New Zealand Travel Blog

Downside Up New Zealand Blog
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Welcome to our New Zealand Travel Blog DownsideUP

This blog is dedicated to inform and inspire you on all things to do with New Zealand..

Actually we write posts on anything that’s of interest in the South Pacific (our home) DownsideUP was started in 2008, to help people just like you, with planning the perfect NZ Self Driving experience.  

Explore Paradise: A 3-Day Abel Tasman Sailing Adventure

Abel Tasman Sailing relaxation on board
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
3 December 2024
Imagine cruising through one of New Zealand’s most beautiful national parks aboard a spacious catamaran. Golden beaches, lush native bush, and turquoise waters await as you embark on this all-inclusive 3-day sailing adventure through Abel Tasman National Park. With every detail taken care of—meals, activities, and accommodation—you can immerse yourself in the magic of this unique destination.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

3 December 2024

Exploring the Bay of Islands: The Ultimate Bareboat Yacht Charter Experience

Moored in the Bay of Islands
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
2 December 2024
The Bay of Islands, nestled on the northeast coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is a mariner’s paradise. With its sheltered waters, over 140 subtropical islands, and vibrant marine life, the region is a haven for sailors, adventurers, and nature lovers alike. Embarking on a bareboat yacht charter in the Bay of Islands offers the ultimate freedom to explore this breathtaking region at your own pace, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

2 December 2024

Whanganui River Journey: A Four-Day Escape into the Wild

Mirror reflection Whanganui River
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
2 December 2024
The Whanganui River Journey, one of New Zealand's celebrated Great Walks, offers a truly unique adventure. Trading hiking boots for paddles, this four-day canoeing experience takes you through the heart of Whanganui National Park.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

2 December 2024

Alps to Ocean Bike Ride: A Journey Through New Zealand’s Natural Masterpiece

Alps to Ocean Section 8 duntroon to Oamaru
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
29 November 2024
New Zealand's South Island is famed for its dramatic landscapes, pristine rivers, and awe-inspiring mountains. What better way to immerse yourself in this rugged paradise than by embarking on the iconic Alps to Ocean Bike Ride? Stretching from the towering peaks of the Southern Alps to the tranquil waters of the Pacific Ocean, this trail offers a one-of-a-kind experience, combining cycling, adventure, and breathtaking views.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

29 November 2024

Explore the Abel Tasman Freedom Walk: A Self-Guided Adventure

golden sands of Abel Tasman
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
27 November 2024

Discover the Abel Tasman Coastal Track

The Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, is famed for its golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush native forest. This track spans 60 kilometers and offers an idyllic mix of terrain, from easy walking paths to more challenging sections with tidal crossings.

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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

27 November 2024

Banks Peninsula Freedom Walk: A Journey into New Zealand's Natural Beauty

Akaroa Waterfront
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
27 November 2024

Unveiling Banks Peninsula's Beauty

The Banks Peninsula is a geologically fascinating area formed by the remnants of two ancient volcanoes, Akaroa and Lyttelton. This unique terrain has created a patchwork of rolling hills, dramatic coastal cliffs, and picturesque bays. Walking this track immerses you in a stunning mix of native flora and fauna, including waterfalls, sandy beaches, and thriving wildlife such as seals and native birds like bellbirds and fantails.

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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

27 November 2024

Tree Planting - October 24

Arrowtown choppers planting
Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date
28 October 2024
We were stoked to take part again with the Arrowtown Choppers and have another 3000 trees planted around the Sawpit Gully track. This is a huge undertaking that involves digging 3000 holes for the Beech and Totara trees that are then heli-lifted onto the site.
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Brent Narbey
By
Brent Narbey
Post date

28 October 2024

First Light Travel and Sustainable Coastlines Rangitoto Island Beach Clean-Up

Day out clearing up rubbish on Rangitoto Island
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
3 October 2024
On September 28th, the dedicated team from First Light Travel embarked on a rewarding adventure to Rangitoto Island, partnering with Sustainable Coastlines for a crucial beach clean-up initiative.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

3 October 2024

Global Sustainable Tourism Summit 2024

Eco Conference
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
17 July 2024
Danielle Mueth our Sustainability Manager attended Ecotourism Australia’s inaugural 2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Summit that was held in Meeanjin/Brisbane, in June 2024. 
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

17 July 2024

Arrowtown Community Tree Nursery

Del Gorton at the ground breaking at Tewa Banks Community Housing
Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date
16 July 2024
First Light Travel is proud to be the major sponsor of the newly created Arrowtown Community Tree Nursery. The aim is to grow seedlings that will adapt easily to the local landscape - providing revegetation to the hills around Arrowtown. This land had fallen prey to wilding pines - which grassroots local community organisation the Arrowtown Choppers has made its mission to restore to native forest.
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Suzie
By
Suzie Thorp
Post date

16 July 2024

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