28/03/2024

Have you ever wondered what Grumpy’s Retreat is all about? Well, is a personal blog where you’ll find out everything you need to know about our wonderful nation New Zealand – what to do, what to see, and where to eat! It is about everything New Zealand, from the weather to the cuisine! Dive in and explore because New Zealand is a place full of adventure, calming retreats and a whole lot of fun. Enjoy.

If you have just moved to New Zealand or moved from another city in New Zealand. You may not be familiar with the local places yet. Our capital city Wellington is a place where many new arrivals will choose to settle first before they get the help of movers Wellington to help move them to not such a busy city or town. But whether you are moving into, out of or simply around New Zealand, there are numerous must-see places in New Zealand. These include Rotorua, Kaikoura, Tongariro National Park, and the Hokianga Harbour. Each one is worth visiting, but if you have only a few days, try to visit all of these places. The best way to make the most of your vacation in New Zealand is to plan it ahead of time. This article will give you some great tips for your next vacation.

Wellington

One of the must-see places in New Zealand is Wellington. The country’s capital is home to many award-winning restaurants. Some of the best include Boulcott Street Bistro, Field & Green, Atlas, Logan Brown, Rita, and Hiakai. If you’re into Maori cuisine, make sure to visit the restaurant Hiakai, which specialises in contemporary Maori cuisine and features a menu created by world-renowned chef Monique Fiso.

The City of Wellington is also home to many beautiful beaches. A stroll along the waterfront will take you to some of Wellington’s best beaches, and you can relax in the sand while admiring the city’s skyline. Dogs are welcome at these beaches and are even welcome off-leash. If you’d rather not go to the beach, you can take a ferry to nearby Matiu/Somes Island. The cost is just $25 NZD for a return trip.

Rotorua

If you’re looking for a new adventure, Rotorua’s adventure park Velocity Valley is the place for you. You can go bungy jumping, freefall, giant swinging, and jet boating. It’s kind of like an extreme funfair and is 9 kilometres outside of Rotorua’s city centre. Whether you choose to jump from a helicopter or bungee cord, you’re bound to have a blast.

The Waimnagu Volcanic Valley is the youngest geothermal valley in the world. Here, you’ll find boiling mud pools and bubbling hot springs. You can also take a mud spa, see an active mud volcano, and eat a traditional Maori meal. Regardless of the type of experience you’re seeking, Rotorua is sure to delight.

Hokianga Harbour

Located 240km north of Auckland, Hokianga Harbour is known for its pristine beaches, sand dunes, and pristine blue waters. This area is also known as the cradle of European settlement in New Zealand, with the Treaty of Waitangi marking the beginning of the colonisation. A few settlements line the harbour, including the top-ranked Horeke and Broadwood.

The harbour is located in the Hokianga District, inland from the Tasman Sea and accessible by small craft. Visitors can take a jet ski trip on the harbour or quad bike on the massive sand dunes. While in the area, don’t miss the Waipoua Forest, home to the world’s largest kauri tree, Tane Mahuta.

Kaikoura

If you are a water lover and want to experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, Kaikoura is the place for you. The pristine environment is home to a number of marine life species, such as dolphins. Visitors can also visit the Kaikoura whaling station, which is the only one in the world still in operation. Whale vertebrae were used to build the station’s foundation.

Kaikoura is a picturesque coastal town located on the northern coast of the upper South Island. It is also known as the whale-watching capital of New Zealand. Tourists can almost guarantee seeing sperm whales while whale-watching. Other species of animals that visitors may see while whale watching in Kaikoura include seals, penguins, and dolphins. It is possible to learn the Maori language and sample some local cuisine while they’re here.

Tongariro National Park

Located on the North Island of New Zealand, Tongariro National Park features three active volcanoes and ski slopes. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing trail passes Emerald Lakes, boiling mud pools, and the still-active Red Crater. While you’re in the park, be sure to check out the brown kiwi, trout, and rapids on the Tongariro River.

If you’re interested in hiking, there are many trails in the park. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the most popular one, spanning 20 kilometers and taking approximately seven to eight hours. You’ll pass bubbling pools and giant crater floors on the way, and can admire sweeping views from the top. The trail is relatively easy, though it’s not flat, so plan on taking your time on this hike.

If you’re looking for a family day out in Auckland, consider taking your kids to one of the many fantastic playgrounds in Auckland. From Western Park to Coyle Park, you’re sure to find a playground that suits the needs of your children. You’ll even find a water-play area, which makes the whole experience all the more enjoyable for everyone. We recommend checking out these five Auckland playgrounds – you’ll want to bring the whole family!

Myers Park

A fantastic park in the heart of Auckland, Myers Park features a climbing frame, bird sculptures, a giant four-level rocket, a mini trampoline, and swings. There are also swings, and a pirate-themed playground. The refurbished playground has plenty of fun equipment for younger kids. It is also completely safe, with fall protection wire mesh and a safety barrier.

The playground’s bouncy areas are a huge hit, and there are three separate areas for different age groups. Babies and toddlers will love the under threes area, while kids aged four to seven can bounce to their hearts’ content. Older children can challenge themselves on an obstacle course. There is even a separate play space for under 5s.

Coyle Park

If you’re looking for a great playground, look no further than Coyle Park, just minutes from Point Chevalier beach. This open space has everything a child could want: a flying fox, climbing frames, slides, climbers, and even a merry-go-round. The park also offers a paved perimeter path that circles the entire park and is mostly flat, making it easy to take the kids for a stroll.

Coyle Park has several different play areas, and the biggest is the Castle Playground. This area has swings for children of all ages and a water splash zone. There are also braille activity boards and a climbing net with custom-made seats. The playground is also decorated with nautical and castle-themed themes, making it ideal for kids of all ages. Its expansive open space ensures that the kids will get plenty of exercise.

Parrs Park

For the ultimate playground, head to Parrs Park in Auckland. Parrs Park’s playground is over 11m high, with slides and binoculars to help kids explore the world around them. The Richter Spielgerate Small Building Site is also a fun place to play, with bespoke water pumps and dams that allow kids to experiment with water flow. Kids can spend hours here and there’s something for every age group.

This play space is spread across two levels and includes a variety of play equipment suited to toddlers and small children. It has in-ground trampolines, climbing towers, a spinning supernova ring, see-saws, flying-fox, and a climbing net. It also has a separate exercise area for adults. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

Takapuna Beach Reserve Playground

Takapuna Beach Reserve Playground is a wonderful playground in Auckland that offers a great range of activities for children and adults. There are many attractions for children of all ages and abilities, including a trampoline, net seesaw, and 9m-high tower. There are also three twirling tube slides and a seven-metre-high climbing rope structure. Those with mobility issues will find the playground to be a great option for the disabled.

The playground is located on the foreshow of Takapuna Beach. There are slides, rope bridges, and climbing areas to get the kids pumped up. The playground even has a matt fall zone! There’s plenty of seating to enjoy the play area, so you and your little ones can relax. The playground is open from 8am until 10pm, so it’s a great place to spend a sunny day.

Waterview Playground

This playground has everything your kids could possibly want in a play area – water play, mini digger, swings, tunnels, a BMX track, and a climbing frame. It even has a basketball court and a beach volleyball court. If you have a large backyard, you can bring the kids for some tennis or pick up a ball and play on the courts.

The local board wanted to build a new playground for the neighbourhood, but there were some challenges. The playground was near a major motorway project. The playground was to act as social mitigation by offering a space for local kids to play. The design of the playground took inspiration from the target market – kids. The playground was designed with the help of local primary school students, and included bespoke equipment. During its construction, a team of designers spent a full day in the playground, and it is now open to the public.