New Zealand travel guide

New Zealand for foreigners is not the same country as we see it from the inside. Tell European you grow kangaroos in your backyard because it is always summer in here, trust me, people would most probably believe you! The only correct thing everyone heard about New Zealand is that “The Lord of the Rings” was filmed here and that we have Hobbiton. Definitely, Hobbiton is not only the most popular sight, but also the most well-known place in the country.

We all have moments like that. Moments, when you are trapped in a daily routine, lacking inspiration and unable to do what you love and really want to. There is nothing bad about those moments – we are ambitious human beings, tending to ignore rest and relaxation on our way to the top. Though we all definitely need it sometimes! When Alex and I realised we have no more energy to keep the pace, we knew it was time to recharge our batteries. And what can be better than a good old road trip? Well, technically it wasn’t even a road trip – just about 1.5 hour drive from Tauranga to the neighborhood region Coromandel. But Gosh, how awesome it was! Only two days and we felt refreshed and energised once again. And here is our plan for a perfect escape to Coromandel.

Kiwis are huge tea lovers. And who wouldn’t be when morning and evening tea breaks are paid by your employer and your father (or more likely – grandpa) is from Great Britain? Knowing how much kiwis value everything made locally, own tea plantation was only a matter of time. But the only commercial plantation in New Zealand is not only about the drink itself. Zealong Tea Estate is an aristocratic club with lots of attractions where everything is made on a highest level!

Rotorua is a breathtaking piece of land. So unusual, so attractive and SO New Zealand. Really, if you’re looking for the memorable experience while visiting this country, look no further.

Hawke’s Bay is a perfect getaway for a weekend. But if you’re going somewhere even for two days, you want to make sure you have somewhere to sleep at night, right? And in Napier, which is the capital of Hawke’s Bay (as if you didn’t know it), you can’t just stop anywhere. I mean, it’s an art-deco capital of the WORLD, why would you choose any other hotel rather than the one full of the appropriate symbols and atmosphere? Here are the two perfect options for every budget.

Let’s admit it – this world runs on food! Seriously, what is always a must do activity while traveling? To try local cuisine! You might not even think of local dances, local designers or local way of shaking hands (who knows?), but you are always looking forward to some new culinary experiences. And what do we do when we’re upset? Eat sweets! Ok, some of us do think shopping works better in that case, but after hours and hours of strolling around the mall you will anyway find yourself buying a large box of donuts with some naughty plans on those bad boys, aren’t you? And finally, what do we normally get as a present when we’re unsure about the tastes of the Birthday person? A bottle of wine and candies (that is how it’s normally done in Russia, at least). Guess, you got the idea – we explore the world and create memories through food. So make sure you choose the best places while traveling. Here are my recommendations on where to eat in Hawke’s Bay.

Though the oldest wine region of New Zealand Hawke’s Bay looked intriguing from the very beginning, our journey turned to be beyond any expectations. I don’t know, why it happens sometimes, but something just clicks and you find yourself in the middle of the most perfect trip you could have imagined. That is exactly what happened to us in Hawke’s Bay – we were absolutely enjoying every single moment of being there. Even the one, struggling on the 5 km route around Te Mata peak, melting under the super hot sun and sweating make up (in my case) of:) We loved every corner and view, had only delicious food and met lots of amazing people. The secret behind such a wonderful trip? Plan it yourself! Only you guys know what is perfect for you. Not the Internet, not an experienced guide, it’s you! And this time we planned everything ourselves, so I decided to describe this 3 days tour around Hawke’s Bay for you to know what to start from, if you’re also planning to explore this welcoming region.