New Zealand

John Tolhurst

February 12, 2024

There are many wonderful areas in New Zealand to explore.

The following regions are my favourite spots in New Zealand.

North Island

Northland

We have spent many wonderful holidays up in the North. The North has so much to do and see. It has magnificent beaches, islands, forests, inlets, walks and cycling.

Mathesons Bay only 1 hour North of Auckland – with old school friend Hamish and family, Helle and Lars in 1996

We camped for a number of years in Bland Bay( just South of the Bay of Islands) with family friends – Eddowes and Dowdens. Fantastic bay, beach, boating, BBQs and outdoor fun!

Waipoua Forest and the Hokianga Harbour are great to explore.We had a great time for a few days back in 2003.

Huge kauri trees in Waipoua – lovely walk through the forest

Scrumdown by Boatshed Cafe in Rawene on the Hokianga

Mattias on the sand dunes in the Hokianga

Beautiful Bay of Islands from the top of Roberton Island

A good looking snapper caught in the Bay of Islands

The way to see the best of New Zealand is either walking or cycling. We have done a number throughout NZ and the different regions offer varied landscapes and vistas.

Twin Coast Cycle ride – from Bay of Islands to the Hokianga

We stayed in restored railway carriages in Okaihau.

The cycle is over two days and takes you from the West Coast to the East Coast – great to do with a group of friends. We did it with our mates the Davenports and Hattaways.

You cycle through a variety of landscapes, bush , river valleys and across water and estuaries.

Cycling into the Hokianga harbour

We stayed right on the Hokianga Harbour – awesome spot.

Celebrating my old mate Buck’s 60th birthday at Horeke on the Hokianga

Buck on his 60th birthday – doesn’t look a day over 30!

We caught the little boat behind and had a great afternoon trip

Kohukohu Cafe – Hokianga Harbour

Whangarei Heads Bream Bay walk – looking down on Ocean Beach

We had a couple of days with our friends the Durkins and Harrisons.

Stunning views over the water are everywhere

Smugglers Bay in the distance

If you are a golfer you will not be disappointed by the number of wonderful courses throughout the country. There are many small country clubs in just about every town while others are very exclusive.

Kauri Cliffs Golf Course – North of the Bay Of Islands is spectacular! Great for entertaining top customers.

Colin in full flight.

Te Arai Golf Course – Just out of Mangawhai

In New Zealand you are never far away from another photo opportunity by the sea. The coast line varies everywhere you go – from the wild West Coast, the quiet small rocky bays and inlets , then to beautiful long sandy beaches.

Leigh Harbour just 1 1/2 hours North of Auckland

Up around the beautiful coast between Waipu Cove and Langs Beach

Each year for the last 20 years a group of Dads and sons go to Waipu Cove at BJ and Pams wonderful property.

All the boys looking out to Bream Bay – a few years ago!

Davenports and Hattaways taking a breather

Limestone “pancake ” rocks

On the Langs beach to Waipu Cove Walkway – stunning coastline

Often the small seaside or country golf courses are great to play on.

Waipu Golf Club – spectacular views everywhere

BJ, Durky and I – no one else is on the course!

Tiger Harrison

Auckland – our home and the “City of Sails’

Auckland sits between two harbours – the Manukau on the West Coast and the Waitamata Harbour on the East Coast. We love Auckland and get out and about on bikes to enjoy the water and beauty of living in a city by the sea.

Auckland City – view from Devonport

We often cycle from our place to Westhaven harbour in the city

My favourite inner city beach – St Heliers

Another top spot – Mission Bay with some dog art!

Looking out across the lovely Waitamata Harbour

Rangitoto Island and glorious pohutukawas in full bloom

Mission Bay in Covid lockdown 2020 – Helle, Mum and Oscar

Tahuna Torea Glendowie – beautiful sanctuary close to where we live.

A short walk from our place with the Sky Tower in the distance

Takapuna Beach – 2020 covid lockdown

If you love sailing then New Zealand is paradise. Below is sailing in the Waitamata Harbour – Waiheke Island in the background.

Captain Rob standing up with from the left mates John, BJ and Durky

1 hour from Auckland – Piha beach which is wild but surfers love it

Up Piha rock for some exercise – colleagues and customers

Waikeke Island

Waiheke Island use to be a “hippy” hangout – but no longer! It is very much a playground for the rich and famous. It has beautiful beaches, bush and many fine vineyards and restaurants. It is only a 30 min ferry ride from Auckland with many on the Island now making Waiheke home and commuting daily. However there is still a huge number of weekenders and holiday makers.

Sister Robin is lucky enough to have a magnificent spot overlooking Onetangi beach in Waiheke – view from their deck.

Port Waikato

If you want to see a quintessential beach town in NZ visit Port Waikato.

It sits an hour from Auckland at the mouth of the mighty Waikato River. For years some mates have been whitebaiting on the shores of the river. Our good friends the Dowdens have a wonderful spot close to the river.

Dave (Deadly) on the hunt

The catch

The clean up with Ricardo

The weigh in

The cook up

The Debrief – Rod doing some work for a change

Coromandel

The Coromandel is a special part of NZ – A peninsula surrounded by water with many stunning beaches and bush walks.

The Northern tip of Coromandel – Camping at Port Jackson in 1990

Matarangi Beach– a beautiful long safe beach which for most of the year has very few visitors.

Our good friends Buck and Ingrid and dog Frankie overlooking Matarangi Beach

Much of the year the beach is empty

Xmas 2021 at Matarangi – Lars and Derya, Mattias

Beautiful sunsets

Full moon at Matarangi Beach and Frankie ” the werewolf”

December in Matarangi – summer is here with the NZ Xmas tree.

Lukes Kitchen Kuaotunu – simply the best pizzas and surrounds

Looking towards Matarangi from Whangapoua – another great beach

Cooks Beach – just another top spot in the Coromandel

Looking across to the small township of Whitianga – take a ferry across and then explore the beautiful bush.

Tough going for our dog Oscar – but he is pleased to be at the top.

There are so many fantastic beaches on the Coromandel and the vibe is very chilled.

Whangamata – often voted NZ’s favourite beach

Shorty Helle with the Glengarry’s – John( my old school mate), Roz and Robert are 6ft 6″! They have a stunning “bach” right on the beach.

Waikato/ Bay Of Plenty

Just South of Auckland lies the mighty Waikato River.

A number of cycleways have been developed.

Karangahake Gorge

The gorge is an easy ride just 2 hours south of Auckland

Rotorua

I love the area in and around Rotorua – its known for its smell of sulphur from the thermal activity, the lakes, mountain biking and family fun like going up on the gondola and luge rides. We have spent a few family holidays when our kids were younger in Rotorua enjoying the fun activities.

As golden oldies we have taken to biking with friends the Davenports and Hattaways.

Cycling the Redwoods – view down to Rotorua

Blue Lake – near Rotorua

Lovely NZ native around the Blue Lake

Great family fun in Rotorua – Helle and Mattias riding the chair lift after a luge run. Lake Rotorua in the distance.

Eastern Bay of Plenty

The coastline is stunning around Whakatane and Ohope Beach – sometimes also voted NZ’s favourite beach.

Lars and his girlfriend Sally at the beautiful Ohope Beach – 1997!

The courting phase

There is a lovely walkway along the coast between Whakatane and Ohope.

Each year we go somewhere different with our friends – the Davenports and the Hattaways.

On the walkway between Ohope and Whakatane

The huddle

East Cape

Isolated from the rest of New Zealand and the first place that Captain Cook sighted and landed in New Zealand in 1769.

Looking down to Wainui beach – Gisborne

Cooks Landing walkway – Tolaga Bay, East Cape

Captain Cook landed into the Bay below and came ashore to meet the local Maoris. A friendly liaison.

Lake Waikaremoana

We did this walk with family and friends back in 1991. It is a fantastic walk around the lake and takes a few days.

Setting up camp

Beautiful bush

Liz finding the going tough

Marie was like a mountain goat – fresh as a daisy

We made it to the top – great views of Waikaremoana

Helle and Liz

Cros

Hawkes Bay

A fantastic region – great vineyards, golf courses, coast lines, the home of art deco and concerts. It is a wonderful place to getaway with family or friends.

Cape Kidnappers – wonderful coastline and world class golf course

Another tough day with customers on this magnificent golf course.

Napier – home of Art Deco in NZ

Mission Estate Winery – Robbie Williams Concert 2023 with Liz and Cros.

Central North Island

Taupo is also a great holiday town. We had a family bach in Waitahanui – about 10 kilometre south of Taupo which sadly got burnt down. However we spent many lazy summers enjoying the lake.

Waitahanui bach just after it was built in 1977 with Mum and Dad, Aunty Margaret and Granddad.

We had many years of summer fun on Lake Taupo

Mattias – full steam ahead!

Lars and Mattias – summer days on the shores of Taupo

Waitahanui 2021 – we buried the ashes of Mum and Dad

Lake Taupo – Mt Ruapehu in the distance

Top spot for a stag – nephew Leyden getting stitched up!

The area around Mt Ruapehu is awesome. Obviously skiing is a key recreational activity but it offers so much more especially bush and alpine walks and mountain biking.

Mt Ruapehu in all its glory

Weekend skiing with our boys – Lars, Mattias and his friend Patrick

Old Coach Road trail – you can take the trail from Ohakune

Lovely bush ride

Timber Trail – Central North

Just do it – the bush and trail are fantastic. We cycled with friends over 2 days staying in Blackjacks – top spot to spend a night.

Hattaways, Davonports and Tollies – no e-bikes!

The swing bridges are an engineering feat – Cros in full flight

And the bush is some of the best NZ has to offer

The trail follows the old rail tracks that took the timber out back in the early 1900’s.

The Timber Trail is one of the best mountain bike trails and definitely worth the effort

Wairarapa

Nestled over the hill from Wellington, Wairarapa offers wonderful coastlands, rustic beaches, canyons , vineyards, lovely walks, cycles and historic villages.

Tora Walk – an easy fabulously catered walk taking in a rugged coast, farmland and native bush.

Our wonderful friends – Durkins and Harrisons

The girls – loving the walk

The Southern coast of the North Island – remote and rugged

Helle making new friends along the way

Martinborough

Martinborough is known for its lovely Pinot noir wine but it is much more – walk a canyon or enjoy a cycle in the Remutaka ranges.

Helle and I enjoying a lovely lunch – Moy Hall vineyard

Hire a cycle from Green Jersey in Martinborough to just cruise the vineyards or if you are looking for a bit more of an adventure they will drop you off in the Remutaka ranges for great day out.

Mattias overlooking the Remutaka ranges

At the end of the trail is remnants of the old town that existed in the early 1900s

Check out the limestone chasm walk on Patuna farms

It is very cool down in the canyon – entertaining some customers

Castlepoint lighthouse – Lars and his lovely wife Derya.

The rugged seas of Castlepoint on the West coast in Wairapapa

There are seals everywhere

Taranaki – the hidden gem of NZ

Probably the best kept secret in NZ is Taranaki. It boasts Mt Taranaki standing proud and tall which can be viewed throughout Taranaki, the wonderful small city of New Plymouth, some of the best native bush at the base of Taranaki and a rugged coastline, cycleway and walkway.

Mt Taranaki can be seen from all over Taranaki on a good day

Taranaki beaches are rugged and not for the faint hearted

I love the “Naki” as it is affectionately known. It is a hidden jewel which doesn’t attract huge numbers as it’s a bit off the beaten track. But go there and discover the raw beauty of the region. You will love it.

The coast off New Plymouth

The walkway/cycleway that hugs the coast around New Plymouth – it is stunning

Inner City ride through New Plymouth

Stone hunting on Bell block beach looking back towards New Plymouth

Wellington

I love Wellington – It is compact, has a wonderful harbour, hills on either side, views from everywhere and you can easily walk the city. It has an eclectic collection of inhabitants which makes for interesting “people gazing” . I just enjoy wondering the streets , the harbour and the hills of Wellywood.

Wellington has a lot of great places to eat which are casual a well priced. When I am paying that’s how I like it!

Lars and Derya, Mattias and Amelia

Wellington has a lovely harbour and waterfront . The city is compact so is easy to get around on foot.

We hired bikes from Switched On Bikes on the waterfront. We cycled about 70 kms all around the coast – believe it or not there are no hills to navigate and its a spectacular way to see Wellington in all its glory.

Seatoun – overlooking Pencarrow Heads in the distance

Many places in Wellywood have great views.

Lars and Mattias on Mattias’s front deck overlooking the city

South Island

The South Island has it all – lovely bays, beaches, marine life, coastal beauty, bush, walks, cycling, mountains and lakes. The variety and contrasts as you explore the South Island are incredible. The weather can be a bit unpredictable so pack for anything.

Abel Tasman

A fabulous area which we must go back to do.

We took a sea shuttle from the beautiful Kaiteriteri beach and then walked back through wonderful Abel Tasman National Park.

Abel Tasman – 2004

Kaikoura – post covid and the earthquake

A hidden gem. We stayed above the township with expansive views across the ocean.

The coastline is spectacular and abundant in wildlife

You can walk amongst the seals but keep your distance!

Akaroa – a lovely village a couple of hours South of Christchurch

The quaint little village has French connections

Visit to the ” Giants House” – spot Helle amongst friends

The piano girl

Hamner Springs

We never really got the attraction of Hamner Springs. However I had a great day mountain bike riding the St James Trail. We were transported up to the track from Hamner Springs and it was a 60 kilometre ride back through majestic country.

Start of the St James Trail

The mountains and the vastness of the countryside was awesome

West Coast – South Island

It is a different world on the West Coast – wild black sandy beaches, beautiful bush walks, glaciers, lakes and towns from yesteryear.

We had a great family holiday around parts of the South Island and the West Coast is always one of my highlights.

Fox Glacier – fast receding.

Lots of nature to explore – Lars and Mattias

Family fun at Shantytown

Queenstown

Doesn’t everyone love Queenstown? Its a great summer and winter playground.

Lars and Mattias on the shores of Wakatipu – 2001

Helle’s Mum and Dad came several times from Denmark to visit.

On top of the gondola with great views of The Remarkables

For an adrenaline rush jump in a jetboat.

Mattias is not sure this is a good idea

What is there not to love about Queenstown. Maybe a little touristy for some but a lovely town nestled amongst the mountains on the shores of Wakatipu.

Lunch with our annual tennis getaway with partners in 2022

Roz and Jill looking glamorous on the front lawn of Roz’s home. It is absolutely stunning overlooking the Shotover river with Coronet Peak and the Crown range in view.

After tennis the not so glamorous bodies in the Hot Spa

Queenstown is a golfer’s haven.

Jacks Point – views across to Queenstown

I spotted our good friends, the Calders enjoying Queenstown

Arrowtown

A gorgeous little village about 20 kilometres from Queenstown. The village is lovely but also the surrounding area is fantastic for walking or cycling.

The tennis crew ready for a day’s cycle

It was very cold and frosty to start but beautiful

Michael leading the team from Arrowtown

It is a great cycleway where you can enjoy river sights, bungie jumping and vineyards.

Cycle around Lake Hayes

The seasons in the South Island are so pronounced

Above Arrowtown on a walk in warmer months

Kepler Walk – We did a day only from Te Anau.

The beech forest was stunning. We walked along the shores of Lake Te Anau which is a 10 minute drive from Te Anau.

On the shores of Te Anau – not a soul in sight.

No one was there except us and the Tuis!

Catlins – South of Dunedin

A stunning coastline. We stayed in Kaka Point and Curio Bay.

Nugget Point lighthouse – near Kaka Point. It was very windy!

View from the lighthouse out to sea

Plenty of marine life to connect with

Slope Point – Southern most point of NZ

Beautiful bush walk somewhere between Kaka Point and Curio Bay

Curio Bay

Wine o’clock after a hard day exploring

Mount Cook

The drive up to Mt Cook looking over Lake Pukaki is awesome on a clear day. The turquoise colour is due to the fine particles from glacier erosion.

We stayed a couple of nights at the famous Hermitage Hotel. Fantastic views of Mt Cook.

We walked the Hooker Valley Track up to the glacier below Mt Cook

Mt Cook in all its glory

Routeburn Valley

We stayed in the small town of Glenorchy at the Southern tip of Lake Wakatipu in 2021. Due to Covid there were no overseas visitors so we had the place to ourselves.

Start of the Routeburn track from the Glenorchy side

Bright green moss covered foliage

Beautiful bush

Milford Sound

On our trip in 2021 we also visited Milford Sound for the first time.

Waterfalls cascade from huge heights in Milford Sound

Otago Rail Trail and Dunstan Trail

In Jan 2022 we cycled the Otago Rail Trail and Dunstan Trail.

We started in Cromwell, cycling along Dunstan Lake to Clyde, then finishing 5 days later in Middlemarch.

Lake Dunstan – epic first day ride hugging the lake

Great engineering feats building some of the cycleway which hangs over the lake

Setting off in Clyde

We did the Rail Trail with a fab group – 8 of us in total. Durkins, Harrisons Crombies, Helle and I.

The cycle is over 5 days – we had a self guided trip but had bags transported to our digs at the end of each day.

The cycleway follows the old rail trail so it is relatively flat

We had magical weather just cruising around 50 kilometres a day through the countryside of Central Otago.

A side trip to St Albans is a must. It was a thriving gold rush town but the Vulcan is still open for business.

We stayed in some great places and dined at local pubs

A welcome break

The girls all dressed up and nowhere to go – except the local!

Along the trail some of the old stations are still standing

Icecream stop

We finally made it to the end – Middlemarch

Alps 2 Ocean Cycle

Overall the best cycle trip we have done! We did it over a week in the first week of January 2024.

The Durkins, Crombies, Helle and I set off from Braemar Station

Riding along Lake Pukaki – beautiful turquoise colour. The clouds covered the mountains in the distance unfortunately but still quite airy with swirling clouds.

Lake Ohau with Mt Cook in the distance

Helle and Durky in flight

Lake Benmore

Helle in full concentration with Al on her tail

Clay Cliffs near Omarama

Classic Kiwi pub in Kurow – Otago Highlander rugby colours!

From the mountains and lakes you then hit lavender and wine country.

Al looking lovely in the lavender

We stayed in some great places – Tokarahi Huts all made from the materials of the original homestead.

Rocks that remain from what was the seabed millions of years ago

No bike trail is complete without an old rail tunnel

We finally hit the coast in Oamaru after cycling 300 kilometres over 6 days cycling. Best cycle trip ever! Wonderful group of friends and we celebrated Durky’s 65th birthday in “The Woolshed” just outside Kurow. What a way to spend your birthday!

New Zealand is a magical place to explore. There are a lot of other places I haven’t featured as I haven’t been there -for example Queen Charlotte Sound, Doubtful Sound , Fiordland, Stewart Island. There is still plenty to discover in retirement.

As a family we have had so many great holidays around NZ – usually involves beaches and water, family and friends!