New Zealand has various types of coastline such as: sheltered, white or black sandy beaches, high cliffs, or rocky beaches which are unique and beautiful.. This coastline has a total length of 14,000 kilometres (8,700 mi), which is the 10th longest in the world (Wikipedia). David and I plan to do a circum-navigation of the NZ coastline in a 4WD when we retire.

Here are some of my favourite New Zealand Beaches:
1. Muriwai Beach and Kapara Harbour
Muriwai beach is located on the west coast of the North Island which makes it ideal for sunset viewing. It's only a 10-minute drive from the end of the North-Western motorway in Auckland. The beach is covered with black sand as are other beaches on the west side of The North Island. Muriwai beach can be accessed from both Muriwai road and Rimmer road. The main attraction is the gannet colony, located at the end of Muriwai road.

If you have a 4WD you will enjoy driving on the beach to the Kapara Harbour and you might see some seals on the way. Keep driving north to visit the lagoon, where you can fish or collect some pipis at low tide.

2. Kawakawa Bay
Kawakawa Bay is about a 50-minute drive south from Auckland CBD via State Highway 1 and Clevedon-Kawakawa Road. Park your car at the car park at the end of Kawakawa road. Kawakawa bay is really popular in the weekends, so you might find it too crowded. If you want to walk to a  quiet bay, turn right when you get to the beach at low tide, after 100 metres you will find a track going up the hill. This track will lead to the next bay which might be more suitable. Don't forget to check the tide timetable before you go because there is no access at high tide.

3. Makara Beach
Makara Beach is a 40 minute drive north from down-town Wellington and is very different from the beaches in Auckland as it is covered with smooth stones. Makara Beach is suitable for every traveller and for those who like tramping you can try the famous six-kilometre loop track. The beach is at the end of Makara Road which runs from the south end of Karori Road. My favourite activity is collecting paua, also called abalone. For more information about Makara Beach see my post about Wellington.

4. Whatipu
Whatipu is a great place that has so much to offer such as: fishing, camping, tramping, and sightseeing. There are some caves to explore, sand dunes to slide on, a lighthouse on a rock, and various walks. The view from the top of one of the walking tracks is really amazing as you can see in the photo below. Camping sites and a lodge are available to hire. Whatipu is a scientific reserve, so no open fires are allowed as many wild animals live in this area like seals, various types of birds, rabbits and possums.

Whatipu is 42km from downtown Auckland. Head west to Titirangi and then follow Huia Rd. Take care driving on Whatipu Road as this is a narrow, winding, gravel road. Please note that swimming is not recommended due to dangerous currents and there are no life-guard's patrolling this area.

5. Piha
It is probably one of the top tourist destinations in New Zealand especially for surfers. However, you can also just enjoy the view. I like climbing one of the hills and watching the surf crash on rocks.

My favourite place to spend summer in New Zealand is Wellington. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and is located at the bottom of North Island, it is famous for its windy weather, so if you do not like wind, like myself, pack some windproof clothing.

Wellington has so much to offer, I believe every traveler can find something they will like in Wellington.

1. Walk or bike to the Pencarrow Head lighthouses
There are two lighthouses at Pencarrow Head that can be reached from Burdan's Gate at the southern end of Eastbourne. Follow the gravel track along the harbour approximately seven kilometres. I like watching the ferries traffic along the way. You can go fishing, snorkel for paua also called abalone, or pick up some mussels on the way back from the lighthouses. Please check the local limits before taking fish or shellfish, on the ministry of fisheries website. The old lighthouse is on top of the hill, to go there follow the track provided.

2. Snorkling for Paua (Maori name for abalone) at Makara beach
Have you tried Paua, also known as abalone? You can find paua easily at Makara beach, what you need to do is snorkel to locate the paua then dive down to pick them up from the sea floor. After you pick up enough paua for the day, you can cook them on the beach. Check here for my paua recipe. Makara beach is also suitable for swimming, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying the views. For travellers who like tramping, they can try the famous six kilometre-loop track where you can see magnificent views, and go back along the beach. Makara walkway begins and ends at Makara Beach. The beach is at the end of Makara Road which runs from the south end of Karori Road.

3. Visit the botanical gardens
Wellington botanical gardens is a nice place to go for a walk during the day and if you come in summer you might be able to see the light festival at night time. The main entrance to the garden is on Glenmore Street. There are several ways to get to the garden:

• Cable Car - Cable Car Lane, off Lambton Quay. You can then take the downhill walk back to the city.
  Wellington Cable Car
• No 3 Karori Bus or No 13 Mairangi- catch the bus at Lambton Quay and get off at the Centennial and Founders' entrances on Glenmore Street. Metlink
• Walking - a popular route is from The Terrace through Bolton Street Memorial Park, through the Lady Norwood Rose Garden to the Main Garden. This takes about 20 minutes. 
• Car - the only public car park in the garden is next to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Parking is limited to 2 hours. Access is through Centennial entrance on Glenmore Street. Parking is also available along Glenmore Street.

4. Walk along the water front
Wellington waterfront is an interesting place to visit. There are so many activities you can try, such as: visiting cafes for lunch or dinner, kayaking on the harbour, jumping from the diving platforms into the sea, playing at Frank Kitts Park, visiting Te Papa museum, or walking around taking photos.

5. Kaitoke Regional Park
Just 45 minutes drive north of Wellington city. You can camp, ride a horse, swim in the river, go rafting and kayaking, go hunting or tramping. It has everything for the nature lover. Check out the video below. You can also find more information here: www.gw.govt.nz/Kaitoke/

I really enjoyed our afternoon trip to Kaitoke Regional Park, my favourite part was crossing the hanging swing-bridge over the river, which is really beautiful. I would love to visit this place again.

Do you want to visit New Zealand but can only take leave during winter time (June-August)? No problems. In this post I will share some activities that you can do if you are visiting the North Island in winter. 

New Zealand weather is very variable, commonly described as four seasons in one day. Do check the weather forecast before you leave your accommodation. The North part of North Island is sub tropical, it is suitable for people who prefer warmer temperature. In contrast, the bottom of the South Island is the first port of call for Antarctic blasts.

When you travel to New Zealand, be ready with clothing that is suitable for every condition. Waterproof and windproof clothing is essential for any season and prepare a very warm jacket if you travel in winter. Traveling in New Zealand usually require a lot of walking, so a pair of comfy shoes is a must. The UV radiation is also really high, so apply high SPF sun cream.

Although most places are best visited in Summer, there are many things to see and to do in winter. Here are some of my favourites:

The North Island of New Zealand is not cold enough to be covered with snow in winter. However, for people who love winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, they can go to Mt. Ruapehu, the highest mountain in the North Island. This place is very popular in winter and is suitable for all travelers.

There are two ski fields in Mt. Ruapehu: Whakapapa, on the north-western slope, and Turoa, on the south-western slope. The ski areas are suitable for: beginners, intermediate or advanced skiers and snowboarders. For people who only want to enjoy the views, they can take a ride on the chair-lift to snow covered cafes. 
Beginner packages are available on both ski fields. Click here for more information.

The Sky Tower is an icon of Auckland city. It is a tallest building in the Southern hemisphere. You will be able to see 360-degree views of Auckland city from its observation deck on level 50. On the first level, you can find the largest casino in NZ. There are also many reputable cafes and restaurants for lunch or dinner. One of my favourites is The Orbit restaurant, which rotates continuously at 190 meters above sea level.

Try the sky-walk or sky-jump for an unforgettable experience.

Wai-O-Tapu is a geotermal wonderland. It's a must visit place in Rotorua. You can see unique colourful volcanic feature as you walk around. Take a note that the last admission is at 3.45 pm in winter so you want to arrive before that. 

I don't want to spoil it by putting too many photos here, but I can assure you that you will be amused. Click here for more information. This trip is suitable for the whole family.

The lady Knox geyser  is located in Wai-O-Tapu area, about three minuets drive from the main information and ticket centre. Everyday at 10.15am, this geyser will erupt gradually until it reaches a height of 10-20 meters. The best time to take photos is at its highest level. 

New Zealand offers the worlds highest commercially rafted water fall, suitable for: adrenaline junkies, outdoor adventure lovers or anyone who just wants a new experience. The Kaituna river is a combination of beautiful scenery, fun rapids and the epic seven-meter waterfall. Click here to find out more.

That's right, rafting in winter time. I did it, I had so much fun, and will do it again when I get the chance. You can also do it in summer, but they usually run promotions in winter so you can get a better deal. Moreover the water condition is usually better in winter. You don't have to worry about getting cold because the: polar-fleece tops, wet suits, waterproof jackets, and boots, provided, are enough to keep you warm. 

After rafting, you can dip into one of the famous Rotorua sulphur or mud spa pools.

Do you want some free attractions? Go to the viaduct in Auckland, you can relax on the unique benches, or go for a walk along the water front. There are always something interesting to see around the viaduct, It is probably David's  favourite place in the city.

Rangitoto is a volcanic island that is another icon of Auckland. It is separated from the North Island by Rangitoto channel. You can reach the Rangitoto island by ferries and climb to the summit on foot. Guided tours in a 4WD is available for people who do not want to climb up the volcano. You can usually get a cheaper rate if you book the ferry tickets online. Check here.

In my  opinion, climbing to the top of Rangitoto island is best to do in winter, when it's not too hot. Wear clothes in layers, because you will feel hot during the climb, and might get really cold after you reach the top. The views are not to be missed and you should bring water and food with you, because there is no food or water sold on the island.

I climbed Rangitoto twice on different routes, which took around one hour each time to reach to the top. On the way back down you can check out some caves and explore the lava tunnels, don't forget to bring a torch. Read more about Rangitoto Island here.

Many tourists attractions are discounted in winter. Check out grabone.co.nz for daily deals, or take advantage of discount coupons in printed travel guides, available free in travel information sites.

Have you visited the North Island during winter? I would love to hear about your experience. Feel free to leave comments or ask questions.