ORIGINAL, QUIRKY, QUALITY CLOTHING THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME."
At Frutti we embrace slow fashion that is trans-seasonal, this reflects sustainable fashion in allowing designs to be worn for long periods of time.
Surge clothing is an independent women's wear label designed by Sandy Jeffs. Sandy is passionate about textiles and design. Fabrics are sourced globally, and include African wax prints, Japanese silks + cottons, Indian block prints + Kantha, and New Zealand wools. All transformed into a classic style with a contemporary twist. Quirky florals, patterns and stripes, Colour reigns supreme! Surge is spirited and evokes fun and charm. Proudly Made in New Zealand since 1995.
$$$
Social Places
counter
culture
Board Game Bar
who doesn't love boardgames
something for everyone
quick fire or hours long
cooperative or vs games
anything you can think of they have
one of my favourite games i played in new zealand is
'pandemic'
a cooperative game in which you have to stop
a virus taking over the world,
it's great fun
$5 Entry
Monday Night Solo's $3
they also have delicious Food
& lots to drink at the Bar
garage
project
Brewery & Bar
A local brewery situated in Aro Valley.
The closets thing I've found to a pub this side of the world.
Very tiny,
but a nice spot to catch up
and try some craft beers
rogue and
vagabond
jazz bar
a quirky bar just off of Cuba Street
They host some great jazz nights
They have beanbags outside to lounge
around in the sun and chill with a beverage.
They also serve great food.
such as their rosemary and hummus pizza
which is incredible :)
laundry
Bar
Funky music, an array of genres.
The hold specific night for specific kinds of music.
So keep up to date on their instagram /
facebook to find relevant events for you.
Great food,
they do amazing vegan food,
and the occasional vegan special burger,
absolute bangers.
Super quirky decor,
lots of old arm chairs and lamp shades,
and odd bits and bobs.
Road Trip
three generations
one van
my mum and gran came to visit me for 3 weeks
we hired a campervan
and drove from Auckland Queentown
and back again
it was a blast
so lovely to catch up after so long
our journey
i packed my life in wellington up
and flew to Auckland
where i met my mum & gran
they had the camper in hand
so we were off
first stop hobbiton of course
i've been waiting months for this
as avid tolken fans
this was a must
and it did not disappoint
then down to waitomo caves
to see the glowworms
and across to marokopa
to see a huge waterfall
down to turangi
where we stayed on a sustainable farm
met a lovely pig & doggo
back to welly
to show the famz around
fix & fogg was must
their peanut butter toasts are to die for
then we went to the te papa museum
and saw the terracotta warriors
and spent the night in owhiro bay
waking up to the best view
over to the south
a nosey around picton
then a quick swim in nelson
and arriving in abel tasman
went on a lovely stroll
and another swim in the crystal blue sea
heading down the west coast
we stopped in punakaki
saw the pancake rocks
hokitika where we carved some jade
franz joseph
and fox
to see the glaciers
down to wankaka for a love kayak on the lake
over to queenstown
where me and mum went on the luge
and i also introduced them to lord of the fries
next was dunedin
where we saw lots of albatross
up to christchurch
then onto kaikoura
hopped on a boat and saw a whale
a school of dolphins
a few seals
and even an albatross
back on the north now
a quick trip to the weta cave
amazing to see the inner workings of the film industry
then up to new plymouth
where we parted ways
