Molly Ladd
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Spa Park
Amazing place - a scalding hot waterfall drops water into a series of sitting pools, then mixes with the nearby river.
There is always a perfect spot for any temperature! The downside is it can get very crowded. Its family-friendly, so no nude bathers please!
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North Island ▷ Auckland Region ▷ Kumeu ▷
Te Henga Walkway
A big, free black sand beach filled with caves to explore!
Not safe for swimming but there is a lake just 2kms away to swim at, plus giant black sand dunes to slide down.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Hipapatua / Reid's Farm Recreation Reserve Free Campsite
A wonderful FREE campground right near huka Falls within walking distance of the town, the falls and even a hot waterfall off of Spa Road!
The only downside were 1. no fires, and 2. the toilets were not maintained.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Hokitika ▷
Hokitika isite Visitor Information Centre
While I loved Hoktika, I detested their i-Site centre.
It did not have public toilets, the staff ignored me, and there was very little information on non-expensive activities. Mostly they pushed us to try the new 'Treetop Walk'.
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South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Fox Glacier ▷
Copland Track
A great walk through mixed forest following a valley for just about 18kms.
At the top I camped at Welcome Flat, enjoyed the hut, and loved the natural-bottom hot pools.
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North Island ▷ Taupo Region ▷ Taupo ▷
Taupo Information Centre
This i-Site was overall pretty well organised and the staff were friendly but I am giving it a poor review because they were not well informed.
I planned to hike the Tongariro Crossing, and asked at the i-Site what the conditions were before driving down. They said all was good, but when I arrived the track was CLOSED due to poor weather. What a waste! Now I know to call DOC instead.
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North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington ▷
Interislander Ferry
The ferry was big, comfortable and overall a great experience.
It seemed a bit expensive (compared to flights from say, Wellington to Christchurch), but was a beautiful and scenic rise nonetheless.
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South Island ▷ Fiordland ▷ Te Anau ▷
Kepler Track
AMAZING hiking experience, and well worth every cent.
I tented at Iris Burn and Brod bay to keep costs down, thereby doing the track in only 2 nights. My one complaint is how expensive the huts are, and how few places there are for campers. We felt rushed through the alpine section sine we could not tent at Luxmore!