Taranaki
Visiting Taranaki for the Coastal Arts Trail? There’s so much on offer in Taranaki to enrich your time in the region like no other.
Destinations
Canterbury
Small but perfectly formed, Kaikōura is a transformational spot that instantly replenishes your soul as you’re reminded to stop and marvel at the beauty of our gorgeous country, writes Claire Smith.
Manawatu / Whanganui
Fine arts and campervans seems an unusual pairing, but when it’s done right, the result is most impressive, as Claire Smith found when she met Vallery, a campervan-come-art gallery.
Gisborne
Pamela Wade leaves the rat race far behind as she traverses the Pacific Coast Highway out of Gisborne, finding tiny treasures and some breathtaking landscapes.
Nelson & Bays
Among the beech forest just outside Murchison, Eleanor Hughes discovers a flash of orange between the green foliage.
Manawatu / Whanganui
Known as the ‘gateway to the Ruahines’, Āpiti is one of New Zealand’s tiniest of towns. Claire Smith discovered that the Manawatū township may look unassuming, but it’s home to some treasures – including one of the best barbecue spots in the country.
Northland
As the northernmost city in New Zealand, at the centre of the ‘winterless north’, Whangārei is often fine and sunny – but not always. Heather Whelan discovers some northern activities to amuse and delight, no matter what the weather’s doing.
Waikato
Jill Malcolm revisits the shorebird coast of Miranda where, from September to October each year, godwits by the thousands come winging in at the end of their epic journey from Alaska.
Manawatu / Whanganui
For those who like dramatic vistas, solitude and stories from the past, the road colloquially known as Gentle Annie, from Taihape in the Rangitikei to Fernhill in Hawke’s Bay, is a compelling drive, writes Jill Malcolm.
Northland
Changing intentions on a whim led Jill Malcolm to be captivated by the coast of Bream Bay.
Southland
New Zealand is dotted with tiny townships we often drive through on the way to our next adventure. But in doing so, we might just bypass some of our greatest treasures. Each month, MCD highlights one of Aotearoa’s smaller towns so you can plan a stop, show them your support, and discover their hidden gems. This month, we’re checking out Gore.
Waikato
While there are plenty of shorter walks around Pirongia Forest Park, Eleanor Hughes chose a multi-day hike up the mount to really explore this beautiful area in the Waikato.
