New Zealand’s North Island in 10 Days: Our Family Itinerary, Day by Day
Our family itinerary for New Zealand’s North Island in 10 days: Coromandel beaches, Rotorua rafting, Taupō bungee, Waitomo, Hobbiton, Auckland and every bite.
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Huka Falls Walk from Spa Park, Taupo: Our Review
The riverside walk from Spa Park to Huka Falls in Taupo: 7.2 km return, easy, and the best way to see the falls.
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Cathedral Cove Walk from Hahei: Our Review, Track Status and Tips
The Cathedral Cove walk from Hahei Beach: 6.1 km return, 316 m of climb, what the 2024 closure was like, and why you should go late in the day.
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Hot Water Beach, New Zealand: How to Dig Your Own Hot Pool (and Walk the Whole Beach)
How Hot Water Beach actually works: the tide window, where to dig, the 4.9 km beach walk most people skip, and where to eat in Hahei.
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Taupo Bungee Over the Waikato River: Cost, Wait Times and the Water Touch
The AJ Hackett bungee in Taupo: walk-up, about NZ$150 in 2024, a 30-minute wait, and the truth about the water touch. Plus the Big Swing.
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Hobbiton Movie Set: Why the Last Tour of the Day Is the One to Book
Hobbiton for people who aren’t die-hard fans: why the last entry of the day is the best, going inside the hobbit holes, and the Green Dragon drink.
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Cooks Beach: A Liqueur Tasting at Purangi Winery, Then Lunch at The Vessel
An easy Coromandel afternoon: the liqueur tasting at Purangi Winery that was the surprise of our trip, then a late pub lunch at The Vessel in Cooks Beach.
