New Zealand Off The Beaten Path Tips by kiwi Top 5 Page for this destination

The ladies' Bra Fence. Otago Review

If you take the Cardrona Road from Wanaka, south to the skifield of Cardrona, Check out the fence in front of the airfield. It is covered in castoff women's bras. I guess one person started and the wonderful young travellers have added. Quite amusing really.
This Cardrona Road is NZ's highest altitude main road, at 1121m high point.
During winter it may not be possible to travel right through to Queenstown from Wanaka on this road. The steep part at the Qtown end can be too dangerous in the icey conditions. Summer months, however, the road is often easily travelled.


**Newsbreak** - The Bra Fence has been removed for various reasons including beaurocratic requirements as well as some locals' disapproval.

Coromandel Peninsula Coromandel Review

Try to get across to the Coromandel Peninsular, just South East of Auckland. In fact don't miss this place! View my location pages for more info and photos. This coastline is every yachtie's dream. So many small bays and islands to sail around.
Coromandel has an interesting history, from "greenies" to hoteliers, there is always an interesting viewing over there.
It is common to see foreign visitors, however you still have the feeling of being away from it all, and the bush and remoteness hides the population.
The good thing about this place is that it is not really so far from Auckland.

Gold Mining History Otago Review

If you are going to Queenstown, try to get over to Arrowtown, off the main road, but just 20 mins drive. Here you can see an old gold miners town, including the relics of an old Chinese village from that era as well.
Small town and easy to move around, most of it is walking distance. Plenty of parking. Go to the Museum and read more on the history.
You can see more photos on my Arrowtown page, and be sure to view the "travelogue".
Arrowtown is particularly beautiful in April when the leaves are all golden for the autumn season.

Website: http://www.arrowtown.com

Waiheke Island, out from Auckland. Auckland Region Review

If you have some time, it's nice to visit Waiheke Island in the Hauraki Gulf, out from Auckland City. There are regular ferries leaving from downtown Auckland at the Ferry Building. Many people live on Waiheke and work in the city, so there are commuter ferries running making the schedule very regular.
This is in someways just another suburb of Auckland however the climate out there is very mild and appealing.
Traditionally it has been a place for weekends and holidays and you will find a lot of holiday homes, humble and original, which we call "baches". But now things are changing and there is a large population of permanent residents in 'proper' houses, mostly really nice stylish designs.
Waiheke has nice vineyards, cafés and lots of little cute beaches.
You can rent vehicles or bikes out there and have a fun time getting around.
See more photos and information on my page here.

The Most Beautiful River! Waikato Review

In the heart of the Waikato Region, South of Matamata, is the absolutely gorgeous Waihou River walk. Open to the public, you can walk alongside and view the very picturesque springs.
Between Tauranga and Putaruru, take Hwy 28, Whites Road. There is a carpark near the intersection with Leslie Rd, and another at the end of the walk, up Leslie Road, both signposted. Best to have two vehicles and leave one at both ends, or you need to walk the return to your car.
The walk is 5.2 kilometers long and takes around 1.5 hrs one way.
View more photos on my page about this lovely place: Waihou River.

TARANAKI is a region well worth the visit. Taranaki Review

The Taranaki region of NZ is worth a visit if you have the time and energy. It is not exactly on any main routes, but is beautiful when you get there. Lush green grass and this lovely volcano, Mt Egmont. This is also our only oil and gas region. Some on land and some off shore.

Hawkes Bay, East Coast of the North Island. Hawkes Bay Review

TeMata Peak is a beautiful part of the country not always visited by overseas tourists. It is out of Hastings, but in the photo you can see over to the gorgeous coast and the city of Napier. This general area known as Hawkes Bay is very warm and sunny. It's just that it's not exactly on the way to anywhere. Well worth going off the beaten path to visit though.
Napier City is famous for it's array of Art Deco buildings. There are many of them and it seems the city is completely of that era, this came about because it had to rebuilt after a devastating earthquake that almost levelled the complete town.

Get into the Native Bush if you can.

Get into the native bush - there's plenty around, and you may get to see one of our native pidgeons like this one.
Call in to Dept of Conservation (DOC) Offices or even Information Offices in towns where you are, and ask about walking in the bush. They should be able to supply maps of tracks, and advice.
Just remember this bush is unforgiving, and you should not enter ill prepared. Also remember that the weather is reknown for changing at very short notice, and this can cause danger if you are stranded in bush. It is also very important to stick to the tracks, as you can get isolated and lost very easily.

Website: http://www.doc.govt.nz