Season 2: Recent Episodes
Kiwitripsters
On this edition of Kiwi Tripsters, celebrating our Capitals. We delve into the hidden gems of Wellington, trawling some time-honoured neighbourhoods, and we take a ride on the Remutaka Rail Trail. Plus we cross the ditch to highlight some must-sees in Canberra.
We start our Wellington regional exploratory in Petone, the cradle of planned European settlement. We venture inside the Petone Settlers Museum, packed with heritage nuggets, before basking in the culinary brilliance of Jackson Street. Within this 800 metre stretch, you can gorge from 72 eateries! We highlight some prime picks.
Wellington’s favourite neighbourhoods. After dipping into Petone, we roam the heritage treasures of historic Thorndon. Admire our founding documents in the Document Room at the National Library, have lunch at The Thistle Inn and dine on Kiwi comfort food at the wonderful Daisy’s restaurant on Tinakori Road.
Hutt Valley highlights. North of Wellington, Brewtown is an astonishing entertainment hub, recasting people’s perceptions of Upper Hutt. While you’re in the neighbourhood, hit the pedals on an incredible ride on the Remutaka Rail Trail, connecting the Hutt Valley with the Wairarapa.
Australia’s national capital of Canberra often gets a bum rap. But is it really deserved? Within this strikingly man-made capital, there are plenty of nuggets to stake out, from the Australian War Memorial Museum to the National Museum of Australia, where you’ll ogle Phar lap’s heart. Plus there’s some great foodie finds in Newacton and Braddon.
On this edition of Kiwi Tripsters, escape to Ruapehu this winter. We celebrate this living landscape of ancient rainforests, active volcanoes, snow-cloaked mountains, evocative rivers of mystical tranquillity and two national parks. From Blue Duck Station and the Bridge to Nowhere, to a riding the Sky Waka, we warmly embrace the greater outdoors in Ruapehu. www.visitruapehu.com
Great adventures in the Whanganui River Valley. The storied Whanganui River is a boundary-buster, carving its way through multiple territorial districts, after beginning life as a n alpine spring on the slopes of Mt. Tongaririo. We highlight some amazing accommodation, the incredible history of the valley, take a jet boat ride with Whanganui River Adventures and savour the Bridge to Nowhere in the valley of broken dreams.
Mountainside in Ruapehu. As the mercury falls, Ruapehu is powering up for its seasonal makeover as a winter wonderland, with world-classing skiing at Whakapapa and Tūroa. We check out the ski areas, plus take a ride on the epic Sky Waka Gondola, New Zealand’s longest alpine ride. And mike tries his hand at quad biking in Ruapehu.
An unrivalled experience is to take a jaunt into the heartland of the Retaruke Valley. Blue Duck Station rises up from the banks of the Wanganui and Retaruke Rivers, surrounded by Whanganui National Park. A high country station that is so wild, so immense and wondrous, you will feel like you have entered a kingdom unto itself. Mike talks to the boss of Blue Duck, Dan Steele.
Après ski in Ohakune. The charismatic mountain town, at the base of Ruapehu, is a tailormade hub for winter holiday magic. We check out the best places to go for apres fun, the top spots to stay at, and ogle over Johnny Nation’s Chocolate Eclairs.
On this edition of Kiwi Tripsters, the top of the South and Australia’s great rail journeys. As winter takes hold, start planning a wonderful escape to the Nelson Tasman Region, including The Abel Tasman. Meanwhile, across the ditch, the train whistle is blowing. We take a ride on The Ghan and the Indian Pacific.
Blazing trails in Tasman Bay. If you’re up for some soft adventure, make tracks to Cable Bay Adventure Park, just out of Nelson. Take a ride on what is billed as the world’s longest flying-fox, the Skywire. Hit the pedals on the Great Taste Trail, a whopping cycling route encircling the Tasman district.
Tantalising pursuits in The Abel Tasman. We discuss why postcard-perfect Kaiteriteri is such a holiday hit, how to access The Abel Tasman National Park, the astonishing scenery in the region and why should lap up the luxury, wrapped in nature, at Awaroa Lodge.
Heading to Oz? The great southern land boasts some truly epic railway journeys. We take a ride on The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide, highlighting the off-track excursions in Katherine and Alice Springs.
Another epic rail journey in Australia spans the full width of the nation, connecting Sydney with Perth via Adelaide. The mighty Indian Pacific is back on the rails with a wealth of enticing off-track excursions, while artfully giving you a full appreciation for Australia’s sheer immensity.
On this edition of Kiwi Tripsters, it’s the double T's. Hello Tasmania and Hello Taranaki. We delve into New Plymouth’s artisan scene, take a trip down the Surf Highway and discover the museums in Hawera. Across the ditch, with the bubble well and truly open, enjoy a taste of Tassie.
Artisans of New Plymouth. You could dedicate an entire holiday in New Plymouth to eating and drinking, because their arsenal of dynamic craft producers is so extensive, from Juno Gin to Shing Peak Brewing.
When you’ve had your fill of New Plymouth, South Taranaki is chocca with attractions. Take a drive south on the Surf Highway. It’s such a banger of a drive tootling down that glittering Highway 45, strung with a necklace of such sweet and salty villages, including Ōakura and Opunake, all the way down to Yarrows Bakery in Manaia and across to Hawera. We profile some of the characters you can meet along the way.
With the two-way Tasman bubble up and running, one of the silver linings to Covid is the launch of direct services between New Zealand and Tasmania. We profile the gateway city of Hobart, which is a little bit Wellington, a little bit Dunedin.
A taste of Tassie. Beyond Hobart, we highlight some of Tasmania’s unforgettable attractions and experiences, from Port Arthur and Cradle Mountain to the Bay of Fires and Launceston. With Air New Zealand starting new, direct flights to Hobart, its been never a better time to book a Tasmania holiday.
On this edition of Kiwi Tripsters, we delve into the urban eats, drinks and adventures waiting for you in Auckland. From the glamorous hospitality venues strung around the waterfront to the headturners of Commercial Bay. We explore Waiheke Island and the latest entertainment temptations in the Sky City precinct. Stir your imagination in Auckland. www.aucklandnz.com
Waterfront heaven. There is no question that Auckland’s centre of gravity, it’s heart and soul, comes with a waterfront view, whether you’re overlooking Westhaven Marina, Wynyard Quarter, Viaduct Harbour or at Britomart. We discuss some of the latest head-turning dining venues, from Homeland to Ahi.
Go West. The wild West Coast abounds with wondrous walks, including Kitekite Falls and the Mercer Bay Loop, high above Piha. Plus, if you’re in need of a drinks break after your hike, we discuss why Catalina Bay’s Little Creatures is such a stunning destination.
Fancy indulging in the most perfect day on Waiheke Island? We discuss our top recommendations including EcoZip Adventures, a foraging and botanical drinks-making workshop, lunch at Three Seven Two and wine time at Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant.
Let me entertain you. The Sky City Entertainment Precinct has been enriched with some new entrants. We showcase the All Blacks Experience and Weta Workshop Unleashed. Plus if you’re seeking a hotel stay with wow-factor, QT Auckland is a hot ticket. www.aucklandnz.com
On this edition of Kiwi Tripsters, we strike out across the wonderful Waikato. From the laneways, gardens and brews all abuzz in Hamilton, to the signature Waikato attractions that make the region unique. Town and country. Savour the richness of the Waikato. https://www.waikatonz.com/
The evidence is mounting that Hamilton is “in” with the cool kids. If you haven’t visited for a while, you’ll need to shed any past pre-conceptions, because the Tron has got its groove on. It’s the street art, the murals and installations, that have recast the cityscape. Add in the taonga at Waikato Museum and the botanical wonderland of Hamilton Gardens.
Bites and Brews in Hamilton. Blaze a trail through Hamilton’s revitalised laneways to discover some of the city’s signature eateries, like Mister Pickles, The Bearded Weasel, Duck Island Ice-cream and Paddock to Plate. Waikato is proud of its craft brew industry. The best way to get a flavour for the craft scene is to join a Brew Bus Tour.
Tourism has been a thriving sector in Waikato’s economic portfolio. How is the region faring in the age of Covid? Mike talks to the CEO of Hamilton and Waikato Tourism, Jason Dawson.
Free-roaming Waikato. Few regions in New Zealand boast such an extraordinary array of distinctive experiences, from the underground caves of Waitomo and the magic of Middle-earth in Hobbiton, to the horsey sensibilities of graceful Cambridge and the mineral spa charm of Te Aroha. We salute the town and country diversity of Waikato.
On this edition of Kiwi Tripsters we celebrate regional New Zealand and the magnificence of the mighty Manawatū. From the mountain bike trails of Arapuke and glorious walks alongside the gorge to the market magic of Fielding and the beauty of Palmy’s Arts Trail, Manawatū is waiting for you.
The mighty Manawatū is loaded galore with outdoorsy adventure options. The Arapuke Forest Park is the premier mountain bike destination in the lower North Island with over 30kms of well-formed trails, spanning all grades of difficulty. For hikers, Arapuke is also home to the stirring Sledge Track. We also profile the Te Āpiti-Manawatū Gorge walking trails, headlined by the spectacular Tawa Loop Track.
Great drives. Manawatū has a collection of scenic touring routes that they call The Country Road, that thread together a range of hidden gems, convivial country cafes and pubs, quaint villages and towns, scenic reserves and walking tracks. The Manawatū Scenic Route is our favourite and we talk about the highlights. Plus, why you should visit Feilding on a Friday.
Just minutes from Āpiti, treat yourself to a truly authentic wilderness lodge escape at Makoura Lodge. This magnificent property, nestled in the foothills of the Ruahine Range has been a going concern for the McIntyre clan for over 120 years. We talk to lodge owner, Hugh McIntyre.
Eye-candy in Palmy. Palmerston North’s creative credentials are impressive, best illustrated by the city’s enthralling arts trail, which leads you around over thirty installations adorning the city centre. We talk about our favourites and tell you why George Street is a sure-fire destination that will instantly seduce you. www.manawatu.co.nz
On this edition of Kiwi Tripsters, we celebrate the great outdoors in Murchison and surrender to the frenzy of Australasian gannets at Cape Kidnappers. We take to the rail carts with Forgotten World Adventures and head far north to Whangarei, to check out their soothing scenic drives.
The fresh mornings of autumn are dawning, but the warmth lingers at the top of the South. Wedged between two national parks, it's all about the outdoors in Murchison, headlined by the majesty of the Buller Gorge and the escapism of the Old Ghost Road trail.
Pinned to the edge of Hawke’s Bay, when was the last time you paid a visit to Cape Kidnappers? You’ve got the tractor-trailer tour around the base of the cliffs, or the overland tour with Gannet Safaris. The star attraction for both tours is to zip you up close and personal with the largest, most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. Plus, there are specials running at The Farm Cape Kidnappers.
You may have driven the Forgotten World Highway which connects Taranaki to the King Country. But the decommissioned railway line delivers an even more scenically intimate encounter between Stratford and Taumarunui. Take to the rail carts on this riveting 140km track.
Northland’s thriving capital of Whangārei, is a city of adventure, culture and natural beauty. After taking your fill of the cultural draws and quayside eats, we showcase some stunning scenic drives that fan out from Whangārei.
On this edition of Kiwi Tripsters we head to Glacier Country to marvel over Franz Josef and Fox. Sticking with the great outdoors, when was the last time you took a drive of the Haast Pass highway? The Tourism Export Council join us to talk about industry morale in the wake of the La Laperouse debacle and we celebrate New Zealand’s tastiest signature treats.
When was the last time you traversed the Haast Pass Highway? This is New Zealand’s youngest alpine pass – it was only fully sealed 25 years ago. Connecting Central Otago with the West Coast, we showcase the highlights including Lake Hawea, Makarora, the incredible waterfalls and walks, the Gates of Haast and the mesmerising Blue Pools.
Saluting Glacier Country. The twin glaciers, Franz Josef and Fox are revered as being two of the most accessible glaciers in the world, plunging down from the Southern Alps, wrapped in rainforest, almost to sea level. The novelty of having this ravishing corner of New Zealand to ourselves is likely to last most of the year, so why not make plans to savour its seraphic majesty, before the tourist trickle reverts to being a gusher again?
The abrupt cancellation of the New Zealand summer cruising season, for the Ponant-chartered Le Leperouse luxury small ship, has been a body blow for the wider tourism industry. Where to from here for the wider restart of cruising in our waters? And is the government really in tune with the formidable challenges facing many travel and tourism operators? We talk to Lynda Keene, Chief Executive of the Tourism Export Council.
No matter where we travel, the kai we eat along the way is an essential dimension. It’s staggering just how many signature tasty treats abound across New Zealand. They’re like landmarks on a plate. We’ve assembled our own personal list of New Zealand’s greatest, tastiest holiday treats. Feel free to add your tips, too!
On this edition of Kiwi Tripsters, we celebrate the long golden summer. We head south to Central Otago to explore the booming fruitbowl of Cromwell, and the wondrous wine and gold rush relics of blazing Bannockburn. Plus we’re joined by travel industry leader Sujata Raman, who is regional head of Abercrombie and Kent. And we escape to the pristine bush and waterworld of Abel Tasman National Park.
Bountiful Cromwell. Sitting pretty in the cradle of Central Otago, Cromwell is on a roll a s destination in its own right. Not only do you have the allure of all that succulent summer fruit, exceptional vineyards, but their heritage precinct is exceptional, you can vroom vroom your way to Highlands Motor Sports Park and check out the exhilarating new Lake Dunstan Cycling & Walking Trail.
When’ve you’ve had your fill of Cromwell, blazing Bannockburn is right next door, separated only by the sliver of the Kawarau River separating them. Bannockburn is a banger of a destination in its own right with its pinot noir being the prize draw. Surrender to the most achingly scenic cellar door and restaurant experiences and discover the fascinating legacy of the historic gold rush on the Bannockburn Sluicings Track. Parts of the landscape have been permanently altered due to hydraulic sluicing, where the upper heights of Bannockburn now resemble a miniature version of the Grand Canyon.
As the travel industry ventures into a new year, after the rigours of 2020, will 2021 usher in the resumption of international travel? One of the industry’s leading lights, Sujata Raman, who is regional head of Abercrombie & Kent, joins Kiwi Tripsters to set the scene on the year ahead, with high hopes that vaccines will liberate the world from this pandemic and revive our love of travel.
It’s revered as a hot-spot for an extra long summer season – Abel Tasman National Park. Chris Lynch and Mike Yardley compare notes on their golden impressions of this haven, where to go and your multitude of options on how best to experience one of New Zealand’s most spectacularly blissful destinations.